Steering Column - Repair BMW Z4 E85/E86

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

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 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 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.

STEERING ANGLE SENSOR

Note. In vehicles with active front steering, steering angle sensor adjustment is integrated in the service function "Initial Operation/Adjustment For Active Front Steering" and must not be carried out separately.

Steering angle sensor adjustment must be carried out

1. After adjustment work on the front axle/steering.
2. After all mechanical work on the steering system.
3. After the following components have been replaced/coded: Steering Column Switch Cluster DSC Control Unit ARS Control Unit Connect vehicle to BMW diagnosis system. Select and carry out steering angle sensor adjustment under Service Functions.

STEERING COLUMN SWITCHES

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

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

Removal & Installation

Disconnect negative lead from battery. Remove trim panel for pedal assembly. See PEDAL ASSEMBLY TRIM . Remove air duct in footwell. Move steering to straight-ahead position.

Lock steering column with special tool (32 3 180). (Scheme 1) Special tool may only be removed again when the steering column has been connected to the steering gear. Remove light switch center. Remove fixture for steering column stalk.

Scheme 1

Release clamping screw (1). (Scheme 2) Separate lower section of steering spindle from steering column and press downwards. During installation, recut thread. Replace clamping screw (1). During installation, make sure universal joint is correctly seated. Lower section of steering spindle can only be joined in one position.

Scheme 2

Disconnect plug connections from wiring harness (1) at steering column. (Scheme 3) Remove wiring harness (1) completely from steering column.

Scheme 3

Cut instrument panel at dotted lines (1,2). Section pulled out is no longer needed. (Scheme 4)

Scheme 4

If necessary, remove cable for interlock. During installation, lock (1) must snap into place. (Scheme 5)

Scheme 5

Remove screws (1,2). Remove steering column. (Scheme 6) Replacement steering columns are secured with a centering element. This centering element may only be removed when the new steering column has been fitted in the vehicle and connected to the steering gear. Then insert hub centering element into removed steering column in place of special tool (32 3 180).

Scheme 6

Modify lock cylinder. Modify steering angle sensor. See STEERING ANGLE SENSOR . Convert ignition starter switch. Convert cable holder and cable duct.

IGNITION SWITCH

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

Disconnect battery negative lead. Remove lower section of steering column trim. See LOWER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN COVER. Remove sealing varnish and release headless setscrews (1). Detach ignition starter switch (2) in direction of arrow. During installation, secure headless setscrews (1) with sealing varnish. Open lock (3) in direction of arrow and disconnect plug (4) from ignition starter switch (2). (Scheme 7)

Scheme 7

INTERLOCK CABLE

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

Remove interlock cable from shift lever. See INTERLOCK CABLE. Remove lower section of steering column trim. See LOWER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN COVER. Open lock (1) and remove cable. (Scheme 8) During installation, ensure lock (1) snaps into place.

Scheme 8

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

Disconnect battery. Remove steering column. See STEERING COLUMN. Detach lug (1) and bushing (2). (Scheme 9) During installation, replace bushing.

Scheme 9

Press down both locking hooks. Detach steering angle sensor. (Scheme 10)

Scheme 10

Slide special tool (32 3 040) into steering angle sensor. The link must rest in the opening of the steering angle sensor. (Scheme 11)

Scheme 11

Locate special tool (32 3 040) with steering angle sensor. Both lugs (1) of special tool must rest in openings of bushing (2). (Scheme 12) Push on steering angle sensor.

Scheme 12

Locking element (1) must be inserted in holder (2) of steering angle sensor. Both locking hooks must be engaged. (Scheme 13)

Scheme 13

UPPER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN COVER

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

Remove lower section of steering column cover. See LOWER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN COVER. Release screw. Pull off upper section of steering column cover upwards. (Scheme 14) Unclip steering wheel cover from instrument cluster. During installation, fit new expanding nut.

Scheme 14

During installation, hooks (1) must engage in guides (2) of steering column. (Scheme 15)

Scheme 15

During installation, clip steering wheel cover (1) into retaining clips (2) on instrument cluster. (Scheme 16)

Scheme 16

LOWER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN COVER

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

Move steering column in "bottom" and "extended" position. Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL. Release screw. Open adjusting lever. Detach cover in rear area downwards and unclip. (Scheme 17)

Scheme 17

Move plastic wedge from front between upper and lower sections. Press lock (1) on left and right out of hook (2). (Scheme 18) Pull off lower section of steering column cover towards bottom. Do not scratch steering column cover. Do not damage locks.

Scheme 18

During installation, locks (1) must snap into place in hooks (2) on left and right. (Scheme 19)

Scheme 19

LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SPINDLE

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

If the lower section of the steering spindle is separated from the power steering gear, this can result in damage to the contact ring when the steering wheel is turned. Release clamping screw (1). Move front wheels to straight-ahead position and remove ignition key. Detach lower section of steering spindle (2) from steering gear. (Scheme 20) During installation, lower section of steering spindle can only be attached in one position to the power steering gear. Recut thread. Replace clamping screw. Tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

Scheme 20

Release clamping screw (1). (Scheme 21) Detach lower section of steering spindle from steering column and remove. During installation, lower section of steering spindle can only be attached in one position to the power steering gear. Recut thread. Replace clamping screw. Tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

Scheme 21

STEERING SPINDLE SLEEVE

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

If the lower section of the steering spindle is separated from the power steering gear, this can result in damage to the contact ring when the steering wheel is turned. Remove lower section of steering spindle. See LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SPINDLE. Remove sleeve from bulkhead. During installation, make sure sleeve is correctly seated. Marking (1) must point vertically upwards. (Scheme 22)

Scheme 22

When removing holder for sleeve, remove complete steering column. See STEERING COLUMN. If necessary, remove accelerator pedal module. Fold floor covering in area of holder towards rear. Release nuts and remove holder. (Scheme 23) During installation, check seating of sleeve in bulkhead and holder. Reattach sleeve if necessary.

