Steering Columns - e36 BMW Z3 E36

IDENTIFICATION

1991-2002 CHASSIS & ENGINE IDENTIFICATION (3-SERIES)

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

Steering column consists of a steering wheel (with or without air bag), steering spindle and an anti-theft steering column lock/ignition switch. There may also be an interlock cable to the gear shift. Steering columns may be telescopic and/or tilt.

SERVICE PRECAUTIONS

Observe the following precautions when working on air bag systems

1. When working around steering column and before any repairs are performed, disable SRS. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article.
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 appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article. Disconnect front sensors.
4. Wait at least 5 minutes on vehicles up to 9/93 and 5 seconds for vehicles from 9/93 after SRS is disabled before servicing system as system maintains SRS voltage at least that long. Servicing SRS before waiting period may cause accidental air bag deployment and personal injury.
5. Always wear safety glasses and gloves when handling a deployed air bag module. Air bag 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 air bag 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 air bag module with trim cover away from your body. Always place air bag 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.

CONTACT RING

To center contact ring by aligning arrows on front of steering wheel, press down hub center spring clip lock and hold it down. On bottom side of steering wheel, turn contact ring fully clockwise or counterclockwise until it stops. Turn contact ring back about 3 turns until arrows align, and release spring clip lock. Contact ring is in center position.

DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAG MODULE

For procedure, see appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article.

Removal & Installation (318i, 318is, 325i, 325is, 328i, 328is, & M3 )

1. Remove bottom trim panel screws at left side of center console. (Scheme 1)
2. Pull bottom trim panel to the side out of the clips. (Scheme 2)
3. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Removal & Installation (318ti)

1. Remove caps (1) and screws. Lift trim backwards to remove. (Scheme 3)
2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Replace defective cover caps.

Scheme 3

Removal & Installation (Z3, M Roadster & M Coupe)

1. Turn rotary clips (1) through 90° and remove. Pull trim (2) downwards and backwards to remove. Do not damage the guides (3). (Scheme 4)
2. Remove caps (1) and screws. Unscrew trim (2) and pull outwards and downwards to remove from oddments tray (3). (Scheme 5)
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Replace defective covers (1). (Scheme 5)
4. Slide on speed nuts (1). Fit seal (2) on steering column and seal (3) on air outlet (heating) correctly. (Scheme 6)
5. Do not damage guides (1) on the trim (2). (Scheme 7)

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

INTERLOCK CABLE

Unscrew interlock cable to remove. (Scheme 8)

Scheme 8

Removal

1. Disconnect negative battery cable.
2. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-columns-e36__steering-wheel).
3. Remove lower trim section from instrument panel. See «INSTRUMENT LOWER TRIM PANEL»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-columns-e36).
4. Remove clamping bolt. Pull steering spindle downwards out of spline in upper steering spindle. (Scheme 9)
5. On 318ti, remove bolts. (Scheme 10)
6. On all models, remove collar. (Scheme 11)
7. Remove cable for interlock if necessary. (Scheme 8)
8. Unlock bayonet ring by turning column counterclockwise. Disconnect all wires to steering column at plug in connections.
9. On models with AIRBAG, unscrew bolt to dashboard carrier. (Scheme 12)
10. On all models, remove steering column bracket shear-off bolts (1). Use a chisel on screw taper and unfasten with a hammer or mill off screw taper. Remove steering column. (Scheme 13)

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Installation

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Pull steering column firmly home towards interior and tighten shear-off bolts until heads shear off.
2. On models with AIRBAG, screw bolt to dashboard carrier. Ensure nut (1), spacer bush (2) (not fitted to US models), washer (3) and screw (4) (US models, 2 screws 8 x 22 mm Z1) are installed. (Scheme 12)
3. Install bayonet in proper order of bayonet (1), rubber ring (2), joint socket (3) and ball joint (4) with teflon ring if necessary. Bayonet must be heard to lock. (Scheme 14)
4. Check position of collar relative to snap ring. Recess in collar locks snap ring. (Scheme 11)
5. Screw must locate in retaining groove of upper steering spindle. See «STEERING SPINDLE»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-columns-e36).

