Dash panel / column problem

[tonyabacus]

I have an S4 Coupe which I just replaced dash wiring harness and put the dash panel back into the car.
However the actual steering column tube does not sit vertically into the dash correctly. There is only one position for the hooped bracket on the rear of the dash so can only be fitted in one position.But when the column is moved into the hoop to bolt the bottom half of the mounting, the column sits below the level of the bottom edge of the dash, not allowing the under trim panel to sit flat along the bottom of the dash panel.

Before removing the dash panel all seemed well, so perhaps I am missing a trick somewhere. Any thoughts?
Tony