Steering wheel will not go up or down needs Part # 32316760684
 

Hello everyone, having a problem with my steering wheel not going up or down. I removed the plastic collars and found out that this cable wire rope like thing which is called SHAFT VERTICAL ADJUSTING Part # 32316760684 is broken. Looks like the metal strands have pulled apart inside and are no longer connected to the bolt. I was able to spin the bolt manually and wheel moves up and down.

That cable connects to the motor then connects to a long bolt which rotates when you adjust the steering wheel. It appears to be wire rope covered in a plastic tubing. Has anyone every had this problem and if so is it possible to order the part and replace it myself.

The wife is pissed off :rant:because she can not drive the X without adjusting the steering wheel. (She is only 4'8) If anyone can shed some light on this subject, I would truly appreciate it.

Part is # 12 in picture

Anybody ?

Number 12 in that diagram for those wondering.

Looks like that part number is for the vertical motor. I wonder if the horizontal one is broken as well. Looks like the part is only 20ish online. Cheap enough to buy it and give it ago. Worst case scenario your steering wheel still doesn't move after digging into it a little more.

Steering wheel goes back and forth ( front to back ) and both motors are good. If I don't get any help looks like I will be ordering that part along with part 13 since I'm in there to avoid future trouble. If all goes well, I will record and document my process for future reference, but I would like some insight on this before I go in and start tearing stuff apart.

"BlackBMWs" discussed this with photos in E39 forum:
Drivers Seat, Steering Wheel problem

Here's an excellent DIY for replacing the motor shaft. I replaced mine Monday.


http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ement-diy.html .

[QUOTE=Kristophe;1013450]Here's an excellent DIY for replacing the motor shaft. I replaced mine Monday.


Ahhhhh.. just what I was looking for. Thanks a lot :thumbup:, you've just saved me lots of headaches. Appreciate it. :) Will be replacing the other "shaft" while I'm in there.