Steering column — removal, inspection and installation (BMW 3 Series E46)

Note: You will need new steering column shear bolts and a new intermediate shaft clamp pinch bolt and nut for installation.

Removal

1. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see chapter 5A).

2. Remove the steering wheel (see paragraph 17).

3. Remove the steering column switch assembly (see chapter 12, paragraph 4).

4. In the engine compartment, use paint or a marker to make marks to align the lower end of the steering column with the intermediate shaft joint.

5. Loosen the tie bolt nut and disconnect the column from the intermediate shaft.

6. Disconnect the wiring connector from the ignition switch, then disconnect the wiring harness from the steering column (Fig. 18.6).



7. Press the lock, then disconnect the lock cable from the steering column (if it exists) (see fig. 19.6).

8. The steering column is secured with two nuts, one bolt and one shear bolt. You can try to remove the shear bolt with a hammer and chisel. Alternatively, drill a hole in the center of the bolt, insert a stud extractor and remove the bolt. Remove the remaining mounting bolts/nuts (fig. 18.8, a, b).





9. Pull the column up and out of the bulkhead, then remove the rubber mount, seat, washer and snap ring from the lower end of the column. Remove the steering column mount bushings.

Examination

10. The steering column has a telescopic design (to improve security). In a head-on collision, the shaft folds, which helps avoid injury to the driver. Before installing the steering column, pay special attention to inspecting the support bushings. If the bushings show signs of wear or are damaged, replace them.

11. Inspect the steering shaft and make sure there is no play between it and the bushings. If the shaft is damaged or its bushings are worn, the steering column must be repaired. Repairing the steering column is a very complex job that requires special equipment, so it is best to entrust it to service station specialists.

Installation

12. Make sure the rubber bushings are in place, then install the steering column mount bushings.

13. Install the retaining ring, washer, seat and rubber support onto the steering column base (fig. 18.13).



14. Install the steering column in place, aligning it with the splines of the intermediate shaft, and taking into account the marks made before removal (fig. 18.14).



15. Mount the column on the lower support, then screw in the mounting bolts and a new shear bolt. Lightly tighten the bolts.



16. Tighten the shear bolt until its head breaks off. Tighten the remaining column fasteners securely.

17. Connect the ignition switch wiring connector and secure the wiring harness to the steering column.

18. Make sure that the marks on the intermediate shaft and the column match, then insert the column into the shaft. Insert a new pinch bolt and nut and tighten them to the specified torque.

19. Connect the locking cable (if it exists).

20. Install the switch assembly (see chapter 12).

21. Install the steering wheel (see paragraph 17).