2025 BMW 5/7 Series Steering Shaft Universal Joint Delivery Stop

BMW has issued Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 32 02 25, a Delivery Stop for certain 2025 BMW 5 Series, 7 Series, and M5 vehicles. This bulletin, which supersedes SI B32 02 25 dated February 2025, addresses a manufacturing defect in the steering shaft universal joint that requires immediate attention before vehicles can be delivered to customers.

The core issue of this Delivery Stop is a manufacturing error where parts of the steering shaft universal joint may have been assembled without proper greasing. This oversight can lead to noticeable symptoms for drivers and necessitates a repair to ensure vehicle safety and performance.

Symptoms of the Steering Shaft Universal Joint Issue

Owners or technicians may observe specific symptoms related to the faulty steering shaft universal joint. The primary indicators of this problem include "audible squeaking and cracking noises" emanating from the steering system. Additionally, drivers might experience "more steering force is required" to turn the wheel, indicating increased friction or resistance within the steering mechanism. This condition affects the BMW i5 steering shaft universal joint, as well as other models.

Cause of the Problem

The root cause of these symptoms is a manufacturing error involving the steering shaft universal joint. Specifically, components of the universal joint may have been assembled without the necessary lubrication (grease). This lack of lubrication leads to increased friction, which in turn causes the squeaking, cracking, and increased steering effort experienced by drivers. This manufacturing defect impacts the BMW i5 steering shaft universal joint and similar components in other affected models.

Important Warnings for Owners and Dealers

BMW has issued critical directives regarding vehicles affected by SIB 32 02 25. Dealers are explicitly instructed: "Do not deliver to a customer, a New, Certified Pre-Owned or Used vehicle subject to a Delivery Stop, until the vehicle is repaired." This means that any affected 2025 BMW 5 Series, 7 Series, or M5 vehicle in dealer inventory cannot be sold or released until the steering shaft universal joint has been replaced.

Furthermore, dealers are advised: "Do not use or sell replacement equipment/parts subject to a Delivery Stop." This prevents potentially faulty parts from entering the supply chain or being installed on other vehicles. The repair must be completed before the first vehicle delivery to a customer or if the vehicle is already in the workshop for another reason.

Repair Procedure Summary

The correction for this issue involves replacing the universal joint. The procedure is detailed in REP32 31 210, which outlines the steps for technicians to follow. This ensures the proper installation of a new, correctly greased universal joint, resolving the