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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 17 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW M5, 2009 BMW M5, 2008 BMW M5, 2007 BMW M5, and 2007 BMW 530xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove 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: Removing 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).

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: Removing Complete Steering Wheel Retaining Plate

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: Pulling Steering Wheel Electronics Control Unit In Direction Of Arrow

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: Removing Steering Wheel Electronics Control Unit

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.