Steering Wheel blocks gauge removal

[squeasel]

Hello All ... I am having trouble searching, perhaps due to "Xoutpost is currently undergoing a planned server migration".


I have a 2003 X5 3.0i North American spec and need to remove the gauge cluster. However, the steering wheel adjustments are not responding and the wheel is blocking removal of the cluster.


Is there a way to adjust the steering wheel without using the lever below the turn signal? If so, how?


Otherwise, some possible clues for it not working ... maybe important, maybe not.

1) power seats work, but seat memory does not.
2) there is no noise (like a motor) when using the steering wheel adjuster lever.
3) The door locks work automatically when the car reaches 8 MPH (or whatever the setting).
4) I recall that the steering wheel would move out of the way when the ignition was turned off. This does NOT happen now.
5) My daughters have been driving the car for quite a while now, so I do not know if the steering wheel adjuster failure coincides with any work done. We have been inside the doors many times. I recall the seat controls not working for a time, but then, as through BMW magic, they began to function again.

Questions, thoughts, comments?


Much Thanks in Advance!