Steering Column - Repair BMW M3 E46

IDENTIFICATION

1999-2002 CHASSIS & ENGINE IDENTIFICATION

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

Steering column consists of a steering wheel (with AIRBAG), steering spindle and an anti-theft steering column lock/ignition switch. There is also an interlock cable to the gear shift. Steering columns may be telescopic and/or tilt.

SERVICE PRECAUTIONS

Observe the following precautions when working on or around AIRBAG systems

1. When working around steering column and before any repairs are performed, disable SRS. See «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(ref-160413-S02574680262004021000000) .
2. Always ensure the radio is off before disconnecting battery. This will prevent damage to radio microprocessor.
3. Before performing any body damage straightening or electrical arc-welding, disable SRS. See «AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS»(ref-160413-S02574680262004021000000) . Disconnect front sensors.
4. Wait at least 5 seconds after SRS is disabled before servicing system as system maintains SRS voltage at least that long. Servicing SRS before waiting period may cause accidental AIRBAG deployment and personal injury.
5. Always wear safety glasses and gloves when handling a deployed AIRBAG module. AIRBAG module may contain sodium hydroxide deposits which are irritating to the skin.
6. Never use any SRS component that has been dropped from 3 feet or more.
7. To avoid AIRBAG deployment when trouble shooting SRS, DO NOT use self-powered electrical test equipment such as battery-powered or AC-powered voltmeter, ohmmeter, etc. DO NOT perform any repair on any portion of SRS wiring circuit.
8. Always handle AIRBAG module with trim cover away from your body. Always place AIRBAG module on workbench with trim cover up, away from loose objects.
9. Never expose SRS components to temperatures greater than 212°F (100°C).
10. Never expose any SRS system components to cleaning agents such as solvents, gasoline, lye, etc.

DOUBLE JOINT FOR STEERING SPINDLE LOWER SECTION (4WD)

Removal

1. Remove underbody protection at center. See «REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REINFORCEMENT PLATE ON FRONT AXLE SUPPORT»(ref-522849-S14321267002013011700000)
2. Remove suction filter housing. See «MICROFILTERS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#engine-cooling-and-hvac-overview__microfilters)
3. Remove lower clamping screw of clamping element from steering gear. Detach clamping piece from steering spindle. (Scheme 1)
4. Remove clamping screw from universal joint of steering spindle lower section. (Scheme 2)
5. Remove double joint with steering spindle lower section.
6. Remove clamping screw. Detach double joint. (Scheme 3)

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Installation

1. To install, reverse removal procedure.
2. Clamping screw must rest in groove of steering spindle lower section (1). (Scheme 3) Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair__torque-specifications).
3. Replace clamping screw. It is only possible to join the steering spindle lower and upper sections in one position. (Scheme 2) Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair__torque-specifications).
4. Ensure steering gear is in straight ahead position. Clamping screw must rest in groove of steering shaft. (Scheme 1) Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair__torque-specifications).

DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAG MODULES

For procedures See . DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE

FLEXIBLE DISK

Removal & Installation

1. Remove splash guard if necessary. «REINFORCEMENT CROSS BRACE»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/axle-shafts/#front-axle-repair-e46)
2. Remove both clamping screws from flexible disk. Press flexible disk off steering gear and detach from lower section of steering spindle. (Scheme 4)
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Replace clamping screws. Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair__torque-specifications).

Scheme 4

1. Remove interlock cable from selector lever (version with interlock). See. «SELECTOR LEVER CABLE»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/automatic-trans/#gear-shift-mechanism-repair__selector-lever-cable)
2. Remove lower section of steering column trim. See «STEERING COLUMN LOWER TRIM»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair).
3. Open lock (1) and remove cable. (Scheme 5)
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Lock (1) must snap into place. (Scheme 5)

Scheme 5

1. Remove steering column upper trim section. See «STEERING COLUMN UPPER TRIM»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair).
2. Remove steering column lower trim section. See «STEERING COLUMN LOWER TRIM»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair).
3. Slide in special tool (61 3 300) with flattened end (A) facing ring antenna and lever out ring antenna. (Scheme 6)
4. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Scheme 6

STEERING ANGLE SENSOR

Note. For purposes of clarity, figures are shown on a steering column which has been removed.

