The X3 steering column units have three components which are interlinked and must be withdrawn and fixed sequentially. It is necessary to lock the steering wheel while splitting the double joint from the steering column or steering rack to avoid the destruction of the contact reel of the MRS. Starting with the car, lift the front of car and shimmy off front left wheel, may require turning the steering to get to pinch bolts. Remove the pinch bolt on the steering rack and pullout the double joint and then remove the pinch bolt at the double joint of the lower steering column shaft. Make sure the car is stationary, the steering wheel and front wheels are aligned to straight ahead of the car and the key out of the ignition to prevent turning the steering lock when loosening the double joint with the flex disc. When installing the double joint if reusing it then make sure you clean the threads of the pinch bolt holes, replace the pinch bolts so that they sit in the grooves on the steering rack and the lower steering column, also adjust the
Steering Angle Sensor using the BMW scan tool. When reprogramming the controller for PD's, before doing the steering angle offset check, code it in case you replace the steering angle sensor. To deal with the lower steering column, lift the front of the car and remove the front left wheel, visit the universal along this joint, a pinch bolt while making sure the steering wheel is locked. Remove the lower steering column by pulling it out in this double joint section. When installing place a new pinch bolt and clean the threads of the pinch bolt holes then fit the pinch bolt in the grooves of the upper and lower steering columns then adjust the steering angle sensor. To gain access to the upper part of the steering column you must first, undo the lower part of the steering column, unfasten the trim panel above the pedal assembly as well as the upper and lower steering column shields. Pull the steering wheel back and down then remove the negative terminal from the battery, remove the crash disc from the crash sleeve under the dash. Twist the crash sleeve a little to take it off from the upper steering column spindle and insert the steering spindle into the steering column. Remove the crash sleeve and thus remove the steering wheel, the steering column stalk switch assembly, disconnect ignition interlock cable and finally, take out the wiring harness from the cable duct. Rotate the holder about 45° in clockwise direction to get the electrical link disconnected, and also to get the mounting bolts off from the upper part of the steering column support frame. With help, take off the mounting nuts at the bottom of the steering column support frame; during assembly, ensure that the interlock cable engages/releases properly and that there's full range of motion through all of the column's adjustment positions; and, if you have/Snova has imported a new one, program to the steering angle sensor with your/BMW's diagnostic scan tool.