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

Necessary Preliminary Tasks: 

• Remove airbag unit. Refer to 32 34 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING AIRBAG UNIT .

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: View Of Steering Wheel Retaining Plate

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

E60, E61: Version With Sports Steering Wheel; E63, E64, Illustrations Show Steering Wheel Removed: 

Release screws (1).

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).

Installation: 

Make sure electrical leads are correctly routed.

Fig 2: Identifying Steering Wheel Retaining Plate Retaining Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

All: 

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

Fig 3: Removing Steering Wheel Electronics Control Unit

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 Guide Pins Of Steering Wheel Electronics Control Unit

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.