1999 840Ci - Steering play

[S8BMW]

Hi

I have slight play on the steering, not enough to affect handling yet but would like it to feel tight. Is there an adjustment I could do on the box or do I need it to be replaced?

Any input will be appreciated.

[SwissM8]

When you say slight, I presume it's more annoying than anything else... if this is the case, I wouldn't go for a replacement box just yet ($$$$).

There's an adjustment screw on top of the steering box. Loosen the lock-nut and see if you can tighten the nut about a quarter turn (you may be able to hand tighten it).

If this doesn't help, have a good (8serie) mechanic check your upper and lower control arms and bushings before you spend big on a new box.

Hope this helps

[S8BMW]

Hi

You are quite right, that was what I thought as well, I have the BMW CD's and identified the adjuster in question.

I will try that before anything else. Thanks for your confident assistance.

Will post in time to report progress.

[S8BMW]

Hi

Had a look under the bonnet this morning, a brief search failed to reveal even the approximate location of the steering box.

Can anyone help me in locating the exact location and best way to access the steering box. I do hope it will be relatively straight forward.

Thanking you in advance and a Happy New Year to all 8 Series owners where ever they are.

S8BMW

[SwissM8]

If you stand over the engine on the relavent steering side and look straight down, near the exhaust manifold is the box. Adjustment screw is on top of the box.
MAKE SURE the exhaust is cool before you begin.

The hexnut is hard to reach but can be done... saying this, some people will actually remove the wheel and the tierod on that side and do it from the bottom but for me, I would rather go in from the top and have the grazed knuckles

There are different makes of box but you will definitely need a 17mm open ended spanner for the big hexnut and depending on the box make, either a flatblade screwdriver or a 4.5mm allen key for the adjuster.

My advice is to initially adjust a 1/4 turn. If steering is too tight and doesn't center properly after adjusting 1/4 turn, loosen off in very very small increments and re-test.

Hope this helps.

[S8BMW]

Hi

Happy New Year.

Had a look, located the box, very narrow access, didn't yet figure out how to get in there and with tools, too cold to spend extended periods with it. I will have to wait for warmer days to proceed.

Thanks for all your help so far.