Steering column up and down DIY fix.

Just wanted to make a small DIY thread about a problem I had with my steering column not going up or down. I asked how much it would cost at the dealership to fix this problem. They told me that I would have to replace the whole steering column to fix it. They quoted me $800. Well I wasn’t going to pay the dealership $800. You can hear the motor trying to going up and down, when you hit the button. I took off the bottom cover in front of the gauge cluster and then I was able to see some of the linkage and steering column. There is a retainer clip that was stuck and causing the motor to lock up. I took a long screw driver and used a hammer to lightly wedge the screw driver tip into the clip. This was enough to free the linkage. This may not fix every ones steering column problem. But I would try this if you can hear the motor trying to go up and down.

Could you explain the best way to remove the facia piece, I am a klutz and if there is a right/wrong way, I will try the latter. I would hate to mar that beautiful facia but the steering really needs to elevate/lower. Appreciate your advice and love the rims on your bimmer.

It just pops out....They have friction pins on it...it's an upward motion.

I appreciate your reply dannydos, forgive my trepidation in this matter, that's just me. Did you use a special tool to lever the facia panel up? When you hammered the screw driver into the washer does this mean it is a split washer or are you inserting the tip between the rod and the washer? I'm just paranoid about getting this right. Thanx.

Mine moves manually fine. But when I turn the car off it used to go to adjust itself, and when turning the car on it would go back to the position you had it in - this does not work on mine anymore. It doesn't automatically adjust when turning car off and on, I wonder if this is similar to your problem you had.

Really surprised the sdealer wanted $800 without even checking to see if they can fix it. Thieves straight up.

Hey I tried giving this a shot earlier...Damn that things on tight, not sure if I should have wedged between the screw and washer, or washer and rod? Tried both, they both gave no play. Or is this just me?

Originally Posted by raffles999

I appreciate your reply dannydos, forgive my trepidation in this matter, that's just me. Did you use a special tool to lever the facia panel up? When you hammered the screw driver into the washer does this mean it is a split washer or are you inserting the tip between the rod and the washer? I'm just paranoid about getting this right. Thanx.

just grab the panel with two hands and pull it up..it's a retainer washer..just hit it a few times to wedge the tip of the screwdriver. DO NOT remove the washer..That retainer gets stuck on the worm wheel...you're just trying to un seize it, by wedging the screwdriver tip into it...

Originally Posted by mj745

Mine moves manually fine. But when I turn the car off it used to go to adjust itself, and when turning the car on it would go back to the position you had it in - this does not work on mine anymore. It doesn't automatically adjust when turning car off and on, I wonder if this is similar to your problem you had.

Really surprised the sdealer wanted $800 without even checking to see if they can fix it. Thieves straight up.

Try setting the seat memory on your car...

Originally Posted by 7SERIESBMW

Hey I tried giving this a shot earlier...Damn that things on tight, not sure if I should have wedged between the screw and washer, or washer and rod? Tried both, they both gave no play. Or is this just me?

There is a small opening on the retainer washer...This is where you want to insert the screwdriver tip...Now this action did help me out with my problem...Because my worm wheel was stuck on that washer..

Very cool. Didn't realize it was that easy to get to the steering column mechanism. Mine works fine, but makes some noise. Probably just needs to be lubricated.

pictured above is your steering wheel in the up or down position?

Mine is stuck in the up position and I cannot seem to get the screw driver in there.

Mine squeeks when it goes down when I start the car, do you take the top cover or the lower cover to lubricate it ?

Originally Posted by denalixtc

pictured above is your steering wheel in the up or down position?

Mine is stuck in the up position and I cannot seem to get the screw driver in there.

It's in the up position. You have to use a long flat head screwdriver. Can you hear the motor trying to go up and down..?

Originally Posted by mikegoblan

Mine squeeks when it goes down when I start the car, do you take the top cover or the lower cover to lubricate it ?

I was able to use spray lube on some of the components, and I used grease on the worm wheel.

Originally Posted by dannydos

It's in the up position. You have to use a long flat head screwdriver. Can you hear the motor trying to go up and down..?

yes, and i see a cable in a white plastic casing trying to turn the mechanism, but it doesnt go. I tried a little wd40 and screw driver thing but it wont budge, maybe I am doing something wrong... any other advice, i really would love to fix this.

the worm wheel is stuck..you just have to find that sweet spot to free it...or you could try taking the linkage out.

Originally Posted by dannydos

... I took off the bottom cover in front of the gauge cluster and ...

dannydos, this may be an 'idiot' question but how do i remove the above mentioned fascia? i just want to make sure i don't break any clips or plastic parts. otherwise, thanks for the write-up.

It just pops out.

I fixed my issue, not sure if this is what the OP meant when he was trying to explain where to put the flat head but if it is this may help clarify...

My steering wheel would not go up and down, but it would go in and out. To fix the up and down i took a flat head screw driver and stuck it into the little gap in the washer looking thing pointed out by the green arrow in the picture below. I then tapped it with a hammer and it "unlocked"... I put some anti-seize on it and have yet to have the same issue. Hope this helps guys..

Originally Posted by denalixtc

I fixed my issue, not sure if this is what the OP meant when he was trying to explain where to put the flat head but if it is this may help clarify...

My steering wheel would not go up and down, but it would go in and out. To fix the up and down i took a flat head screw driver and stuck it into the little gap in the washer looking thing pointed out by the green arrow in the picture below. I then tapped it with a hammer and it "unlocked"... I put some anti-seize on it and have yet to have the same issue. Hope this helps guys..

awesome pic man! That's what I was trying to show. I wasn't able to get a great pic like that. Glad my tip helped you out.

mj745,
I had same problem. When I replaced the battery, I left the car for a couple hours not connected and when I reconnected the battery , the wheel works

Originally Posted by jacekz

mj745,
I had same problem. When I replaced the battery, I left the car for a couple hours not connected and when I reconnected the battery , the wheel works

haha how the heck did that work, mine is still not budging. I'm temped to open it up too because when I hit bumps on the road I hear annoying squeeking in that area. I'm assuming it's the steering wheel because I can't locate the exact location. Sometimez I think it's the dash- AnNoYiNG

Where was this write up at last week?? hahah..i'm getting my steering column replaced at the dealer tommorow (under warranty)...hmm..i could try this first and save myself the 50$ CPO fee.

Did you use any tools to lift/pop the panel piece or is is just a hand jobby?

Originally Posted by denalixtc

I fixed my issue, not sure if this is what the OP meant when he was trying to explain where to put the flat head but if it is this may help clarify...

My steering wheel would not go up and down, but it would go in and out. To fix the up and down i took a flat head screw driver and stuck it into the little gap in the washer looking thing pointed out by the green arrow in the picture below. I then tapped it with a hammer and it "unlocked"... I put some anti-seize on it and have yet to have the same issue. Hope this helps guys..

I have a friend with this steering wheel issue & I may try giving him a hand to fix it using this DIY tutorial. I see how to remove the bottom cover in front of the gauge cluster. I am just wondering if I would need to remove any other panels or other coverings on either the dash or steering wheel column in order to do this fix or is removing the gauge cluster panel all that is needed to get access to the washer? TIA

PS: he is driving a 2007/750Li