2013 F11 Steering column ticking

[gizard]

Hi,

My 2013 F11 has recently developed a slight ticking noise - sounds like a piece flexible plastic or a wire springing past something when you turn the wheel - it's obviously most noticeable when parking and turning lock to lock. I took of the column plastic cover but can't see anything that might be causing it there - it seems to be coming from between the column itself and the steering wheel. - any suggestions?

[BFleming]

It's probably the slip ring, the electrical contact piece between the steering wheel and the column. Sometimes called a clock spring. Do all your steering wheel buttons work?
The bad news is that BMW won't sell you a slip ring on its own, but instead the whole switch unit (indicator / wipers etc). The part number is 61319354051 - or 61319354052 if you have high beam assist.
Ebay might be useful here.
You may have to reset your steering angle sensor afterwards too (certainly the case on other BMW's).

[gizard]

Hmm I did wonder if it was something like that but all the buttons do work, well certainly on the wheel I will have to double check the stalks - yes it does have HBA and adaptive lights. So could it just be something that has come loose?

What is the procedure for removing the airbag these days I did it in the past on a E90 to look at the paddle shifters but not on an F series (it is the msport wheel with the round airbag / centre?

Cheers

G.

[BFleming]

On that wheel there are holes at the 3-o'clock and 9-o'clock positions to insert a flat blade screwdriver. This releases the airbag spring.
In my limited experience, there is no fixing the slip ring once they break.

[gizard]

Cool thanks I will take a look - any precautions with regard to the airbag - will it cause an error if removed?

cheers

G.

[helix402]

Official airbag removal:

Disconnect battery -ve lead

Unofficial:

Ign off, remove airbag

[BFleming]

As above. As long as you don't switch the ignition on whilst you have the airbag removed, it will remain error free. If you go the battery disconnection route, make sure you don't accidentally close the boot.