1/16/24, 7:35 AM

32 02 23_UNUSUAL NOISES WHILE MOVING THE ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN IN THE AXIAL DIRECTION

2024-01-04
This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B32 02 23 dated August 2023.
What’s New (Specific text highlighted):
Procedure

MODEL
F90 (M5 Sedan)
F95 (X5 M Sports
Activity Vehicle)
G07 (X7 Sports
Activity Vehicle)
G16 (8 Series Gran
Coupe)

F91 (M8 Convertible)
F96 (X6 M Sports
Activity Coupe)
G12 (7 Series Sedan)
G30 (5 Series Sedan)

F92 (M8 Coupe)
G05 (X5 Sports
Activity Vehicle)
G14 (8 Series
Convertible)
G32 (640i xDrive Gran
Turismo)

F93 (M8 Gran Coupe)
G06 (X6 Sports
Activity Coupe)
G15 (8 Series Coupe)

SITUATION
Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction.
1. A one-time thump sound at the start of movement

Shortly after the steering column starts moving, retracting, or extending, a one-time thump noise is heard.
See attached video V32 03 23
2. Humming noise while steering column extends in the axial direction.

The sound is only heard when the steering column is extended, not when the steering column is retracted.
When the steering column starts to move in the extended direction, the humming noise can be heard. See
attached video V32 04 23

CAUSE
An excessively high break-away force of the spline shaft when starting the steering shaft movement causes
a frictional vibration.
The high break-away force of the splined
shaft (1) is caused by the inadequate
distribution or the thickening of grease in
certain areas of the splined shaft. Steering
wheel shaft (2), steering wheel connection (3).

CORRECTION
Re-distribution of the grease in the internal gearing of the steering wheel shaft (2), in the image above
NOTE: Additional lubrication is not permitted

PROCEDURE
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32 02 23_UNUSUAL NOISES WHILE MOVING THE ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN IN THE AXIAL DIRECTION

NOTE: TeileClearing case not required for these specific noises
1. Remove the steering wheel as per REP 32 33 001/501 or 010/510
2. Move the steering column in the extended direction as far as possible towards the driver.

3. Through the opening of the steering wheel
shaft (2), ensure the even distribution of
grease in the internal gearing of the steering
wheel shaft.
Insert a long thin object, such as a
vacuum hose (1), minimum length
30cm, into the internal gearing of the
steering wheel shaft and evenly
distribute the grease. See attached
video V32 05 23
In some cases, the grease may be
located at the bottom of the shaft and
will need to be pulled up to evenly
distribute on the internal gearing of the
steering wheel shaft.
NOTE: Additional lubrication is not
permitted

PARTS INFORMATION
Not required.

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

3231153900

Steering column adjustment, electric Unpleasant noises

Obtain the flat rate unit (FRU) allowances for the following that applies.

Diagnosis
Labor
Operation

Description

Labor Allowance

32 99 000*

Diagnosing and verifying the specific noises described in
the Situation section (Work time)

WT

Diagnosis Worktime Flat Rate

2 FRU

Or
00 58 500*

And, together with the diagnosis above that applies:
Labor
Operation
32 33 001
Or:

Description

Labor Allowance

Removing and installing the steering wheel (Main work)

As applicable

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32 02 23_UNUSUAL NOISES WHILE MOVING THE ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN IN THE AXIAL DIRECTION

32 33 501

Removing and installing the steering wheel
(Plusposition)

As applicable

Or:
32 33 010
Or:

Removing and installing the sports steering (Main work)

As applicable

32 33 510

Removing and installing the sports steering
(Plusposition)

As applicable

Work time to rework the grease to ensure that it is evenly
distribution in the internal gearing of the steering wheel
shaft

2 FRU

And:
32 99 000**
And:
Additional Work Labor Operation Code(s) that may also apply (Not applicable to all Models)
Labor Operation
32 33 900
32 33 800
32 33 801

Description
Additional work with microencapsulated
Additional work with automatic rocker switch
Additional work with vibration actuator

Labor Allowance
As applicable
As applicable
As applicable

If you are using a Main labor code for any another repair (only one allowed per workshop visit), use the
applicable Plus code labor operation code 32 33 501 or 32 33 510 instead of 32 33 001 or 32 33 010.
Work time labor operation code 32 99 000 and 00 58 000 are not considered Main labor operations.

**Note for 32 99 000: For those applicable centers, claim work time labor operation code 32 99 000 one
time for the total FRU amount that applies, then itemized the amount claimed on the repair order and in the
claim comments.
*Based on which one applies to your center, please refer to SI B01 01 20 or B01 07 20 for the applicable
procedure for documenting, claiming, and explaining, on the RO and in the claim comments, your diagnosis
work time (WT), job/repair work time (WT), and the vehicle repairs your center performed, unless otherwise
required by State law.
BMW Group’s AIR Application Resource for Flat Rate Labor Operation Codes
To determine which of the flat rate labor operation codes above apply to the vehicle being repaired and to
obtain the corresponding flat rate unit (FRU) allowances from the BMW Group’ AIR application resource,
start by entering the Chassis Number, which consists of the VIN’s last seven (7) characters or use the full
VIN. Click on the “Search” button, and then enter the applicable flat rate labor operation in the FR code field.

FEEDBACK REGARDING THIS BULLETIN
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Parts Feedback

Supporting Materials
Videos
32 03 23
32 04 23
32 05 23
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To submit feedback for the technical topic of this bulletin: Submit your
feedback in the rating box at the top of this bulletin
To submit feedback for the CLAIMS section of this bulletin: Submit an IDS
ticket to the Warranty Department, or use the chat available in the
Warranty Documentation Portal
To submit feedback for the PARTS section of this bulletin: Submit an IDS
ticket to the Parts Department

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