1. Remove trim panel for pedal assembly. See «TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair).
2. Remove lower section of steering spindle. See «STEERING SPINDLE LOWER SECTION»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair__steering-spindle-lower-section).
3. Pull upper section of steering spindle towards interior. (Scheme 7)
4. Press crash disk (3) off crash sleeve (2). Lift crash sleeve (2) out of groove of steering spindle upper section. Push steering spindle upper section into steering column. Remove crash disk (3), crash sleeve (2) and bushing (1). (Scheme 8)
5. Slacken nut (1) for sliding piece. Remove screw (3) with washer (2). (Scheme 9)
6. Pull down steering column. Press down both locking hooks. Detach steering angle sensor. (Scheme 10)
7. Press down locking hooks. Remove locking element. (Scheme 11)

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

1. Slide special tool (32 3 040) into steering angle sensor. The link must rest in an opening in the steering angle sensor. (Scheme 12)
2. Push in steering spindle upper section until stop. Locate special tool (32 3 040) with steering angle sensor. Both lugs (1) of special tool must engage in openings of bearing (2). Push on steering angle sensor. (Scheme 13)
3. Ensure locking element (1) engages in mounting of steering angle sensor. Both locking hooks (2) must be snapped into place. (Scheme 14)
4. Observe guide sleeves. (Scheme 15)
5. When installing sliding piece, screw must fit in both guide sleeves. Screw on nut (1) with Loctite. (Scheme 9) Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair__torque-specifications).
6. Replace bushing (1) and crash sleeve (2). (Scheme 8)
7. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Scheme 14

Scheme 15

1. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair__steering-wheel).
2. Remove lower steering column trim. See «STEERING COLUMN LOWER TRIM»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair).
3. Remove upper section of steering column trim. See «STEERING COLUMN UPPER TRIM»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair).
4. Remove trim panel for pedal assembly. See «TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair).
5. Remove lower section of steering spindle. See «STEERING SPINDLE LOWER SECTION»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair__steering-spindle-lower-section).
6. Unfasten screws. Disconnect all plugs and remove switch block. Disconnect plug from ring antenna. (Scheme 16)
7. Disconnect interlock cable if necessary. (Scheme 5)
8. Unlock and remove connector. Detach wiring harness from cable duct. (Scheme 17)
9. Release shear screw (1) (e.g. mill off or drill out). Release screw (2). (Scheme 18)
10. Unfasten screws. Remove steering column. (Scheme 19)
11. If replacing steering column, remove locking cylinder and install in new steering column. See «STEERING LOCK CYLINDER»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair).
12. Remove steering angle sensor and fit on new steering column if necessary. See «STEERING ANGLE SENSOR»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair__steering-angle-sensor).

Scheme 16

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

Scheme 19

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten down new shear screw until screw head shears off. (Scheme 18)
2. When installing interlock cable, lock (1) must snap into place. (Scheme 5)
3. After installation, carry out mechanical (locking cylinder, steering lock, interlock) and electrical (ignition, radio, etc.) function checks.

1. Move steering column to "bottom" and "extended" position.
2. Knock through pin (1) on both expansion rivets (2) towards interior. (Scheme 20)
3. Press both sides of marked area of upper section of steering column trim inwards and pull lower section downwards to remove. (Scheme 21)
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Expansion rivets can be used again. Insert expansion rivet (2) and push in pin (1) until flush. (Scheme 20)

Scheme 20

Scheme 21

STEERING COLUMN SWITCHES

For removal and installation of steering column switches, see STEERING COLUMN or STEERING COLUMN under OVERHAUL.

