Change steering column switch
Instructions BMW F models
Are the indicators or windshield wipers going crazy? Is the steering angle sensor defective? Do some buttons on the steering wheel no longer work or have the gearshift paddles failed? The most common cause of these symptoms is a defective steering column switch/shift center. The control unit could be defective or an internal connection could have become loose.
However: Changing the steering column switch (shift center, SZL) on BMW F models seems more difficult than it actually is. These specific instructions will show you how easy it is to change the steering column switch on BMW F models yourself.
- Required tools & spare parts
- Step 1: Disconnect the battery
- Step 2: Removing the airbag and steering wheel
- Step 3: Dismantling the old steering column switch (SZL)
- Step 4: Install new steering column switch (SZL)
- Step 5: Refitting the steering wheel and airbag
- Step 6: Code new steering lock switch (SZL)
- Step 7: Calibrate the steering angle sensor
- Conclusion on the instructions
- More articles
Required tools & spare parts
Steering column switch / SZL module *
BMW F22 F30 F32 F36 F82 SZL SHIFT CENTER 9253751 (For BMW F30)
* Affiliate links are marked with a *. When you purchase one of these products, we receive a small commission. Nothing changes for you and the offer/price remains the same. You can find more information about affiliate links here here.
Step 1: Disconnect the battery
The first step is to Safely disconnect the battery. The main reason for this is that the Airbag is removed and you do not want to generate any unnecessary error codes. It is also generally advisable to Work on the electrics Disconnect the power source (battery) from the vehicle.
To do this, switch off the engine and open the Battery housing in the trunk. You then either clamp the Negative pole (black cable) or the Positive pole (red cable). It is not necessary to disconnect both poles, but can still be done as an additional safety measure.
Important: Do not close the trunk! Of course, your car's central locking system won't work without power either. You could accidentally lock yourself out.
Step 2: Removing the airbag and steering wheel
The M package is removed in the same way as the standard steering wheel. On the side of the Rear side of the respective steering wheel are two slots or holes. Insert the large slotted screwdriver into these holes as shown in the photo. In doing so, you try to Lever on the respective side to release the airbag. The "click" will be audible. Then pull out the airbag plug and carefully lay the airbag to one side (see pictures).
The steering wheel is equipped with a 16 mm hexagon head screw to the steering column. When removing the screw, you can remove the steering wheel simply pull out.
Step 3: Dismantling the old steering column switch (SZL)
Next, first remove the upper cover of the steering column and then the lower one. These are covered with Plastic clips and can be easily unclipped. On the rear of the switching center are still two plugs, that need to be solved. One has a "Lever lock". To release it, simply push the lever upwards and pull out the plug.
The steering column switch/shift center is equipped with four 8 mm hexagon head screws screwed to the steering column. Once the screws are out, you can simply remove the unit. Remove from the steering column.
Step 4: Install new steering column switch (SZL)
The new steering column switch is simply reinserted into reverse order for disassembly screwed on and connected. The steering column module can no longer be fitted incorrectly at this point, as the screw holes do not even allow it.
Step 5: Refitting the steering wheel and airbag
On the thread of the There is a notch in the steering columnwhich is linked to the Notch on the thread of the steering wheel matches. This has the effect that you cannot put the steering wheel back in the wrong position. So you don't have to worry about the correct position of the steering wheel when you refit it. You also plug the airbag back in and carefully push it into position until you feel the "Click" on both sides.
When everything is back on, reconnect the battery and start the car. Should No error messages appear (such as with the BMW F30 LCI) and everything works again, is finished this guide for you. Depending on the model, however, it is likely that you will now Error messages get. In this case, a Coding necessary, as the car did not recognize the new SZL.
Step 6: Code new steering lock switch (SZL)
For the Coding you need a OBD/Enet cable* and the Program E-Sys. As you do not need to make any changes to the FLA, the normal version from E-Sys and the PRO version is not required.
