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SI B32 01 15
Steering and Wheel Alignment

July 2015
Technical Service

SUBJECT

Noise When Adjusting the Steering Column Up or Down
MODEL

F15 (X5)
F16 (X6)
F85 (X5 M)
F86 (X6 M)
SITUATION

Creaking noise when raising or lowering the steering column position
CAUSE

Steering column adjustment
PROCEDURE

Verify if the noise occurs when raising or lowering the steering column position.
1. Remove the steering column shroud as per the repair instruction RA 32 31 020, Removing and
installing lower section of steering column shroud
2. Adjust the steering column position up and down and check if the noise is present.
a. If the noise does not continue with the shroud removed, reinstall the upper and lower shroud
sections and repair as necessary (adjust the proper position of the shroud)
b. If the noise continues, proceed to step 3

3. Apply BMW universal antifriction spray P/N 83 23 2 327
735 to the contact face of the
cross section support on the left
side of the steering column.
Remove any excess grease.

4. Adjust the steering column position up and down with shroud sections removed and check to see if the
noise is present.
a. If the noise is eliminated after applying the grease, reinstall the upper and lower sections of the
steering column shroud

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b. If the noise continues after applying the grease, proceed to step 5
5. Replace the steering column
PARTS INFORMATION

Part Number

Description

Used Quantity

83 23 2 327 735

Universal Lubricating Spray -12oz

2oz

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks.
Defect Code:

32 31 15 39 00

Labor Operation:

Labor Allowance:

Description:

Refer to KSD

Removing and
installing or replacing
lower section of
steering column trim
panel

2 FRU

Work time to raise
and lower steering
column position,
apply lubricating
spray and verify
noise is eliminated or
continues

32 31 020

And:

32 99 000

If you are using a Main labor code for another repair, use the Plus code labor operation 32 31 520 instead.
Refer to KSD2 for the corresponding flat rate unit (FRU) allowances.
Work time labor operation code 32 99 000 is not considered a Main labor operation. Also, since the FRU
allowance is specified, a separate punch time is not required.
Sublet - Materials

Sublet Code 4

See sublet
reimbursement
calculation below

Reimbursement for the used
quantity of Universal Lubricating
Spray (Bulk container reference P/N
83 23 2 237 735, 12oz container. Do
not use this part number for claim
submission)

Sublet calculation: Reimbursement for 2oz of Universal Lubricating Spray (Bulk container reference P/N 83
23 2 237 735, 12oz container) at dealer net plus handling.
Enter this material cost in sublet and itemize the amount in the claim comment section.
[ Copyright ©2015 BMW of North America, Inc. ]

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