BMW 3 (E46). Manual — part 151

Reinstallation is reverse of removal.

Lower steering column,
removing and installing

Note:

Once the lower steering column has been
removed there will be no end stop for the
steering wheel. In order to prevent
damage to contact ring in steering
column, follow procedural steps as listed.
1. Unlock steering wheel. 2. Move
steering wheel to straight ahead position.
3. Lock steering wheel and remove
ignition key.

-

Lift vehicle and support safely.

WARNING!

Make sure the car is stable and well
supported at all times. Use a
professional automotive lift or jack
stands designed for the purpose. A
floor jack is not adequate support.

-

Remove splash guard under
engine.

Remove lower steering column flexible
joint pinch bolt (arrow). Slide lower
column up and pull flexible joint off
steering rack shaft.

Note:

Do not remove alignment flange from
steering rack.

Working near firewall, remove pinch bolt
at universal joint and remove lower
steering column.

Note:

Upper steering column is keyed to lower
steering column universal joint. It can
only be installed in one position.

Installation is reverse of removal, noting
the following:

Replace flexible and universal joint
pinch bolts.

Align lower steering column to
keyed upper steering column.

Align tab (arrow) on steering rack
flange with lower steering column
flexible joint.

Tightening torque

Pinch bolts at
steering columns
joints

22 Nm (16 ft-lb)

Upper steering column,
removing and installing

-

Remove steering wheel as
described earlier.

Fully lower and extend (arrows)
adjustable steering column.

-

Remove retaining screw from top of
steering column upper trim cover.

Push in sides of upper trim cover
(arrows) to release from lower trim. Pull
back and up on upper trim.

Pry gently to detach flexible cover from
upper trim. Lift off trim.

Remove left footwell (pedal cluster) trim
panel.

Remove screws (A).

Remove fasteners (B).

Disconnect electrical harness connectors
at left footwell trim panel and remove
panel:

Unplug connector at footwell interior
light (A), if equipped.

Slide lock at OBD II connector (B) in
direction of arrow.

Unplug connector at cellular phone
speaker (C) if equipped.

-

Remove lower steering column as
described earlier.

To remove steering column lower trim,
drive pins into expansion rivets (arrows)
to release. Pull down on trim.

Working at steering column:

Remove screws (arrows).

Slide switch block out from steering
column.

Disconnect electrical harness
connectors at ignition switch, wiper
switch, turn signal / high beam
switch, and steering wheel
functions / airbag connector.

Remove switch block.

Slide lower section of upper steering
column into upper section (arrow).