1. Move steering column to "bottom" and "extended" position.
2. Unscrew screw. (Scheme 22)
3. Press both sides of marked area on top section inwards and remove by pulling upwards. (Scheme 21)
4. Unclip cover from top section and remove. (Scheme 23)
5. To install, reverse removal procedure. Fit new expanding nut. (Scheme 22)

Scheme 22

Scheme 23

Note. The lock (1) is unlocked with special tool (32 3 110) and the locking cylinder can be removed. If necessary, turn special tool in hole (1). (Scheme 24)

1. Remove ring antenna. See «RING ANTENNA OF ELECTRONIC IMMOBILIZER»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair).
2. Unlock interlock through hole (1) if necessary. With ignition lock key, turn lock barrel to position "R" (radio, windshield wipers, etc.). Press special tool (32 3 110) into locking cylinder hole and remove locking cylinder. (Scheme 25)
3. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Scheme 24

Scheme 25

STEERING SPINDLE LOWER SECTION

Note. On 4 wheel drive vehicles, procedure is identical to replacing double joint. See DOUBLE JOINT FOR STEERING SPINDLE LOWER SECTION (4WD) .

1. Unscrew and remove splash guard. «REINFORCEMENT CROSS BRACE»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/axle-shafts/#front-axle-repair-e46)
2. Remove clamping screw and force disk joint off steering gear. (Scheme 4)
3. Pull down steering spindle lower section and remove clamping screw from universal joint of steering spindle lower section. Remove steering spindle lower section. (Scheme 2)
4. To Install, reverse removal procedure. It is only possible to join the steering spindle upper section to the lower section in one location. Replace clamping screw from universal joint and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair__torque-specifications).
5. Ensure steering gear is in straight ahead position. Markings on cap (1) and housing (2) must match up. (Scheme 4)
6. Replace clamping screw and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair__torque-specifications).

STEERING SPINDLE UPPER SECTION

Procedure is the same as removing steering column. See STEERING COLUMN .

1. Unscrew and remove splash. See «REINFORCEMENT CROSS BRACE»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/axle-shafts/#front-axle-repair-e46)
2. Remove trim panel for pedal assembly. See «TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair).
3. Remove steering spindle lower section. See «STEERING SPINDLE LOWER SECTION»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair__steering-spindle-lower-section).
4. Press crash disk (2) off crash sleeve (1). Lift crash sleeve (1) out of groove of steering spindle upper section and pull down. (Scheme 26)
5. Pull upper section of steering spindle towards interior. (Scheme 7)
6. Remove holder for accelerator pedal. (Scheme 27)
7. Remove sleeve from bulkhead. (Scheme 28)
8. To install, reverse removal procedure. Make sure sleeve is correctly seated in opening of bulkhead.
9. Tighten holder for accelerator pedal to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair__torque-specifications).
10. Replace crash sleeve (1). (Scheme 26)

Scheme 26

Scheme 27

Scheme 28

STEERING WHEEL

1. Remove AIRBAG unit. See «REMOVAL STEERING WHEEL WITH AIR BAG)»(ref-160413-S06479098102004021000000).
2. Move steering wheel/wheels to straight ahead position. Release screw and remove steering wheel. (Scheme 29)
3. If replacing steering wheel, transfer switch unit.
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure wheels are in straight ahead position. Fit steering wheel. Markings on steering wheel and steering spindle must match up. (Scheme 30)
5. Tighten screw to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair__torque-specifications).

Scheme 29

Scheme 30

1. Move steering column upwards to maximum possible position.
2. Release screws (1) and expansion rivets (2). Unlock rotary clip (3) by turning through 90°. (Scheme 31)
3. Unlock left and right retaining clips (1) and fold trim (2) down. (Scheme 32)
4. Remove and feed out footwell light (1). Disconnect plug connection (2) from gong. Release lock (3) and press out plug (4) through opened On-Board Diagnosis (OBD) socket. (Scheme 33)
5. If replacing, release locks (5) and remove OBD socket (6). (Scheme 33)
6. If replacing, unlock gong (1) and remove from trim (2). (Scheme 34)
7. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Scheme 31

