Steering wheel lock assembly

[TheGreek]

Hey I have an e36 323is and I'm replacing the steering wheel lock assembly but I ran into a problem. The two bolts that hold it in place. Does anyone know how to take the two bolts out?

[PrimeTimeSlime]

I just destroyed two steering columns trying to get that thing off. Be very careful because there are small ball bearings inside the column, and if you don't use a special tool to remove everything, you will mess it up.

That said, those tamper proof bolts you are running into are a pain. The only way I was able to get them off was with and air chisel. You could also try cutting a slot in the top with a dremel and using a flathead.

Once you get them off, you will notice that the cast aluminum ignition assembly still wont come off. It is held on by a ring that is in the end of the column. DO NOT TRY TO PRY THIS OUT! Little ballbearings will go everywhere and suddenly your perfectly good steering column will be useless. There is a special tool that you will need to use to get it out.

It may be cheaper and easier to just get a junkyard steering column, and swap the key barrels.