e34 Steering column adjustment

[buggalugs]

Hiya all, got a quick numpty question. I've got a 525TDS here that I'm using as a run around and loving every minute of it, but theres a problem. The top rim of the steering wheel is perfectly positioned to cover up the top half of the speedo and rev counter... the wheel slides in & out easily enough but that doesn't help. Can it be moved verticly at all?

It does seem to be positioned quite low looking at it, and its not far off the tops of my knees and yet there doesn't seem to be a way of changing it!

Apologies & paper bag on standby for obvious answer....

Thanks

[buggalugs]

Bum. Ah well. I made the seat go down a bit which helped, its still no good though really I shall take the cowling off and see if it can be relocated with a bit more persuasion.

[welwynnick]

I used to have an E34, and I recall that the column adjusted up and down and in and out.

Even in it's highest position though, it wasn't quite high enough for me (tall).

Nick

[mmm-five]

Depends on the age of the e34 and whether it has servotronic steering or not.

My 1994 3.8 M5 had reach & rake.
My 1990 3.6 M5 had reach only.
My friends 1992 3.8 M5 had reach only, but he had servotronic steering.

[welwynnick]

mmm-five said:

Depends on the age of the e34 and whether it has servotronic steering or not.

My 1994 3.8 M5 had reach & rake.
My 1990 3.6 M5 had reach only.
My friends 1992 3.8 M5 had reach only, but he had servotronic steering.

Ahhh...

I had a 1992 525i that had rake and reach adjustment. I found it very useful to make the following adjustments and repairs:

Adjust the steering box pre-load so that there's JUST no backlash in the straight-ahead position (but increasing backlash on lock, unlike a rack&pinion).

Adjust the clamp on the telescopic adjustment so there is no backlash in the adjustment splines, but the column still adjust freely.

Replace the steering universal joint just inside the engine compartment.

These measures made my E34 steer BEAUTIFULLY. My E39 540 wasn't a patch on that.

Nick