Steering wheel — removal and installation (BMW 3 Series E46)

Removal

1. Remove the airbag unit from the steering wheel (see chapter 12, paragraph 25).

2. Set the front wheels to the straight-ahead position and lock the steering shaft by removing the ignition key.

3. Remove the steering wheel mounting bolt. Disconnect the electrical wiring connector from the steering wheel (Fig. 17.3).



4. Mark the position of the steering wheel relative to the shaft, then remove the steering wheel. If the wheel does not come off, try hitting it with your palm from the bottom up or rocking the steering wheel from side to side (Fig. 17.4). After removing the steering wheel, the airbag contact should automatically lock. Do not turn this contact with the steering wheel removed.



5. Inspect the horn switch contact ring and turn signal switch cam. Replace worn parts if necessary.

Installation

6. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal, taking into account the following notes.

• a) If the contact unit was turned with the steering wheel removed, center it. To do this, press on the contact unit and turn its central part counterclockwise until it stops. From this position, turn the central part of the unit three full turns clockwise.
• b) Before installing the steering wheel, make sure that the turn signal lever is in the neutral (OFF) position. Otherwise, the protrusions of the turn signal lever will be broken.
• c) Apply some mineral grease to the horn switch contact, then install the steering wheel. Make sure that the wiring of the contact unit is correctly routed.
• d) Align the marks on the shaft and steering wheel made before removal and tighten the steering wheel mounting bolt to the specified torque.
• d) Install the airbag unit (see chapter 12).