BMW X3 (F25) Service & Repair Manual: Steering column

• Removing and installing/replacing lower section of steering column shroud
• Removing and installing/replacing steering column
• Removing and installing/replacing universal joint with corrugated tubing
• Removing and installing/replacing upper section of steering column shroud
• Replacing steering column adjustment lever
• Replacing steering shaft sleeve

Removing and installing/replacing lower section of steering column shroud

Necessary preliminary work:

• Remove TOP SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN CASING.
• Move steering column in "top" and "extended" position.

Press retaining lugs outwards a little and unclip steering column shroud downwards.

Installation note:

Align steering column shroud by means of retaining lugs to steering column and press up as far as it will go.

Press steering column shroud on both sides together a little and then press upwards completely until retaining lugs snap into place.

Check installation position, correct if necessary.

Tilt steering column shroud in downward direction.

If necessary, unlock plug connection (1) on steering column adjustment switch and (2) emergency starting aerial and disconnect.

Remove steering column shroud lower section.

REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING STEERING ANGLE SENSOR

NOTE: The steering angle sensor is integrated in the EPS steering gear!

Removing and installing/replacing steering column

Necessary preliminary work:

• Move steering column into "extended" position.
• Disconnect battery earth lead.
• Remove steering wheel .
• Remove upper and lower steering column shroud .
• Remove trim panel for pedal assembly .
• Remove STEERING COLUMN CONTROL PANEL .
• Unclip wiring harness and place to one side.
• REMOVE universal joint with corrugated tube.

Undo nuts (1) at bottom of steering column.

Secure steering column against falling out.

Undo nuts (1) at top of steering column.

Remove steering column by pulling upward.

After installation:

• Turn steering wheel in both directions to the limit position. The airbag indicator light must not light up!

Removing and installing/replacing universal joint with corrugated tubing

IMPORTANT:

After the steering shaft has been loosened on the steering gear/steering column, do not turn the steering wheel any more. If the lower section of the steering shaft is separated from the steering box/steering column, the steering column switch cluster may be damaged when the steering wheel is turned.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

• Remove intake silencer housing .
• Move steering column in "top" and "retracted" position.

Remove clamping bolt (1) at steering box to the side over the wheel arch.

Installation note:

Clean screw threads to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace clamping bolts.

Pull down corrugated tubing until clamping bolt (1) is accessible with tool (2).

Release clamping bolt (1) and remove universal joint together with corrugated tubing.

Installation note: Clean screw threads to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace clamping bolts.

Counter-hold the steering shaft in the passenger compartment on the steering column when sliding the universal joint onto the steering column!

Connect universal joint with corrugated tubing first to steering shaft and then to steering box.

Clamping bolt must rest in groove of steering box or steering column.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

After installation:

• Turn steering wheel in both directions to the limit position. The airbag indicator light must not light up in the process.

Removing and installing/replacing upper section of steering column shroud

Move steering column in "bottom" and "extended" position.

Pull steering column gap cover up carefully and clip out gap cover.

Pull steering column shroud (1) up.

Clip steering column gap cover (1) out of steering column shroud upper section.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage! Carefully pull steering column shroud upper section (1) upward at rear and clip out.

Replacing steering column adjustment lever

Necessary preliminary tasks:

• Remove : trim panel for pedal mechanism.

Release nuts (1) from footwell and detach adjustment lever.

Installation note:

Replace nut (1).

In installed or closed condition, the adjustment lever must be positioned parallel with the steering column!

Replacing steering shaft sleeve

Special tools required:

• 00 9 321

Necessary preliminary tasks:

• REMOVE lower section of steering shaft.

Press the steering shaft (1) into the inside of the footwell.

Pull out locking pins (2)!

Unlock the steering sleeve by pressing it in the direction of the arrow and remove it towards the outside.

Remove sleeve in direction of engine compartment.

Unlock the holder (1) at the top by pressing it in the direction of the arrow and remove it towards the footwell.