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Electric Steering Wheel Lock Fault

201K views 93 replies 52 participants last post by  Senatla Reetsang 
#1 ·
Hi

On the way home this evening a red warning light "steering wheel with a pad lock on the top left corner" came on, after parking at home I got the manual out and found that this is an Electric steering-wheel lock fault and now the car will not start.
Does anyone have any ideas or will I need to be tow to the BMW dealer?
Regards
 
#8 · (Edited)
Steering Wheel Column



I reside in Los Angeles, CA, and I just had my steering wheel column replaced 2 days ago and my warranty expired a month ago. I took it to the dealership where I purchased my car and they were kind enough to give me a discount for the replacement + labor.

Why does this happen? I have a 2006 325i with less than 35,000 miles on it... What can I do to prevent this from happening again?

Is it worth purchasing extended warranty?

Thanks.
 
#6 ·
steering lock problem

Don't know if the fault is just right hand drive models. My dealer is distinctly uncommunicative and I'll be using another should I need to. Not happy to hear that someone else had a warranty replacement but now has had to pay for a further replacement, perhaps there's a larger problem here that BMW are not telling us about!?
 
#7 ·
This was an occasional problem in the first 3ers that came out in 2005-2006 with the electric steering wheel lock as well. Ours was reprogrammed under warranty and the problem has not reoccured.
 
#9 ·
My friend's 323i had his steering wheel column replaced under warrenty too. 07 model and happened quiet recently. He could not start the car so dealer pick it up with a tow truck to dealer and repaired it under warrenty. I will be pissed if this happen aftter warrentyu run out :mad:

I drive 130i and we are in Sydney AUS.
 
#11 ·
Im not really sure of the nature of this fault. It could be dangerous to be driving around with some fault on the steering.. I would call BMW service and check if it is safe to do so.

My mates car would not stsrt at all not allowing him to drive.
 
#13 ·
Occasional steering locked warninges; car reprogrammed

Occasionally I used to get those "steering locked" yellow warnings (see picture) in my 2006 325i when trying to start the car, usually after the car was parked with a tight right turn into the parking spot (hence the wheels were still turned to the right). The previous owner had the car repaired over two years ago for (defect code 3232052900) "Electric steering column adjustment ELV sticking/jammed".
I took the car to the dealer today and they reprogrammed the car. Being a software engineer I'm a little suspicious, as a software upgrade can be a way to mask "we don't know what the problem is".
Here is what the dealer invoice said: "48389 Software related did not verify condition as stated. Fault survey performed W/ISTA tester. Confirmed CAS faults (A112): CAS- ELV Fault & Fault (A116): CAS-critical status, both W/numerous fault occurrence. Performed related test plan given. Test plan recommended vehicle programming (DIAGCODE: D6100_CAS00000_90_215). Complete vehicle programming/encoding performed. Initialization of all power windows performed".
(No cost - still under warranty).
 

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#82 ·
Steering lock yellow warning, dealer name?

Occasionally I used to get those "steering locked" yellow warnings (see picture) in my 2006 325i when trying to start the car, usually after the car was parked with a tight right turn into the parking spot (hence the wheels were still turned to the right). The previous owner had the car repaired over two years ago for (defect code 3232052900) "Electric steering column adjustment ELV sticking/jammed".
I took the car to the dealer today and they reprogrammed the car. Being a software engineer I'm a little suspicious, as a software upgrade can be a way to mask "we don't know what the problem is".
Here is what the dealer invoice said: "48389 Software related did not verify condition as stated. Fault survey performed W/ISTA tester. Confirmed CAS faults (A112): CAS- ELV Fault & Fault (A116): CAS-critical status, both W/numerous fault occurrence. Performed related test plan given. Test plan recommended vehicle programming (DIAGCODE: D6100_CAS00000_90_215). Complete vehicle programming/encoding performed. Initialization of all power windows performed".
(No cost - still under warranty).
May I know the name of the dealer and the service manager 's name?

Bchuong58
 
#14 ·
So many people has complained about the same problem... isn't it very curious, the car is not called back by garage for replacement!?

They knows there's a problem with the steering column, yet they choose to avoid the subject and ignor the problem until the owner has no choice but to pay and replace column. This could be a maufacturing fault, meaning the fault already existed WHEN we bought the car.
 
