steering wheel adjustment

[lumpsta]

hey guys.
i just bought a 1996 318ti and was wondering if the steering wheel is adjustable because i think its placed to high for me? can i bring it down?

also. i cant lock/unlock the passager side door using the key from the driver side door? is that a common problem with the 1996 318ti or a fault in mine?

Cheers
jaysta.

[mohaughn]

Steering wheels are not adjustable.

And yes, having issues with the central locking system is common. It could either be a bad relay, or an issue with the lock actuator in the driver side door. When you lock the door from any location it should lock all of the other doors.

[lumpsta]

thnx mate for the info..
how much do u think it will cost to get the locks fixed if it is lock actuators?

[dgroebl]

But surely it has to possible to lower the entire column, perhaps by using some shimms or something. I'm gong to investigate this further as I have the same complaint with mine. I'll post back if I find anything.

[Mallard]

ive looked at this before.. and it seems do-able.. but , who wants to try?

Heres the standard compact steering column



And heres the Adjustable one on the E36 coupe/sedan/touring and cabrio..



Annoying aint it..

[Will'sBimmer]

I like the steering wheel where it is. But I guess that is just me. The conversion looks to be too much time and money.

[mohaughn]

There is no built in adjustability is what my comment was saying.. But if you want to put some spacers in where the steering shaft is mounted you can lower it...

Searc on BfC for adjusting e30 or e36 steering wheels. I've seen other people post how to do it after putting in aftermarket seats that are lower than stock seats.

[bbbmw]

Perhaps a previous owner had the keyset replaced for only the ignition and drivers door, but left the original in the passenger door? Do you have all the original keys? There is a microchip in the key that matches the ignition.

The dealer told me that BMW didn't put an adjustable wheel in it because the seat rake adjustment (middle lever) was supposed to suffice. But that may have just been marketing.