Steering wheel — removal and installation (BMW 7 Series E32)

Caution: Please read the precautions section carefully.

Removal

Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.

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

Remove the three screws from the lower steering column trim.



At the location shown by the arrows, press the upper steering column trim inward on both sides and pull the lower trim down.



Disconnect the connector (orange) from the airbag system.

If present, disconnect the steering wheel switch connector.

Remove the two T27 TORX head bolts from the back of the steering wheel.



Lift the airbag assembly and remove the following connectors: igniter (1), horn (2), steering wheel switch (3).





Remove the airbag assembly and place it with the trim plate facing up, for example in the trunk.

Set the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position. The marks on the steering gear and the steering shaft must match.



Unscrew the bolt (arrow).

Caution: After unscrewing the bolt, the rotation spring of the fastening will be activated, which holds the contact ring in the middle position. The steering wheel should not be turned under any circumstances when the bolt is not tightened, otherwise the contact ring will be damaged.

Mark the position of the steering wheel on the steering shaft.

Pull the steering wheel off the steering shaft by hand. Use a puller if necessary.

Caution: Do not knock on the wheel. Be careful not to damage the wire when removing.

Installation

Check the position of the contact ring on the steering wheel. The marks (1) must match.



If the contact ring has turned or is not securely fastened, i.e. is not in the middle position, adjust the contact ring as follows: press the spring (F) and turn the contact ring left and right until it stops. Count the total number of turns and divide it in half. From the stop, turn the contact ring half the number of turns until the marks (1) match. Lower the spring (F).

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

Place the steering wheel on the shaft splines so that the marks made during removal match. Make sure that the mounting pin (1) fits into the recess (2).



Tighten the steering wheel mounting bolt to 65 Nm.

Caution: The steering wheel must never be turned unless the bolt is tightened, otherwise the contact ring will be damaged.

Install the airbag assembly and connect the connector.

Insert the airbag assembly into the steering wheel and tighten the bolts to 2 Nm, i.e. very loosely. Make sure that the wire is not pinched.

Connect both airbag assembly (orange) and steering wheel switch connectors to the steering column.

Place the lower steering column trim, press and secure them. The latch (1) should sit on the ledge (2).

Please note: The picture shows the inside lining.

Secure the trim with three screws.

Connect the negative wire to the battery.

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

If the steering wheel is crooked, remove it and move it.

Check the operation of the sound signal.

Check if the turn signal switch knob returns to the center position.

Note: If the steering wheel is dirty or sticky, it can be cleaned with neutral detergent and warm water, do not use abrasives.