BMW part number 32311152054 (M8x20 grade 9.8 fracture/shear bolt, superseding 32311116900 and 82306001001) fits US-market BMW 3 Series E21 and E30 models produced from 1977 through 1993. It mounts the steering column assembly to the underside of the dashboard/body structure.
- BMW 3 Series E21 (1977–1983). Fits all US-market 320i models (1977–1979 2.0L M10 and 1980–1983 1.8L M10) up through the final E21 production cutoff in 1983.
- BMW 3 Series E30 (1984–1993). Fits all US-market E30 variants from launch in 1984 through the final 1993 Convertible cutoff. Covered models include the 318i, 318is, 318iC, 325, 325e, 325es, 325i, 325is, 325iC, 325iX, and M3.
Exact Location on the Vehicle
- Upper Steering Column Mounting Bracket. Unlike the longer
32311152052 (M8x47) bolt that clamps the ignition lock to the tube, this shorter M8x20 shear bolt secures the upper steering column jacket/bracket directly to the steel dash support frame under the instrument cluster.
- Quantity & Function. Typically installed in pairs (2 bolts per vehicle) alongside standard mounting nuts. Like the ignition lock bolts, the hex head snaps off at factory torque to prevent unauthorized removal of the entire steering column assembly.
To remove old headless shear bolts from an E10 or E21 steering column, use a sharp center punch and hammer to tap the bolt counter-clockwise, or cut a flat slot into the rounded dome with a Dremel. Because factory torque is relatively low and the bolts rarely seize from rust inside the cabin, they usually spin right out once broken loose.
