Steering Wheel - Squeaking Noises When Turning

GROUP 32
Steering and Wheel Alignment

Bulletin Number
32 04 99

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
August 1999
Product Engineering

SUBJECT:
Squeaking Noise From Steering Wheel

MODEL:
Z3 roadsters and coupes (2000 Model Year)

Situation:
Some DSC equipped Z3 models produced prior to July 1999 may experience a customer complaint of a squeaking noise from under the steering wheel when turning.

Cause:
A plastic rib on the back of the ribbon connector can rub on the housing for the directional switch. This is due to a reduction in the clearance in the steering wheel assembly with the DSC connector.

Correction:
The steering wheel assembly has been assembled since the last week of June 1999 to ensure adequate clearance between the connector and the switch housing. In case of customer complaint, the ribbon connector housing can be modified on earlier cars to eliminate the contact point.

Procedure:
Disconnect the battery and remove the steering wheel assembly to gain access to the ribbon connector.





Cover the two openings (1) with a piece of tape to keep debris out of the ribbon connector.

Trim the rib (2) on the ribbon connector flush with the housing using an X-Acto knife or razor blade.

Carefully remove all the plastic trimmings and tape.

Reinstall steering wheel, torque wheel to 63 Nm and airbag to 2 Nm. Reconnect battery and clear fault memory.





warranty Information:
Covered under the terms of the BMW new car limited warranty.