eek steering wheel locked!

Rats13 · 02-04-2008, 06:35 PM

I went to go home from work the other night and my steering wheel was locked. Fortunately the BMW assist lady was able to talk me through getting it released. I'm glad I renewed. It was worth it not to get towed or picked up even just that once.

Same thing happened this morning and the BMW assist fix got me going.

Guess I'm off to the dealer for service.

Did a

and looks to be known issue

canucklion · 02-04-2008, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rats13

Guess I'm off to the dealer for service.

Did a

and looks to be known issue

yes and yes. Usually what I do is to insert the fob repeatedly until it unlocks.

Mattscott · 02-04-2008, 06:49 PM

happened to me too, but I had to have it towed to the dealer and have my software updated

r3amir · 02-04-2008, 07:28 PM

It happened with me too

Neurorad · 02-04-2008, 08:35 PM

Happened to me several times about 6 months ago, over a 2 week period. No issues since. SA recently told me not to stop the car with the wheels turned, like that would fix it.

I'll be sure to have the steering column replaced before the warranty is up.

Rats13 · 02-05-2008, 02:09 PM

The fix the BMW assist person gave me was get out of the car, lock the door and us the manual key insert in the FOB to open the door. After that I insert the key (I have CA) and it starts.

Due for brake fluid change anyways so hopefully they can address this issue then.

Brunotheboxer · 02-05-2008, 02:11 PM

this happens to my car about once a month. pain in the balls if you ask me.

E90330iS · 02-05-2008, 02:39 PM

Just turn your wheel to the left as hard as you can and start the engine. Usually the steering column just blocks your ignition process.

Rats13 · 02-05-2008, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90330iS

Just turn your wheel to the left as hard as you can and start the engine. Usually the steering column just blocks your ignition process.

That was the first thing the BMW Assist person had me do. No soap.

Went to lunch just now. Happened twice to me

Manual key entry seemed to fix.

Gonna call the dealer right now.

AH · 02-05-2008, 08:05 PM

Happened to me last year.... dealer replaced the steering wheel column, and it's never occur again. The dealer also told me not to press the brake at the same time inserting the fob, as it might interfere the ignition process. He suggested inserting the fob first, wait about 5 seconds and press brake pedal to start the car. So far, it works well for me.

darkcloud · 02-05-2008, 08:21 PM

haha stupid. No offense but if you can't figure out how to unlock your steering wheel w/o calling Assist then maybe you shouldn't have a car.

You are supposed to be able to manually lock your steering wheel when parking on steep grades, thus locking your tires facing the curb so that if the car falls out of park it won't go anywhere. All you do is turn your wheels in the desired direction, turn the car off and turn the wheel in the same direction until it locks. To unlock the steering wheel you just turn it hard in one direction, insert the key and start the car.

If you didn't know this then BMW Assist needs to figure out a way to reach through the speakers, smack you, then take your keys and the title to the car back.

AndrewAZ · 02-05-2008, 08:26 PM

I am still trying to figure out if this is a joke or not..

darkcloud · 02-05-2008, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewAZ

I am still trying to figure out if this is a joke or not..

Tell me about it. Steering wheels have been capable of locking for a long long time.

The stupid thing is the OP and others probably locked the steering wheel inadvertently when getting out of the car maybe by using the steering wheel as a assist to get out of their car. Then come back and complain like its the cars fault.

AndrewAZ · 02-05-2008, 08:32 PM

Reminds me of the blondstar "help ive locked myself inside my car and the keys are outside and my windows are up.... and the keys are outside".. classic

darkcloud · 02-05-2008, 08:38 PM

That's the OP

"HELP ME BMW ASSIST!! MY STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED! Even though I've owned numerous cars I still don't know how to unlock a locked steering wheel. I can't believe my state allows me to operate a car. What do I do?"

"Damn you BMW for having a steering wheel that locks like every car built in the world! Now I'm going to bring my car in to the stealership and have them fix my perfectly good steering column cuz I don't know how to function a locking steering wheel"

No wonder BMW owners are looked down upon. When I talk to my SA he tells me what customers bring their cars in for and some of it is the dumbest shit

mr. slim · 02-05-2008, 08:43 PM

i had this happen to me when it was like 20 degrees outside...

darkcloud · 02-05-2008, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr. slim

i had this happen to me when it was like 20 degrees outside...

Did you know how to fix it or did you call BMW Assist or have your car towed to the dealership

Luongo · 02-06-2008, 02:45 AM

It happened to me frequently.

I mentioned this to the service adviser and he ended up ordering the whole steering column to be replaced.

He told me that I wasn't the first one with this problem.

Rats13 · 02-06-2008, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkcloud

haha stupid. No offense but if you can't figure out how to unlock your steering wheel w/o calling Assist then maybe you shouldn't have a car.

You are supposed to be able to manually lock your steering wheel when parking on steep grades, thus locking your tires facing the curb so that if the car falls out of park it won't go anywhere. All you do is turn your wheels in the desired direction, turn the car off and turn the wheel in the same direction until it locks. To unlock the steering wheel you just turn it hard in one direction, insert the key and start the car.

If you didn't know this then BMW Assist needs to figure out a way to reach through the speakers, smack you, then take your keys and the title to the car back.

Interesting approach. Call someone stupid (no offense). For having trouble with a known issue on a car. um HELLO...TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL DIDN'T WORK!!!!!!

People are have their steering wheel replaced because of this issue. To reset my steering wheel after normal straight parking I have had to get out of the car and manually unlock the door with the key in my FOB and then the car starts. So I'm an idiot and should not be driving a BMW cuz I don't know that?