Scheme 32

Scheme 33

Scheme 34

Disassembly

1. Remove steering column. See «STEERING COLUMN»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair).
2. Unfasten screws and remove cable duct. (Scheme 35)
3. Slide in special tool (61 3 300) with flattened end (A) facing ring antenna and lever out ring antenna. (Scheme 6)
4. Turn lock to position "R" (first click). Press special tool (32 3 110) onto hole and withdraw locking cylinder. The lock (1) is unlocked with special tool (32 3 110) and locking cylinder can now be removed. Turn special tool in hole if necessary. (Scheme 24)
5. Unhook helical coiled spring at both ends. (Scheme 36)
6. Remove bushing (1). Press crash disk (3) off crash sleeve (2). Lift crash sleeve (2) out of groove of steering shaft and remove. Remove crash disk (3). (Scheme 8)
7. Unfasten nut and remove operating lever. (Scheme 37)
8. Remove cable holder. (Scheme 38)
9. Slacken nut (1) for sliding piece. Remove screw (3) with washer (2). (Scheme 9)
10. Remove mounting plate (1) and mounting bracket (2). (Scheme 39)
11. Press down both locking hooks and remove steering angle sensor. (Scheme 10)
12. Press down locking hooks. Remove locking element. (Scheme 11)
13. Unfasten screws and remove ignition starter switch. (Scheme 40)

Scheme 35

Scheme 36

Scheme 37

Scheme 38

Scheme 39

Scheme 40

Assembly

1. To assemble, reverse disassembly procedure.
2. Secure screws for ignition starter switch with paint.
3. Slide special tool (32 3 040) into steering angle sensor. The link must reset in an opening in the steering angle sensor. (Scheme 12)
4. Push in steering spindle upper section until stop. Locate special tool (32 3 040) with steering angle sensor. Both lugs (1) of special tool must engage in openings of bearing (2). Push on steering angle sensor. (Scheme 13)
5. Locking element (1) must engage in steering angle sensor. Both locking hooks (2) must be snapped into place. (Scheme 14)
6. Replace and grease guide bushings if necessary. (Scheme 15)
7. Replace stop element (1) and stop buffer (2). Do not grease friction plate. (Scheme 41)
8. Replace sliding blocks (1) and stop buffer (2) if necessary. (Scheme 42)
9. Install mounting bracket (2) into guide of assembly plate (1). (Scheme 39)
10. When installing sliding piece, screw (3) must fit in both guide sleeves. Install nut with Loctite. (Scheme 9) Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-repair__torque-specifications).
11. Install cable holder.
12. Fit washer (1) on clamping disk (2). In this case, wide tongue (1.1) must be aligned to wide link (2.2). Note that marking (K) is for installation direction. (Scheme 43)
13. Grease contact area (A) and position rollers (2) vertically in operating lever. Note position of spring (1). (Scheme 44)
14. Press clamping disk (1) onto operating lever. Marking (K) must point to operating lever. Ensure needle rollers are in correct position. Hold operating lever pressed together and mount with clamping disk (1) on housing. Square section of clamping disk (1) must snap into elongated hole of mounting bracket. (Scheme 45)
15. Install operating lever. Note position of washer (1), axial needle bearing (2) (grease needles if necessary) and self-locking nut. (Scheme 46)
16. Tighten nut hand tight with adjusting lever in clamped position. Open and close lever. Tighten nut to 35 Inch lbs. (4 Nm). Open and close lever. Tighten nut to 42 Inch lbs. (4.8 Nm). Open and close lever. Tighten nut again to 42 Inch lbs. (4.8 Nm).
17. Replace bushing (1) and crash sleeve (2). (Scheme 8)
18. Hook helical spring at both ends.
19. Install locking cylinder.
20. Fit rubber ring. (Scheme 47)

Scheme 41

Scheme 42

Scheme 43

Scheme 44

Scheme 45

Scheme 46

Scheme 47

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

Scheme 48

Scheme 49

Scheme 50

See also:
• MICROFILTERS
• REINFORCEMENT CROSS BRACE
• SELECTOR LEVER CABLE
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
• STEERING COLUMN LOWER TRIM
• STEERING SPINDLE LOWER SECTION
• STEERING WHEEL
• STEERING ANGLE SENSOR
• DOUBLE JOINT FOR STEERING SPINDLE LOWER SECTION (4WD)