Telescopic steeringwheel repair, anyone?

[CarTopics]

Has anyone attempted to repair the telescoping steering wheel? The in-out works but the up-down tilt doesn't. The motor works and it will lift it with a little help, once lifted it will lower. Otherwise (with no help) it just turns in place... I looked under the steering column and it looks to be a threaded rod that moves in and out on a plastic axis. I can only imagine that the plastic threads have worn out? Is there a new plastic part that can be replaced? Or is it more headache than achievement?

[nderwater]

Something similar just started happening on our 2001 530i. While running errands over the weekend my wife and I noticed that while the seat and mirrors would adjust to their memory settings, the steering column would reset to the top and fully extended position. This morning she texted me letting me know that the steering wheel wouldn't adjust at all - it was stuck at extended and up. No weird noises or anything, it simply won't respond to the control stalk. Anyone have any idea what I should try troubleshooting first?

[CarTopics]

At this point the steering wheel can be "helped" in the up position, but it will slide down by itself...I think the teeth (plastic) that threads the up-down movement have completely worn off. Is this a job that can be done in my garage? Or will it require various powertools? It looks like the steering (telescopic) box has 4 nuts and it will come down...Can I replace just the telescopic box part with motors without changing the ignition tumbler/lock etc?

Thanks!

[Reefin Dude]

Have you looked at www.realoem.com and seen how it is put together yet? This is where I would start in order to see what is probably the problem.

G~

[CarTopics]

Thanks for the reply. yes, I did check "real OEM". The piece is a self enclosed unit. It doesn't show the parts separate. I just wondered if anyone has ever done it and if it is a project that I could take on myself.
01Support.bracket w/steering column tube
1

32311094266

[CarTopics]

Anyone?

[Vipsa]

I've posted the exact same issue before and there was no help. Mine is the same but up and down works, in and out doesn't. It seems like the only solution is a new motor for the telescoping features.

[CarTopics]

The motor works, it's just the adjusting teeth (plastic) that are worn. I was hoping someone did this repair before...I wanted to know how difficult the repair was...

[Vipsa]

Even if there was a way to change the gears inside, where would you get them? If you figure this out, don't forget to post the solution.

[steinec]

solution <http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=535918>