85 325e steering column plastic

[Ak325e]

Does anyone know how to take the steering column plastic off my 85 325e?
Does the wheel need to come off?

[MR E30 325is]

The plastic surround?

Yes, the steering wheel needs to be removed.

After that, a few screws/nuts can be removed (from the underside) and you can wiggle the lower surround free (after you remove the knee bolster). The upper surround will require the removal of your gauge cluster surround plastic so you don't break it prying out the upper surround.