Cheap BMW i5 Steering Column

Yes, the BMW i5 does have a conventional steering column – electric vehicles still use a physical steering shaft to connect the steering wheel to the rack, just as petrol or diesel cars do, so the part exists on all variants of the i5. The i5 launched in 2023 as the G60-generation electric saloon, and all versions (eDrive40, xDrive40, M60) use a physical steering column assembly. This means used columns from dismantled i5s are a genuine part you can source from a breaker.

The BMW i5 (G60) launched in 2023 and as of 2024 remains in its first generation without a confirmed facelift, so columns from 2023 and 2024 cars are likely to be from the same specification. That said, BMW does occasionally make running production changes to steering components mid-cycle, so you should confirm the part number on the column you're buying against your car's VIN with the breaker before committing. Never assume fitment without that check.

Trim level and badge do not directly dictate the steering column specification in the way engine size or drivetrain layout can, but the M60 in particular may carry a different steering column assembly to suit its higher performance setup. For the eDrive40 and xDrive40, the columns are likely to be closely related, but confirm the part number with the breaker against your registration to be sure. Cosmetic differences such as any switchgear stalks integrated into the column may also vary between trim levels, so check what is included in the used part.

The i5 shares its G60 platform with the combustion-engined 5 Series launched at the same time, and some steering components may be shared, but the i5's fully electric drivetrain and its specific driver assistance and steer-by-wire elements mean the column assemblies may differ. This is exactly the kind of cross-variant question you need to route to the breaker, who can compare part numbers from both donor and recipient cars against your registration. Do not assume platform sharing guarantees a straight swap.

The rear-axle steering (integral active steering) on the i5 operates independently at the rear wheels and does not change the front steering column itself, so the column from a car without rear-axle steering should physically be the same component. However, the overall steering system calibration and any associated electronics may differ, so confirm with the breaker that the column you're sourcing came from a car with the same specification as yours. Always verify part numbers rather than relying on trim descriptions alone.

Give the breaker your full VIN (vehicle identification number), which encodes the exact build specification of your i5 including drivetrain variant and any factory-fitted steering options. The breaker can then cross-reference the donor car's part number against yours to check compatibility before you buy. The i5 is a relatively recent model (G60, from 2023), so always confirm the part number match rather than relying on year or trim name alone.