Scheme 14

STEERING COLUMN SWITCHES

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

1. Disconnect ground lead from battery.
2. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-columns-e36__steering-wheel).
3. Remove lower trim section from instrument panel. See «INSTRUMENT LOWER TRIM PANEL»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-columns-e36).
4. Take off collar. (Scheme 11)
5. Remove screws and pull off clip. (Scheme 10)
6. Pull lower section of steering column casing off upper section. On 318ti, loosen both shear-off screws on steering column mount. See «STEERING COLUMN»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-columns-e36).
7. On all models, remove screw and pull off clip. Press retaining hook and pull off switch. (Scheme 15)
8. Unscrew grounding cable. Remove both headless screws and take off starter switch. (Scheme 16)
9. Unscrew interlock cable (1) if necessary. (Scheme 8)
10. Lift out snap ring (1) and take off with sleeve (2). (Scheme 17)
11. Lift out and remove steering spindle bearing. (Scheme 18)
12. Remove shear-off screws. (Scheme 19)
13. Turn steering lock to position "R". Press down on steering spindle and take off steering lock. (Scheme 20)

Scheme 15

Scheme 16

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

Scheme 19

Scheme 20

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Dowel pin must fit in bore. (Scheme 21)
2. Tighten Torx screws until they shear off. (Scheme 19)
3. Fit bush (2). Fit snap ring (1) with special tool (32 1 090) and steering wheel retaining screw until it engages in groove of steering spindle. Snap ring (1) can also be mounted using special tool (32 3 070). (Scheme 22)
4. Lock headless screws with varnish.
5. Guide both holders of upper section into bores. (Scheme 23)
6. Check for correct position of lock. On 318ti, use new shear-off screws. On all models (Scheme 24)
7. Check position of collar relative to snap ring. Recess in collar locks snap ring. (Scheme 11)
8. Test lock cylinder and electric operation (e.g. ignition, radio, etc.).

Scheme 21

Scheme 22

Scheme 23

Scheme 24

Removal & Installation

1. Remove lower section of steering column trim on cars with ring antenna. Using special tool (61 3 300), press ring antenna off locking cylinder.
2. With ignition key, use workshop key for better accessibility, turn lock cylinder to "R" position (radio, windshield wiper, fan).
3. Push special tool (32 3 110) into hole of lock cylinder and swivel handle forward by approximately 90°. Remove lock cylinder.
4. To install, reverse removal procedure.

STEERING WHEEL

Removal & Installation (With AIRBAG & Sports Steering Wheel)

1. Disconnect battery and cover negative pole or terminal.
2. Remove AIRBAG unit.
3. Turn steering wheel to straight ahead position (markings on steering gear and steering spindle aligned).
4. Unscrew bolt. Mark position of steering wheel relative to steering spindle and remove. (Scheme 26)
5. Adjust contact ring if necessary. Press down spring (1). Turn contact clockwise or counterclockwise as far as stop. Turn back about 3 turns until arrows for center position are aligned. Release spring (1). (Scheme 27)
6. To install, reverse removal procedure. Coat slip ring with grease except on sports steering wheel. (Scheme 28)
7. When attaching steering wheel, lockpin (1) must engage in opening (2) of contact ring. (Scheme 29) Tighten steering wheel bolt to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-columns-e36__torque-specifications).

Scheme 25

Scheme 26

Scheme 27

Scheme 28

Scheme 29

Removal & Installation (With AIRBAG II)

1. Disconnect battery and cover negative pole or terminal. Remove AIRBAG unit. See AIRBAG article.
2. Unscrew steering wheel screw. Mark position of steering wheel relative to steering spindle and remove. (Scheme 30)
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Coat slip rings with grease. (Scheme 31)
4. Tighten steering wheel screw to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-columns-e36__torque-specifications).

Scheme 30

Scheme 31

Removal & Installation (Without AIRBAG)

1. Remove BMW emblem.
2. Unscrew screw. Mark position of steering wheel relative to steering spindle. Pull off steering wheel. (Scheme 32)
3. Coat slip ring with grease. (Scheme 33)
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten screw to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-columns-e36__torque-specifications).