Scheme 23

After installation, carry out steering angle sensor adjustment. See STEERING ANGLE SENSOR .

STEERING LOCK

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

Remove steering column stalk. See STEERING COLUMN STALK . If necessary, remove interlock cable. See INTERLOCK CABLE . Remove lock cylinder (1) with "O" ring. See STEERING LOCK CYLINDER . Remove ignition starter switch (3). See IGNITION SWITCH . Release shear screws (5) with a chisel. Open adjusting lever (2). Swivel front steering lock (4 ) downwards and then remove towards rear. During installation, tighten down shear screws (5) until screw heads are released.

Scheme 24

STEERING LOCK CYLINDER

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

Remove steering column shroud. See UPPER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN COVER and LOWER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN COVER. Remove ring antenna. See RING ANTENNA OF ELECTRONIC IMMOBILIZER. With ignition lock key, turn lock barrel to required position "R" = radio, windshield wipers, etc. Press special tool (32 3 11) into locking cylinder hole and remove locking cylinder. (Scheme 25)

Scheme 25

The lock (1) is unlocked with special tool (32 3 110) and the locking cylinder can now be removed. (Scheme 26) If necessary, turn special tool in hole.

Scheme 26

STEERING COLUMN STALK

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

Move wheels into straight-ahead position and do not alter this position during the repair work. Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL. Remove steering column cover. See LOWER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN COVER and UPPER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN COVER. Do not under any circumstances twist the cover of the fixture for the steering column stalk (2) out of its centered position. Release screws (1). Pull back fixture for steering column stalk (2). Unlock associated plug connections and disconnect. Remove fixture for steering column stalk (2). (Scheme 27)

Scheme 27

When removed, the cover (1) of the fixture for the steering column stalk (2) is secured against turning/twisting by the lock (3). Do not under any circumstances twist the cover (1) out of its centered position against the fixture for the steering column stalk (2). (Scheme 28)

Scheme 28

REPLACING ADJUSTING LEVER FOR STEERING COLUMN

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

Remove steering column. Slacken nut. (Scheme 29) Secure clamping bearing (by hand, adhesive tape).

Scheme 29

Remove nut (1), needle bearing (2), slide (3) and compression spring (4). Pull out adjusting lever. During installation, adjusting lever unit is supplied in assembled state with a transportation lock (5). Remove transportation lock (5) and install preassembled adjusting lever. Clamping bearing (6) must be secured while transportation lock (5) is being removed until insertion into steering column. Incorrect assembly will result in malfunction. (Scheme 30)

Scheme 30

Replace nut. Screw on nut a few turns. Move adjusting lever into locked position. Tighten nut to correct torque. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Clamping force is adjusted by means of the tightening torque.

Scheme 31

PEDAL ASSEMBLY TRIM

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

Release screws (1). Pull back panel for pedals (3) in direction of arrow. Disconnect footwell light plug connection (2) and remove panel for pedals (3). During installation, make sure guides (4) of panel for pedals (3) are correctly seated in associated mountings. Make sure panel for pedals (3) is correctly seated on footwell vent above. (Scheme 32)

Scheme 32

RING ANTENNA OF ELECTRONIC IMMOBILIZER

Note. Numbers or letters in text refer to numbers in figures.

Remove upper section of steering column trim. See UPPER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN COVER. Slide in special tool (61 3 300) with flattened end (A) facing ring antenna and lever out ring antenna. (Scheme 33)

Scheme 33

Remove airbag unit. See AIR BAG UNIT. Move steering wheel to straight-ahead position. Release nut and remove steering wheel. (Scheme 34) If necessary, modify switch unit.

Scheme 34

During installation, move steering wheel/wheels to straight-ahead position. Fit steering wheel. The markings on the steering wheel and the steering spindle must match. (Scheme 35) See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

Scheme 35

AIR BAG UNIT

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

Disconnect battery negative terminal and cover. Insert a screwdriver through opening on rear side of steering wheel and press down on lock. If a springy resistance can be felt, press down lock as far as it will go and pull airbag unit (1) away from steering wheel. (Scheme 36) Repeat procedure on opposite side. For purposes of clarity, the procedure is shown with the airbag unit already removed.

Scheme 36

Using screwdriver (2), press down on lock (1). (Scheme 37)

Scheme 37

During installation, insert airbag unit with hooks into locks and press into steering wheel. (Scheme 38)

Scheme 38

Unlock airbag plug connection. Lever out lock (1) with a screwdriver. (Scheme 39)

Scheme 39

Open locks (1) on both plugs and disconnect plug connections. Remove airbag unit. Note that airbag unit may only be put down with the impact pad facing upward. (Scheme 40)

Scheme 40

ACCELERATOR PEDAL MODULE

Note. Numbers in text refer to numbers in figures.

Take off cap. Unscrew screw. Pull accelerator pedal module upwards out of fixture.

Scheme 41

Pull off plug (1). Remove accelerator pedal module. (Scheme 42) Accelerator pedal module can only be replaced completely with adapter plate. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

Scheme 42

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• INTERLOCK CABLE
• PEDAL ASSEMBLY TRIM
• STEERING ANGLE SENSOR
• LOWER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN COVER
• STEERING COLUMN
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
• LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SPINDLE
• STEERING COLUMN STALK
• INTERLOCK CABLE
• STEERING LOCK CYLINDER
• IGNITION SWITCH
• UPPER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN COVER
• RING ANTENNA OF ELECTRONIC IMMOBILIZER
• AIR BAG UNIT