Finally found a way to adjust/tighten the steering box on RHD 540i

[Jaaap]

Finally found a way to adjust/tighten the steering box on RHD 540i without lifting the engine.
Removed the airbox and undid 1 screw for the ABS block so that it can be lifted about 1cm to give you a little extra room.

Tools used:
Crow foot 17mm like these:
662865

Extra long 5mm allen key with rounded/swivel head like these:
662866
Then i cut off the "hook" part of the allen key and bent the swivelhead 15° like so:
662867

Then using a normal 5mm socket and a couple of loooong extensions i could finally reach the outer bolt and hold it while adjusting the inner allen key.
662868

[edjack]

Did you use a torque wrench to measure the torque when passing through the straight-ahead position? Critical measurement. If not done correctly, it will damage the box.

IIRC, it was a very small torque.

[Jaaap]

No i left the wheels at a large angle and kept feeling the slop and the resistance in the steering wheel as i tightened the allen screw.
But you are right, you should measure the torque in the steering wheel.

[Santaclaus4]

I think the drag torque is only about 6-10 inch pounds. It's not much and would be very hard to feel just by turning the steering wheel with all the steering components attached, even when the wheels are off the ground.
I've been dealing with this on both of my 540's. I just tighten the allen set screw a tiny bit and go for a drive. Then either loosen or very slightly tighten further depending on what it feels like.
My actual procedure is a little more involved than that and is more accurate than what I just typed but that's the gist (cliff notes version).

[edjack]

BTW, the torque reading is with the pitman arm disconnected from the drag link. Easiest way is to break the connection to the drag link. That way, you don't disturb the steering box connection.

[TiesTorN]

is there any easy way to this on lhd cars?

[Santaclaus4]

Yes there is a way. Both of my cars are left hand drive. I had to build a special tool to break the locknut loose. I've gotten to where I can make an adjustment from the engine compartment in just a couple minutes as long as the engine is cold. Not as much fun on a warm engine due to the exhaust being in the way and hot.

[TiesTorN]

Yes there is a way. Both of my cars are left hand drive. I had to build a special tool to break the locknut loose. I've gotten to where I can make an adjustment from the engine compartment in just a couple minutes as long as the engine is cold. Not as much fun on a warm engine due to the exhaust being in the way and hot.
would it be too much if I asked for pictures? :) it's hard to imagine it just with a text.

[Santaclaus4]

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2416360-Steering-Advice-Wanted
The pictures of the special tool I made are on item #17.
I need to take pictures of it attached to the extension and make a "how to" thread at some point.