Steering wheel removal

Steering wheel with airbag

Installing a different, more modern steering wheel is a popular upgrade amongst BMW E31 8 Series owners. The first step in replacing is removing the steering wheel. The removal instructions differ depending on the type of currently installed steering wheel – without airbag or with airbag. Removing a steering wheel without airbag is very straightforward, but removing a steering wheel with airbag involves a few extra steps and safety precautions.

Without airbag

The removal of a steering wheel without airbag is simple.

1. Insert the car key and turn the ignition switch to position I to disengage the steering lock.
2. Position the front wheels in straight ahead position and center the steering wheel.
3. Carefully lift out the BMW emblem on the steering wheel. Pay attention not to damage the emblem.
4. The removed emblem reveals the M14 bolt that secures the steering wheel to the steering column.
5. Use a 21 mm socket and socket wrench to undo the M14 bolt. An extension may be required for the socket wrench. Also an extra hand to prevent the steering wheel from turning may come in handy. Never use the ignition steering lock to prevent the steering wheel from turning – it may get damaged.
6. If not already done during a previous steering wheel removal, mark the relative position of the steering wheel to the steering column for easier installation later on.
7. Remove the steering wheel.

With airbag

Three different types of slip ring were used for the airbag steering wheels during the production of the E31 8 Series:

• 32 34 1 160 901 (up to September 1993): External slip ring for the horn, internal clockspring flat cable for the airbag. Orange connector for the airbag with brown and blue wires.
• 32 34 1 162 804 (from September 1993): External slip ring for the horn, internal clockspring flat cable for the airbag. Black and orange connector for the airbag with brown and blue wires.
• 32 34 1 162 111 (from September 1994): Internal clockspring flat cable for the airbag and horn. Black and orange connector for the airbag with white and red wires, black and white connector for the horn with brown and blue wires.

While slip ring 32 34 1 162 804 replaced slip ring 32 34 1 160 901 in September 1993, it wasn't replaced by slip ring 32 34 1 162 111 in September 1994. The last two slip rings were used along each other depending on the type of steering wheel. The steering wheel removal instructions are the same for each slip ring apart from the shape and color of the electrical connectors.

1. Extend the steering column as far as possible towards the driver to make room for tools.
2. Disconnect the batteries.
3. Insert the car key and turn the ignition switch to position I to disengage the steering lock.
4. Position the front wheels in straight ahead position and center the steering wheel.
5. Locate the plastic screw with expanding anchor on the bottom of the lower half steering column cover.
6. Undo the screw. Its expanding anchor may remain in position.
7. Even after removing the screw the lower half steering column cover is still secured to the upper half by four retaining tabs – two on each side.
8. Firmly pull the lower half cover from the upper half. If necessary, use a flat blade between both halves to help disengage the retaining tabs but pay attention not to damage the covers.
9. With the lower half steering column cover removed locate the airbag connector. For the first two types of slip ring with only two wires, the connector is either orange or black and orange with brown and blue wires. For the last type of slip ring with four wires, the connector is black and orange with white and red wires.
10. Turn the airbag connector to remove it from its holder on the steering column and disconnect it.
11. The last type of slip ring with four wires also has a connector for the horn. The connector is black and white with brown and blue wires. Disconnect the horn connector.
12. Locate the screws on the back of the steering wheel that hold the airbag unit – usually two screws (one screw on each side of the steering column) but some steering wheels have four screws. The screws are recessed in the steering wheel base.
13. Use a Torx T30 bit to undo the screws. Turning the steering wheel a bit may provide better access to the screws. Just remember to turn it back to the centralized position afterwards.
14. Pull the airbag unit from the steering wheel and unplug the connector(s) on the backside
15. Put the airbag safely aside with the BMW emblem facing upwards. Don't put anything on top of it.
16. With the heart of the steering wheel exposed locate the M14 bolt that secures the steering wheel to the steering column.
17. Use a 21 mm socket and socket wrench to undo the M14 bolt. An extension may be required for the socket wrench. Also an extra hand to prevent the steering wheel from turning may come in handy. Never use the ignition steering lock to prevent the steering wheel from turning – it may get damaged. Removing the bolt engages the slip ring lock. Do not turn the steering wheel with the steering column bolt removed – doing so may damage the slip ring lock.
18. If not already done during a previous steering wheel removal, mark the relative position of the steering wheel to the steering column for easier installation later on.
19. Remove the steering wheel.