#81 ·
I don't think the car will let you start the engine if your steering wheel is locking. It is the 1st step for the car to verify a legit start.

I got the problem the other day and had to tow the car using wheelies, the car couldn't even go from P to N.

I am sweating now since I am not sure how much dealer will charge me on Monday since they are off today - Sunday.
 
#16 ·
I started having this problem last week. I have a 2006 325i -- out of warranty, of course. At least every 2nd or 3rd time it locks up (today...not amber -- RED. I did get it started after much cursing and somehow getting it back to an amber warning.) I found two TSB references -- #612906 and #613406. Does anyone know where/how to access those?
 
#18 ·
*sigh* yet another omen that we shouldn't be keeping BMWs forever anymore. All these electronics that fritz and are hard to diagnose.
 
#19 ·
Yup! The very reason my 545i is now gone. After being back to the dealer 4 times (not dealers fault) to a tune of $10k+ for a car with 63k miles on it, I just couldn't justify the risk of another catastrophic (to my wallet) repair. I will say that BMW stepped up and paid more than half of that expense but these were known issues (same as this one) that should never have happened. My 545i was my favorite car I've ever owned and was sorry (still am) to see it go. Unfortunately BMW's technology has outpaced their quality. I'm sure this steering lock issue is just a $1 sensor but because of the way BMW engineered the steering column, you have to replace the whole thing for $1k.

And before the nay sayers get going... my 545i was a well documented/serviced vehicle. I may buy another BMW at some point but you can count on the fact that it will be sold before the warranty runs out. Unfortunately my friend with the 325i is thinking the same thing. It's really a sad thing to see BMW come to this.
 
#21 ·
I've been researching this issue on bimmerfest. My '06 525xi is at the dealer right now getting it fixed. (Bill so far, $800 and counting!) I just wondered if you or anyone else that you know that had this problem has contacted BMW?? It sounds like the problem is widespread, and THEY need to do something! Any new info?? THANKS!
 
#22 ·
Cost to repair Steering Wheel Lock in Australia for 320i 2006 e90

Hi All,

Just got back from the BMW specialists i use to service my 320i e90 2006. To fix the steering wheel lock issue (my warning light is at yellow whenever i start the car then it disappears) will cost $1174 for the part, $198 for the diagnostic and computer re-set, and $247.50 for the labour.

I called the dealer, they admitted that it was a known problem and that in some cases BMW Australia cover the cost of the part (or half of the cost). From what i have read on this board, despite the occasional annoyance, the cars afflicted with the red error message invariably starts up eventually. The dealer wants an extra $250 to the price above to get it fixed. Has anybody NOT opted tog et it fixed???

Cheers

Rosco
 
#23 · (Edited)
Electronic Steering Wheel Lock Fault

I have the same problem as of 2/3/2011 on a 325i 2006. I spoke to BMW and they state they have "NO RECALLS" unless issued by NHTSA. My suggestion is that everyone that has had this problem file a complaint ASAP under "STEERING" with the NHTSA making sure you have your VIN#. :google:please file your complaint with the NHTSA: https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ The more complaints, the more likely this issue would be investigated and BMW would be forced to deal with it.
 
#46 ·
I have the same problem as of 2/3/2011 on a 325i 2006. I spoke to BMW and they state they have "NO RECALLS" unless issued by NHTSA. My suggestion is that everyone that has had this problem file a complaint ASAP under "STEERING" with the NHTSA making sure you have your VIN#. :google:please file your complaint with the NHTSA: https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ The more complaints, the more likely this issue would be investigated and BMW would be forced to deal with it.
I've been getting this warning as well, on my 2006 325i.

I'll file this weekend, thanks for the info everyone.
 
#24 ·
I just got the same problem today with my 2007 E92xi . Warning light in RED. So, my car was parked at my friends house the time I was outside the country, and not driven for a month. Last week the alarm come on at 5am..they couldn't tell me why. (They live in the country, so it was probably a cat on some other animal who activated it) They didn't have the keys to turn it off. Apparently the battery is dead. So today I passed by with my E46 and tried to jump it and I had the message on my i drive screen "Electric steering wheel malfunction. The wheel cannot be unlocked/locked. Please see the nearest BMW dealer for service". So logically the only thing could happened is the battery to not give the appropriate electrical signal to the steering column or to the activating components. I don't want to change the steering column, that would be too crazy! I was reading on the forum about other peoples suggesting that the problem may come from the battery. What do you thing guys? Any help will be appreciated.
 
