Steering Lock warning light (red) !

Hello all ! this is my first post. I own a 118i ES (March 2008)...mileage approx 9700. I have a red padlock over a red steering wheel showing ! Been told by dealer its safe to drive ...so taking car in this Monday. Is this a common fault on the 118i ? and will it take long to fix ? Regards Richard.

I had the same thing happen on my 07 328xi twice. Both required a complete replacement of the steering column. Once while the light was on I had difficulty starting it, but jiggling the steering wheel solved the issue. It's apparently an issue related to the steering wheel lock mechanism. Best wishes!

Thanks for reply doulan77....new steering wheel.......!!!!! Hope its just a computer glitch !!!!!!!. Richard

Well !!! Took car into dealers this morning.....was there about an hour......red lock and red steering warning light no longer showing .....BUT.....been told to take car in on Thursday morning to ......"upgrade" computer. Apparently this will take several hours !!!!!. Anyone else had this experience ? Hope all will go well !!!! Richard.

Similar problem occured earlier with mother's 325i (2006). There was a software upgrade in the US that addressed the issue and it has not occurred since. Software/Progman updates do take awhile to be loaded so be prepared for it.

After about 5 hours at dealers.......computer upgrade ..........No sign of dreaded red padlock on top of red steering wheel returning.....so far !!!!!

Oh woe !!!!! have had yellow padlock on yellow steering wheel warning appear from time to time......if it turns red.........back to the dealers for the THIRD time !!!!!! I'm not pleased !!!! Richard.

this is obviously a design flaw the extends thru years and models
everyone needs to contact corporate for this nuisance.

Originally Posted by crr1612

this is obviously a design flaw the extends thru years and models
everyone needs to contact corporate for this nuisance.

Since you had to resurrrect a long dead thread, why do you think it is still a problem?

Tom

ive checked google and babybmw and the problem exists thru years and models.
these need to be reported to consumer agencies so that bmw is compelled to assist in repairs.
this is not a car part its a revenue stream

This is an old old thread. FWIW the OP has sold his 118i. I saw him a few weeks back driving a different car.

(I think he is/was the only other bimmerfest member in this part of Wales)