Steering column adjustment?

[The Driver]

Is it possible to lower the E30's steering wheel position? I know a bunch of old cars have the steering column adjustment but is it possible in the E30. I'd like to drop the wheel about an inch or two. Any idea's?

[BrewCity11]

I've seen someone put a spacer in there. I'll try and find the link for you.

So, yes, it can be lowered a little.

[The Driver]

Thanks, I appreciate it very much!

[xLibelle]

Pretty much impossible if you want to retain original interior covers unless you do some cutting.

[BrewCity11]

Found it.

If you haven't seen the whole thread, go ahead and do so now. Mint build up there.

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42613

The post about the steering column drop is #245

[The Driver]

Pretty much impossible if you want to retain original interior covers unless you do some cutting.

My original undertray for the steering column is... F*&ked lol. so I'm not to worried esp since it's an 86 with that cardboard insert.

Thanks again Brew!

[The Driver]

Ran into a delema...

Bmw uses round bolts to lock in the steering column how the hell do I remove them...

Something like this but the other side where the bolt gets locked in round also! How the hell...

[nando]

they are shear bolts, they are meant to break in the event of an accident. I'm not sure I would mess with them just to lower the column, personally.

[Eric]

they are shear bolts, they are meant to break in the event of an accident. I'm not sure I would mess with them just to lower the column, personally.

yes and no. they are shear bolts, but it is for anti-theft, not accident collapsing. when they install the bolts at the factory the head breaks off to prevent somebody from unbolting the column and bolting another in to drive the car off without the original key.

to remove them, I made a big slot in the heads like a screwdriver slot with a dremel tool. Then i took a punch and hammer and banged on the sides of the slot to start the rotation. Once broken loose just stick a screw driver in there and unscrew them.

I put a 50mm spacer in mine to bring my colum down. works great!

[xLibelle]

Oh

[The Driver]

Just blasted them out with a drill. Came out nice an smooth going to go pick up new bolts an bushings. I'll snip some pix for who ever is thinking about this.

[nando]

yes and no. they are shear bolts, but it is for anti-theft, not accident collapsing. when they install the bolts at the factory the head breaks off to prevent somebody from unbolting the column and bolting another in to drive the car off without the original key.

to remove them, I made a big slot in the heads like a screwdriver slot with a dremel tool. Then i took a punch and hammer and banged on the sides of the slot to start the rotation. Once broken loose just stick a screw driver in there and unscrew them.

I put a 50mm spacer in mine to bring my colum down. works great!

interesting, good to know. I do know the airbag column is a huge pain in the ass.. the non-airbags don't have those bolts AFAIK.

[BrewCity11]

I'll snip some pix for who ever is thinking about this.

Please do!

[rThor432]

I cut the heads off.

[ezed]

it might be easier to adjust the seat