Removal and installation the steering wheel (BMW 5 Series E39)

Warning: Be sure to read the chapter "Safety precautions when working with an inflatable airbag".

Removal

Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable. The battery is located in the luggage compartment behind the right side trim.

Caution: This will erase the contents of memory devices, such as the engine fault code memory. Follow the instructions in Chapter "Removal and installation the battery".

Insulate the negative terminal of the battery to avoid accidental electrical contact.



Remove 3 screws securing the lower steering column trim.



Press the upper steering column trim inward on both sides in the areas indicated by the arrows and pull the lower trim down.



Disconnect the airbag assembly plug (orange).



Where available, disconnect the steering wheel switch plug connector.

On the back of the steering wheel, unscrew 2 bolts with a cylindrical head and internal splines T27.



Lift the airbag assembly and disconnect the following plug connectors:

• for pyropatron "1";
• for sound signal "2";
• for steering wheel switches "3".

Remove the airbag assembly and store it with the elastic part facing upward, for example in the luggage compartment.



Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position. The marks on the steering gear and steering shaft should align.



Unscrew the "arrow" bolt.

Caution: After the bolt is released, the spring "F", which fixes the contact ring in the neutral position from turning, becomes movable. Never turn the steering wheel with the fastening bolt released, otherwise the contact ring will be damaged.

Mark the position of the steering wheel on the steering shaft with a scriber or paint.

Remove the steering wheel from the steering shaft by hand. If necessary, use a standard puller for removal.

Caution: Do not hit the steering wheel. Make sure that the wires are not damaged during removal.

Installation

Check the position of the steering wheel contact ring. The marks "1" must match. If the contact ring has been rotated or is not secured, then it is set to the neutral position as follows. Press down the spring "F" (figure W-4043) and turn the contact ring left and right until it stops. Count the total number of turns of the ring and divide this number in half. Turn the contact ring from one of the stops by half the number of turns so that the marks "1" coincide. Release the spring "F".

Check that the turn signal lever is in the middle position, otherwise the cam may be damaged when putting the steering wheel on.





Place the steering wheel on the steering shaft sprockets so that the marks applied before removal match. Make sure that the locking pin "1" is located in the recess "2".

Tighten the steering wheel mounting bolt to a torque of 65 Nm.

Caution: Never turn the steering wheel with the mounting bolt loosened, otherwise the contact ring will be damaged.

Position the airbag unit and connect the plug connectors, see "Removal".

Insert the airbag assembly into the steering wheel and tighten the fastener very lightly, with a torque of 2 Nm. Make sure that the electrical wires are not pinched.

Connect the plug connectors of the airbag assembly (orange) and the steering wheel switches on the steering column.



Place the lower steering column trim, press it down and secure it. The clamps "2" should enter the latch "1".

Note: The figure shows the connection of the facings from the inside.

Secure the trim with three screws.

Connect the ground wire to the negative (-) terminal of the battery. Set the clock.

Perform a test drive and check the position of the steering wheel while driving straight ahead. The upper spokes of the steering wheel should be horizontal.

If the steering wheel is at an angle, it should be removed and repositioned.

Check the operation of the sound signal.

Check the automatic return of the turn signal lever to the center position.

Note: A dirty or sticky steering wheel can be cleaned with household products and warm water, do not use abrasive materials for cleaning.