1.) Establish connection with vehicle
First of all, switch on the Ignition from your BMW. Then connect your laptop to your BMW via the OBD/Enet cable and the OBD socket on the car. This is located in the Driver's side footwell.
Then either switch on the engine or connect the battery to a voltage source. We recommend that you always carry out all coding at running engine or when charging the battery to make.
The first task is to Connect the program to the vehicle. To do this, click on the top connection button and select your model from the table below. In principle, it does not matter which of the two available entries you select for your model. The only important thing is that you not the "DIRECT" variant you select. For the F30, for example, you must select the F20 variant.
In the same window, accept the following settings and click on "Connect".
2.) Read out vehicle order (FA) and ECM
The next step is to FA to read out and then the individual control units. To do this, click on the following buttons in the order shown to:
In the list of control units, a folder with the name "SZL_LWS" is available. This designation stands for steering column shift center and steering angle sensor. This is the Control unit of the steering column switch, which is to be reassigned to the vehicle.
3.) Assign new CAFD and code into the vehicle
If you open the SZL folder, you will see that the Point CAFD is not green. This means that the new control unit no CAFD assigned is. To do just that, you must first change your current Software I level to find out. To do this, go to the menu "VCM" and on the button "Master". Next, click on the button "Read".
The I-Step you make a note of and finally go back to the menu "Coding" again. Now select the SZL_LWS control unit folder again and click on "Determine CAF for SWE". A list of the CAFD available for the control unit emerge. The CAFD, which is associated with the Date of your I-Step matches, select and confirm with "OK„.
When the new CAFD is assigned, you make a Right-click on the folder "SZL_LWS" and click "Coding". When the coding is complete, restart the car and the steering column switch should work again. For a detailed procedure, see the video at the top.
Step 7: Calibrate the steering angle sensor
There are various ways to calibrate the steering angle sensor after replacing the TCS. The method with the Program ISTA+ (diagnostic tool from BMW). However, some OBD diagnostic scanners now also have the "Calibrate steering angle sensor" in the luggage.
Since the installation of the program ISTA+ complex and does not always work to 100%, we calibrate the steering angle sensor in this manual with the MUCAR CS4*. The MUCAR CS4 is a diagnostic device with 5 Maintenance functions (incl. steering angle sensor calibration) and the conventional OBD functions such as Step 5: Read out the fault memory and so on. In our opinion the Perfect tool for hobby screwdrivers.
- 【10 Complete OBD-II / EOBD functions】 Supports the standard OBD-II protocol according to...
- 【4 System Diagnostics】The Mucar CS4 diagnostic software is a free lifetime upgrade, a free upgrade to...
- 【5 MAINTENANCE RESETS】The Mucar CS4 Car Scanner offers an additional 5 free lifetime maintenance...
- 【EU-OBFCM】This product complies with the European Union (EU) Regulation 2020, which...
First, turn on the ignition and connect the diagnostic device to your car. To do this, simply plug the cable from the MUCAR into the OBD socket and starts up the device. When the device has started up and all Updates installed you go to the menu "Maintenance & Service". Then click on the field "SAS".
Next, move the steering wheel to Center position. The center position is reached when your wheels aligned straight ahead are. Alignment can be performed according to A sense of proportion This is sufficient for the configuration.
Finally, simply follow the Instructions on the screen and lets the appliance do its work.
Conclusion on the instructions
If you have followed all the steps correctly and in sequence, there should have been no problems when replacing the steering column switch. However, if there are any problems, we always have a open ear and we will try to inform you about our Contact form to help.
We generally classify these Repair as easy and believe that this swap will help everyone "Hobbyist" at home yourself. Nevertheless, we would like to mention at this point that we No liability for any damage and these instructions are only intended as a remedy. The responsibility lies with you.
Affiliate links are marked with a *. Nothing changes for you and the offer/price remains the same. You can find more information about affiliate links here here.
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