#25 ·
My 2007 525di M Sport got this fault as I tried to drive off the Dublin Ferry in Ireland. Cost over 1k Euros to fix - new steering column and extensive reprogramming taking a week to get done. Thing is the repair only lasted three engine starts and came back the same day as I tried to drive off the Ferry in Liverpool. So, could it be caused by any on ship electrics such as radar etc?
 
#28 ·
This has also happened to my 56-plate (UK) E90 320d. I have a red light that is always on and never goes away. However I can lock the steering when parked and it's always released when I stick the smart key in.

So my car has an AA 5-star warranty but it turns out that it covers pretty much every part of the steering apart from the steering column. Brilliant. Therefore the UK dealership (Sytner Solihull) I took it to diagnose the fault (It came back with A116), wants £693 to replace it and re-program the car.

I'm shopping around for someone who'll do that a bit cheaper as Sytner seem incredibly overpriced (and not very helpful either). I was very tempted to just put up with it as it doesn't appear to have any undesirable effect so far - but it's potentially a safety issue so need to get it sorted really.
 
#36 ·
This has also happened to my 56-plate (UK) E90 320d. I have a red light that is always on and never goes away. However I can lock the steering when parked and it's always released when I stick the smart key in.

So my car has an AA 5-star warranty but it turns out that it covers pretty much every part of the steering apart from the steering column. Brilliant. Therefore the UK dealership (Sytner Solihull) I took it to diagnose the fault (It came back with A116), wants £693 to replace it and re-program the car.

I'm shopping around for someone who'll do that a bit cheaper as Sytner seem incredibly overpriced (and not very helpful either). I was very tempted to just put up with it as it doesn't appear to have any undesirable effect so far - but it's potentially a safety issue so need to get it sorted really.
I don't think there's any safety issue with a red lock on steering wheel error - as your BMW steering wheel can never lock when you are driving it - this will be against the logics of safety driving & any system shouldn't be able to override such a setting.

But I agree to have a peace of Mind - customers are taking a minimum of 1200$ slap here in US and BMW is just sleeping about it - what d heck - m way beyond frustrated with this crappy known and widely present issue that nobody seems to care and deal about (the corporate - good will way)
Worst case scenario: car cannot start and you have to get it towed off.
 
#30 ·
Hello all. Got in my car the other night to start it and had the same POS red light come up on the dash indicating the electronic steering column lock engaged, to not turn off engine or risk the possibility of not being able to restart... This is crap.. was wondering if the software upgrade to the CAS has permanently fixed any of the models experiencing this issue or if it is only a bandaid on the real problem. I'm taking mine in Monday and told the repair shop about all the common make/model years having the same issue. Does anyone actually have the upgrade software/firmware for this CAS/ELV module or only BMW licensed dealers? I would like to apply the upgrade myself using CarSoft or INPA/similar if possible and save the $300 the dealer wants to charge for the upgrade.

Happened to my 2007 525xi after 66500 miles.
 
#33 ·
Actually cancel that - the behaviour of the aircon seems to have changed post upgrade.

Beforehand I could run the tempature at 22C and then hit the snowflake button and it would just come on. Post upgrade I now start the car (Temp left at 22C) and I find that the snowflake button flashes, but the aircon doesn't run. If I then drop the temp down to 16C the aircon comes on by itself - so I gather that the upgrade has changed how the automatic settings work.

I'm not sure if this is normal behaviour, but I'll have a bit more of a play on the way home to see what happens.
 
#34 ·
My 2006 330i is at the dealer (BMW of Alexandria) for this issue now. Out of warranty the cost is $1200 to replace the column and reprogram. I went to pick it up today and noticed right away that I had lost functionality of the voice command. They took the car back in and are running diagnostics now. I think there are some glitches when upgrading an older model vehicle with the new software. I have a 2012 loaner and I noticed that they dropped the route list function from the Nav system. It's now called arrow view and you can only see the directions one at a time rather than a list. Hope this isn't how mine is now. I feel a little snookered by this whole thing. I feel like BMW should have addressed this issue under warranty. A quick google search shows it is very common.
 
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