E90 Steering wheel lock malfunction

VANOS · 12-06-2010, 06:40 PM

Hey guys, i have a malfunction with my steering wheel lock and was wondering if there was a recall on them. Apparently from what I heard there is a recall on them. Does anyone know if this is true?

guerilla twang · 12-06-2010, 06:54 PM

Yep, there sure is a recall.

FWIW this is in the wrong section.

VANOS · 12-06-2010, 07:01 PM

Thanks man! It's just the dealer says there isn't and they're charging me like 757 bucks not including tax. They said they are changing the steering column and replacing it with a new one.Yet, I'm hearing there is a recall :/

just4kickz · 12-06-2010, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VANOS

Thanks man! It's just the dealer says there isn't and they're charging me like 757 bucks not including tax. They said they are changing the steering column and replacing it with a new one.Yet, I'm hearing there is a recall :/

haha i didn't hear about the recall, but this happened to me a while ago and dealer replaced it for free, as they should have...

might depend on your vin #? that or your dealer is stupid or trying to cheat you...either of which could easily be the case.

fdriller9 · 12-06-2010, 07:42 PM

Is the dealer trying to charge you because you are out of new car warranty?

I don't think this was a recall but a service bulletin. Not all TSBs are covered under CPO warranty.

VANOS · 12-06-2010, 10:29 PM

They did look up my Vin and said there isn't a recall. I don't know. Maybe your right. They are probably trying to cheat me out loll... Yes, I'm out of new car warranty but i got extended. I dont know. Its just weird to me that I would have to pay for such a thing. :/

VANOS · 12-06-2010, 10:30 PM

What do you guys recommend i try doing at this point? :/

just4kickz · 12-07-2010, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VANOS

What do you guys recommend i try doing at this point? :/

i'd say go to another dealer if you can. since your in california, your bound to be near more than one dealer...might be a hassle but it'll definitely be worth your time if you can get this done for free... i guess call ahead and ask the SA

///M3NACE · 12-07-2010, 02:23 AM

I had mine replaced but damn that sucks man.

stuknnj · 12-07-2010, 02:26 AM

I had it replaced twice, they told me it was a known issue but they never said it was a recall. Try a different dealer but get it done before it gets stuck then you will be forced to do it immediately.

VANOS · 12-07-2010, 02:48 AM

I tried calling around and some places haven't heard of the problem i have and yet were asking for more -____- like 900 bucks! Well I guess I gotta keep trying. Hopefully I find a place... Damn dude! Twice!! That sucks :/ ya I got to do this asap.

1QuikWS6 · 12-07-2010, 06:00 AM

So our cars HAVE a steering wheel lock? I have a 09' CPO 328ix E92, bought with 4800 miles on it and the steering wheel has NEVER locked

When I put car in Park & remove the key I can turn the wheel from lock to lock just setting there all day every day. I just thought that was normal and BMW was betting on the fact that our keys aren't really keys and if you don't have the correct fob for the car you can't start it anyway - so why have a steering lock.

I can understand having one on a car with regular key as the lock cylinder can be punched easily...

Is having a steering wheel lock year specific?

mthomas · 12-07-2010, 09:53 AM

Search. There are a couple old threads on this. I'm not sure but I think there was a service bulletin. Look in the service bulletin sticky thread in maintenance. In believe BMW discontinued the locks because of failure rate. There was some guy who pulled his steering column apart and lubed the lock mechanism and fixed it. Search the forum.

fdriller9 · 12-07-2010, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

So our cars HAVE a steering wheel lock? I have a 09' CPO 328ix E92, bought with 4800 miles on it and the steering wheel has NEVER locked

When I put car in Park & remove the key I can turn the wheel from lock to lock just setting there all day every day. I just thought that was normal and BMW was betting on the fact that our keys aren't really keys and if you don't have the correct fob for the car you can't start it anyway - so why have a steering lock.

I can understand having one on a car with regular key as the lock cylinder can be punched easily...

Is having a steering wheel lock year specific?

Pretty sure they took the lock out of lci models.

What does this lock do? Can I remove it/code it out? Or do I have to replace the lock? I've gotten the steering wheel lock error 4 or 5 times now.

pittyinSC · 12-07-2010, 03:07 PM

^^

I would get the steering column replaced. This should be replaced for free
since it happens to many so often! When I had mine done, the dealer just replaced it no questions asked because they know its a known issue. I would try to show the dealer how many have this problem, if not I would go to another dealership. If anyone gets this error just keep jerking the wheel left and right pretty hard while you are pressing the start button and it will usually go away. At least that's what I did when it happened to me.

fdriller9 · 12-07-2010, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by umcool911ok

^^

I would get the steering column replaced. This should be replaced for free
since it happens to many so often! When I had mine done, the dealer just replaced it no questions asked because they know its a known issue. I would try to show the dealer how many have this problem, if not I would go to another dealership. If anyone gets this error just keep jerking the wheel left and right pretty hard while you are pressing the start button and it will usually go away. At least that's what I did when it happened to me.

Lol my dealer is going to hate me next week....I'm bringing my car in to get my engine head replaced as per this TSB:

http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B630208g.htm

I already had the valve lifters replaced at 44k.

I need an issue with my passenger side restraint system malfunctioning diagnosed....I think it's either the belt tensioner or the sensor in the seat. I know there was a recall for '06 E90s but that was for vehicles equipped with sport seats...which I do not have.

Now, I need to bring this up as well. Hope it's covered under CPO warranty...need to check that.

I would also like the check valve behind my brake booster replaced but that's not covered under CPO warranty. I haven't had time to do it either. And I'm not paying the quoted $600+ for the dealer to replace a $20 valve I can do myself....if I ever find time!

pittyinSC · 12-07-2010, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *********

Lol my dealer is going to hate me next week....I'm bringing my car in to get my engine head replaced as per this TSB:

http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B630208g.htm

I already had the valve lifters replaced at 44k.

I need an issue with my passenger side restraint system malfunctioning diagnosed....I think it's either the belt tensioner or the sensor in the seat. I know there was a recall for '06 E90s but that was for vehicles equipped with sport seats...which I do not have.

Now, I need to bring this up as well. Hope it's covered under CPO warranty...need to check that.

I would also like the check valve behind my brake booster replaced but that's not covered under CPO warranty. I haven't had time to do it either. And I'm not paying the quoted $600+ for the dealer to replace a $20 valve I can do myself....if I ever find time!

I thought that most everything is going to be covered under CPO warranty, but I guess not. The steering column should definitely be covered as its a known issue. I have never heard about that problem before. That's unfortunate because I have an 06 E90 with sport seats, but no problems.

VANOS · 12-09-2010, 03:46 AM

Thanks everyone for the help! You guys really helped me out. Unfortunately, I tried my best looking around at other dealers and none would do it for free

... Atleast they gave me a discount for it. loll. But once again thanks for the help everyone!

Needler56 · 11-12-2014, 03:56 PM

For anyone doing research, I had the same problem. I've read that the fault could stem from low battery voltage. I was due for a new battery anyway so I replaced the battery and it went away. When I had the battery registered, the BMW techs mentioned that the steering wheel lock fault is a case by case basis, not at certain mileage. Hope this helps!

12-06-2010, 06:40 PM	#1
VANOS NFS 353 Rep 268 Posts Drives: N/A Join Date: May 2008 Location: N/A iTrader: (0)	E90 Steering wheel lock malfunction Hey guys, i have a malfunction with my steering wheel lock and was wondering if there was a recall on them. Apparently from what I heard there is a recall on them. Does anyone know if this is true?
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12-06-2010, 06:54 PM	#2
guerilla twang I do my crosswords in pen. 17 Rep 751 Posts Drives: OEM+ 330i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: KCMO iTrader: (6)	Yep, there sure is a recall. FWIW this is in the wrong section. __________________ GRUPPE TITAN Midwest
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12-06-2010, 07:01 PM	#3
VANOS NFS 353 Rep 268 Posts Drives: N/A Join Date: May 2008 Location: N/A iTrader: (0)	Thanks man! It's just the dealer says there isn't and they're charging me like 757 bucks not including tax. They said they are changing the steering column and replacing it with a new one.Yet, I'm hearing there is a recall :/
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12-06-2010, 07:42 PM	#5
fdriller9 Banned 260 Rep 7,089 Posts Drives: '06 AW 330xi Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North Jersey/Philly/NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330xi [6.44]	Is the dealer trying to charge you because you are out of new car warranty? I don't think this was a recall but a service bulletin. Not all TSBs are covered under CPO warranty.
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12-06-2010, 10:29 PM	#6
VANOS NFS 353 Rep 268 Posts Drives: N/A Join Date: May 2008 Location: N/A iTrader: (0)	They did look up my Vin and said there isn't a recall. I don't know. Maybe your right. They are probably trying to cheat me out loll... Yes, I'm out of new car warranty but i got extended. I dont know. Its just weird to me that I would have to pay for such a thing. :/
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12-06-2010, 10:30 PM	#7
VANOS NFS 353 Rep 268 Posts Drives: N/A Join Date: May 2008 Location: N/A iTrader: (0)	What do you guys recommend i try doing at this point? :/
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12-07-2010, 02:23 AM	#9
///M3NACE Banned 182 Rep 3,900 Posts Drives: E36 M3, E36 Vert , E90 N52 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Downers Grove, IL iTrader: (5)	I had mine replaced but damn that sucks man.
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12-07-2010, 02:26 AM	#10
stuknnj Getaway Driver 24 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 330 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: JerZ iTrader: (0)	I had it replaced twice, they told me it was a known issue but they never said it was a recall. Try a different dealer but get it done before it gets stuck then you will be forced to do it immediately. __________________ Thank you for flying E90 Air
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12-07-2010, 02:48 AM	#11
VANOS NFS 353 Rep 268 Posts Drives: N/A Join Date: May 2008 Location: N/A iTrader: (0)	I tried calling around and some places haven't heard of the problem i have and yet were asking for more -____- like 900 bucks! Well I guess I gotta keep trying. Hopefully I find a place... Damn dude! Twice!! That sucks :/ ya I got to do this asap.
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12-07-2010, 06:00 AM	#12
1QuikWS6 No 55mph 1627 Rep 8,495 Posts Drives: F32 435ix MSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blitzburgh, PA iTrader: (113) Garage List 2022 BMW M440ix Vert [0.00] 2015 BMW 435ix MSport [0.00] 2000 Pontiac Trans Am [0.00]	So our cars HAVE a steering wheel lock? I have a 09' CPO 328ix E92, bought with 4800 miles on it and the steering wheel has NEVER locked When I put car in Park & remove the key I can turn the wheel from lock to lock just setting there all day every day. I just thought that was normal and BMW was betting on the fact that our keys aren't really keys and if you don't have the correct fob for the car you can't start it anyway - so why have a steering lock. I can understand having one on a car with regular key as the lock cylinder can be punched easily... Is having a steering wheel lock year specific? __________________ F32 435ix//MGM//M Sport-Prem-Tech-Driver Assist-Lighting-Cold Weather-Dyn Handling Pkgs//M4 Black Lthr Int w/M4 Alum Blade Trim//HK w/Bavsound Stg3//763M//M4 Euro LCI Tails//M4 Mirrors w/CF Covers//AWCarbon CF F/R Spoilers-Side Splitters-Diffuser 6WB/ID6 HU+HUD/IND M4 Alcantara Armrest//PURE S2 Turbo//AA FMIC+DP//ER CP+TIC//3.5bar TMAP/TS DV//AWE Tuning Exh w/Blk Tips//Turner MS CF Intake//BM3 Cary Jordan Tune//MPerf Diff//PrecRW Ignition Kit
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12-07-2010, 09:53 AM	#13
mthomas Private First Class 5 Rep 156 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: lNorth Shore, Lake Tahoe iTrader: (0)	Search. There are a couple old threads on this. I'm not sure but I think there was a service bulletin. Look in the service bulletin sticky thread in maintenance. In believe BMW discontinued the locks because of failure rate. There was some guy who pulled his steering column apart and lubed the lock mechanism and fixed it. Search the forum. Last edited by mthomas; 12-07-2010 at 09:54 AM.. Reason: Oops
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12-07-2010, 03:07 PM	#15
pittyinSC Drives Smart 54 Rep 2,393 Posts Drives: 1968 Austin Mini Cooper 1380cc Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	^^ I would get the steering column replaced. This should be replaced for free since it happens to many so often! When I had mine done, the dealer just replaced it no questions asked because they know its a known issue. I would try to show the dealer how many have this problem, if not I would go to another dealership. If anyone gets this error just keep jerking the wheel left and right pretty hard while you are pressing the start button and it will usually go away. At least that's what I did when it happened to me. __________________ 08 BMW ///M5 Space Gray/Black 6 speed Engine: RPi GTS exhaust, RPi Scoops, Carbon Filter Delete Exterior: Glossy Black Kidneys, LUX V3, OEM LED License Plate light, Bruce License Plate Adapter
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12-09-2010, 03:46 AM	#18
VANOS NFS 353 Rep 268 Posts Drives: N/A Join Date: May 2008 Location: N/A iTrader: (0)	Thanks everyone for the help! You guys really helped me out. Unfortunately, I tried my best looking around at other dealers and none would do it for free ... Atleast they gave me a discount for it. loll. But once again thanks for the help everyone!
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11-12-2014, 03:56 PM	#19
Needler56 Enlisted Member 7 Rep 41 Posts Drives: 2006 TiAg 325i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: San Jose, CA. iTrader: (0)	For anyone doing research, I had the same problem. I've read that the fault could stem from low battery voltage. I was due for a new battery anyway so I replaced the battery and it went away. When I had the battery registered, the BMW techs mentioned that the steering wheel lock fault is a case by case basis, not at certain mileage. Hope this helps! __________________
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