61 31 231 Removing and installing/replacing steering wheel electronics control unit

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove airbag unit . See STEERING WHEEL FOR AIRBAG .

E60, E61: Version with standard steering wheel, illustrations show steering wheel removed:

Release screws (1).

Remove steering wheel retaining plate (2) upwards out of multifunction steering wheel (3).

Fig 1: Identifying Steering Wheel Retaining Plate, Steering Wheel And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

E60, E61: Version with sports steering wheel; E63, E64, illustrations show steering wheel removed:

Release screws (1).

IMPORTANT: Risk of breakage!
Lever out complete steering wheel retaining plate (4) with decorative trim (3) all round, do not tilt!

Release complete steering wheel retaining plate (4) with decorative trim (3) in direction of arrow from fixtures (2).

Disconnect associated plug connections and remove complete steering wheel retaining plate (4) with decorative trim (3).

Fig 2: Identifying Steering Wheel Retaining Plate, Decorative Trim And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Make sure electrical leads are correctly routed.

All:

Pull steering wheel electronics control unit (1) in direction of arrow out of steering wheel (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Steering Wheel Electronics Control Unit And Steering Wheel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unlock plug connections (1) and disconnect.

Remove steering wheel electronics control unit (2).

Installation:

Guide pins (3) of steering wheel electronics control unit (2) must be exactly seated in associated mountings.

Make sure electrical leads (4) are correctly routed.

Fig 4: Identifying Electrical Leads, Pins And Steering Wheel Electronics Control Unit

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.