Scheme 32

Scheme 33

1. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-columns-e36__steering-wheel).
2. On models without flexible coupling, remove clamping screws on steering spindle (top) and on steering gear. Slide steering spindle together and remove. (Scheme 34)
3. On models without flexible coupling (except US models), remove clamping screws from universal joint and flexible coupling. Slide flexible coupling downwards. Pull steering spindle upwards out of flexible coupling and remove. (Scheme 35)
4. On models with flexible coupling, US models with corrugated pipes, remove clamping screws from universal joint and flexible coupling. Slide flexible coupling downwards. Pull steering spindle upwards out of flexible coupling and remove. For 4 corrugated pipes (Scheme 36) For 8 corrugated pipes (Scheme 37)
5. On all models, to install, reverse removal procedure. Set steering gear to straight ahead position. For 4 corrugated pipes, install steering spindle with screw (1) horizontal and installed underneath. For all others, Install steering spindle installing screw (1) vertically on engine end. On steering spindle without flexible coupling (Scheme 34) On steering spindle without flexible coupling except US models (Scheme 35) On steering spindle with flexible coupling, US models with 4 corrugated pipes (Scheme 36) For 8 corrugated pipes (Scheme 37)
6. Fit flexible coupling with short flange facing steering gear with right edge (2), viewed in direction of travel, of flexible coupling aligned with mark on steering gear. Slot then points vertically downwards. The edge of the lower joint must align with the marking on the steering gear. (Scheme 38)
7. Ensure bolts engage in locking grooves of steering spindle (top) and steering gear spindle. Replace self-locking nuts and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-columns-e36__torque-specifications).

Scheme 34

Scheme 35

Scheme 36

Scheme 37

Scheme 38

Disassembly

1. Remove steering column. See «STEERING COLUMN»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-columns-e36).
2. Remove screws and pull off clip. (Scheme 10)
3. Pull lower section of steering column casing off upper section. (Scheme 24)
4. Remove screw and pull off clip. Press retaining hook and pull off switch. (Scheme 15)
5. Unscrew grounding cable. Remove both headless screws and take off starter switch. (Scheme 16)
6. Lift out snap ring (1) and take off with sleeve (2). (Scheme 17)
7. Lift out and remove steering spindle bearing. Take out bearing inner sleeve. (Scheme 18)
8. Remove shear-off screws. (Scheme 19)
9. Turn steering lock to position "R". Press down on steering spindle and take off steering lock. (Scheme 20)
10. Lower steering spindle bearing. Lift out snap ring (1). Take off collar (2), spring (3) and support ring (4). Remove steering spindle. (Scheme 39)
11. Knock lower steering spindle bearing out of outer tube. (Scheme 40)
12. Remove outer tube of height adjustable steering column by knocking lock washer (6) out in downwards direction. Unscrew nut (1), press lever (4) in direction of bolt (5) and unscrew bolt (5). Unscrew stud. (Scheme 41)

Scheme 39

Scheme 40

Scheme 41

Assembly

1. On height adjustable steering column, apply light coat of grease to anti-friction surfaces of bearing block (3) and steering column tube (9). (Scheme 42)
2. Pre-assemble adjustment lever (4) with dowel pin (2) in lever setting "jammed" to dimension (A). (A) is.82-.85" (21-21.7 mm). Then slide firmly home to right side. (Scheme 42)
3. Screw bolt (5) in until it contacts stud (2). Push lever (4) to left. Square shoulder of bolt must engage in outer tube (9). (Scheme 42)
4. Tighten new nut (1) in "jammed" lever position to torque of 62 Inch lbs. (7 Nm). Check clamping effect.
5. To assemble, reverse disassembly procedure.
6. On all vehicles, lubricate bearing seat with grease. (Scheme 40)
7. Lubricate spring (3) with grease. Recess in collar (2) must point to snap ring (1). (Scheme 39)
8. Fit dowel pin in bore. (Scheme 21)
9. Tighten shear off screws until heads shear off. (Scheme 19)
10. Insert bearing inner sleeve with bevelled end pointing to steering lock. (Scheme 43)
11. Fit bush (2). Fit snap ring (1) with special tool (32 1 090) and steering wheel retaining screw until it engages in groove of steering spindle. Snap ring (1) can also be mounted using special tool (32 3 070). (Scheme 22)
12. Lock headless screws with varnish.
13. Guide both holders of upper section into bores. Insert ignition lock ring. (Scheme 23)
14. Check for correct position of lock when assembling lower section of casing to upper section. (Scheme 24)

Scheme 42

Scheme 43

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

Scheme 44

Scheme 45

Scheme 46

Scheme 47

See also:
• STEERING WHEEL
• INSTRUMENT LOWER TRIM PANEL
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS