Steering warning and car won't start...

Kbm · 01-28-2012, 12:22 AM

Hi Guys,

I have searched about this on this forum but I didn't get any matches, sorry if this is a repost...

I just got a E90 and some"mostof"times that I go start the car I get a amber/yellow icon in the dash with a pic of the steering wheel and arrow on the top pointing left and right (I know, I should that a pic, I'll do it tomorrow).

I have to remove and insert the key fob a few times to make it go away so it will finally allow me to start the car.

I did some research in the internet and found in some forum about some steering lock issues that the e90s have, but the icon that show in the dash of the people with this issue is a red one with a lock symbol over the steering wheel.

Is my issue the same ? would be icons different for each car/region ? or is it a normal thing ?

Does anyone knows how to fix it ? or if there is some sort of setup that I can do to remove the need to lock/unlock the steering ?

Thanks a lot

Kbm · 01-28-2012, 12:28 AM

Ok, found the bad boy, here is the icon:

... and yes, it appears to be the same issue that some people had

do you guys know if that is covered by BMW if you out of warranty as it was a known issue ?

Kbm · 02-07-2012, 03:00 PM

Just left the car this morning for the dealer to check it... are there any inputs on this issue ?

Havok_2011 · 02-08-2012, 04:16 PM

I have never seen that before, so I did a quick search on e90post to see what it is.

Some people claimed low battery life etc, but most people noted the issue is the steering column which will need to be replaced. Which is expensive.

You got it at the dealership which is good. See what happens.

Havok_2011 · 02-08-2012, 04:18 PM

Also one person mentioned the following:

Quote:

guys the steering wheel locks definitely have problems. bmw remove the locks on the 335i's mfgrd after 3/2007. my car has the lock and a problem. dont ever get a new steering column. i have removed mine, and removed the locking mechanism cover to lubricate it. worst case all you should need to buy is a new locking mechanism if BMW sells it. after that my guess is there would be a software upload / upate after that. i would also recommend not buying a new locking mechanism. you can easily click to locking mechanism to unlocked position, then just remove the small electric motor. the are no wires for it. it just clickes in. once removed, it cant lock the steerin column any more. If you guys have questions, id be happy to upload some photos. thanks

Short Summary of what I just read up on:

BMW might be able to change the steering lock since you are just getting the yellow light. If the light goes red, its going to be a steering column replacement.

Kbm · 02-08-2012, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Havok_2011

Also one person mentioned the following:

Short Summary of what I just read up on:

BMW might be able to change the steering lock since you are just getting the yellow light. If the light goes red, its going to be a steering column replacement.

Thanks Havok !!!

The car is at Maranello BMW right now, waiting to see what they gonna say... I just bought the car, the dealer I bought it from (Pfaff Outlet) took the car there for me and they are saying that they will get it fixed for me, lets wait and see.

I'll keep you all posted, including the dealer feedback.

Havok_2011 · 02-09-2012, 10:04 AM

No problem

Any updates from the dealership on what the issue is?

Kbm · 02-09-2012, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Havok_2011

No problem

Any updates from the dealership on what the issue is?

Gonna pick up the car up today

Dealer said that after "a good diagnosis" the issue came down to the battery not providing enough power, and they will replace it with a "bmw approved battery"...

I just hope that the battery was the "only" issue

Havok_2011 · 02-09-2012, 11:26 AM

nice! so it was best case scenario....battery issue. Good to hear.

limenuke · 02-09-2012, 11:56 AM

This is a potentially dangerous problem isn't it? I've heard of this more than once across this forum and reddit's /r/bmw.

Kbm · 02-09-2012, 02:04 PM

I don't think it is a dangerous problem, as far as I know (I may be wrong), the worse it can happen is your car do not start because your steering is locked (or it thinks it is locked) but I should not lock after you have started your car, if you have been able to start it, it is because the wheel is unlocked.

The only danger is to your wallet ! hahahaha

Kbm · 02-09-2012, 04:20 PM

Update II: Car is back to the dealer, the battery did not fix the issue, seems like we are going to the steering column replacement

limenuke · 02-09-2012, 04:29 PM

If you look on other forums, there have been cases of the steering locking while driving. Highly dangerous, I think. But I wanted second opinions... BMW should really get on this.

Kbm · 02-09-2012, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by limenuke

If you look on other forums, there have been cases of the steering locking while driving. Highly dangerous, I think. But I wanted second opinions... BMW should really get on this.

I found some posts about some steering locks with M3s, do you happen to know any of those threads where the steering locks when you driving ? you got me worried now

Kbm · 02-15-2012, 11:53 AM

Final updade:

Ok, after a week in the dealer, they have replaced the battery, reprogrammed the ECU and replaced the steering column, the issue seems to be finally fixed. (knocking on wood)