WTF! Are you an arrogant ass in RL or just on message boards(no offense)???

GMWNashville · 02-06-2008, 07:05 PM

the fix is no longer to replace the column...its a software reprogram from what i remember...but im sure some cars actually need the column replaced

TTG · 02-06-2008, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkcloud

That's the OP

"HELP ME BMW ASSIST!! MY STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED! Even though I've owned numerous cars I still don't know how to unlock a locked steering wheel. I can't believe my state allows me to operate a car. What do I do?"

"Damn you BMW for having a steering wheel that locks like every car built in the world! Now I'm going to bring my car in to the stealership and have them fix my perfectly good steering column cuz I don't know how to function a locking steering wheel"

No wonder BMW owners are looked down upon. When I talk to my SA he tells me what customers bring their cars in for and some of it is the dumbest shit

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkcloud

haha stupid. No offense but if you can't figure out how to unlock your steering wheel w/o calling Assist then maybe you shouldn't have a car.

You are supposed to be able to manually lock your steering wheel when parking on steep grades, thus locking your tires facing the curb so that if the car falls out of park it won't go anywhere. All you do is turn your wheels in the desired direction, turn the car off and turn the wheel in the same direction until it locks. To unlock the steering wheel you just turn it hard in one direction, insert the key and start the car.

If you didn't know this then BMW Assist needs to figure out a way to reach through the speakers, smack you, then take your keys and the title to the car back.

ha ha idiot (no offense of course)....... A common problem / issue which can not be fixed by using traditional ways.... I think I would enjoy watching you try to unlock your wheel and wonder WTF is wrong after trying to figure out what is going on for hours......

Wonder why some BMW owners (cough people like you) are known to be A-Holes!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rats13

Interesting approach. Call someone stupid (no offense). For having trouble with a known issue on a car. um HELLO...TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL DIDN'T WORK!!!!!!

People are have their steering wheel replaced because of this issue. To reset my steering wheel after normal straight parking I have had to get out of the car and manually unlock the door with the key in my FOB and then the car starts. So I'm an idiot and should not be driving a BMW cuz I don't know that?

WTF! Are you an arrogant ass in RL or just on message boards(no offense)???

+1

r3amir · 02-06-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by volkswackin

the fix is no longer to replace the column...its a software reprogram from what i remember...but im sure some cars actually need the column replaced

They replaced the column for me, no problem since

02-04-2008, 06:35 PM	#1
Rats13 Enlisted Member 5 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	eek steering wheel locked! I went to go home from work the other night and my steering wheel was locked. Fortunately the BMW assist lady was able to talk me through getting it released. I'm glad I renewed. It was worth it not to get towed or picked up even just that once. Same thing happened this morning and the BMW assist fix got me going. Guess I'm off to the dealer for service. Did a and looks to be known issue
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02-04-2008, 06:49 PM	#3
Mattscott Major General 108 Rep 8,327 Posts Drives: 2007 335i E90 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Beaumont, CA iTrader: (2)	happened to me too, but I had to have it towed to the dealer and have my software updated __________________ Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(e90post.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.
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02-04-2008, 07:28 PM	#4
r3amir Lieutenant 86 Rep 592 Posts Drives: 2023 X2 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (0)	It happened with me too __________________ 2018 540i Mineral White/ Cognac 2015 435i GC Midnight Blue Metallic, Saddle Brown 2011 535i Alpine White, Oyster/Black leather 2006 325i Arctic Metallic
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02-04-2008, 08:35 PM	#5
Neurorad Major 87 Rep 1,224 Posts Drives: 2017 340xi Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Location, Location iTrader: (0)	Happened to me several times about 6 months ago, over a 2 week period. No issues since. SA recently told me not to stop the car with the wheels turned, like that would fix it. I'll be sure to have the steering column replaced before the warranty is up.
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02-05-2008, 02:09 PM	#6
Rats13 Enlisted Member 5 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	The fix the BMW assist person gave me was get out of the car, lock the door and us the manual key insert in the FOB to open the door. After that I insert the key (I have CA) and it starts. Due for brake fluid change anyways so hopefully they can address this issue then.
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02-05-2008, 02:11 PM	#7
Brunotheboxer Colonel 371 Rep 2,984 Posts Drives: 2014 Shelby GT500. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boston/Cape Cod iTrader: (0)	this happens to my car about once a month. pain in the balls if you ask me. __________________ "...I maybe drunk, but you're ugly, and I can sober up..."
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02-05-2008, 02:39 PM	#8
E90330iS Major General 143 Rep 6,333 Posts Drives: BMW M4 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arcadia, California iTrader: (56) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Just turn your wheel to the left as hard as you can and start the engine. Usually the steering column just blocks your ignition process. __________________ 2017 BMW M4 DCT Lease Transfer: https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8#post23736398
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02-05-2008, 08:05 PM	#10
AH Major 24 Rep 1,165 Posts Drives: E90 320i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Indonesia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 E90 [0.00]	Happened to me last year.... dealer replaced the steering wheel column, and it's never occur again. The dealer also told me not to press the brake at the same time inserting the fob, as it might interfere the ignition process. He suggested inserting the fob first, wait about 5 seconds and press brake pedal to start the car. So far, it works well for me. __________________ Mods: Remus, Blacklines, Hartge, ACS, Breyton, Eibach, 20" Lative
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02-05-2008, 08:21 PM	#11
darkcloud Colonel 335 Rep 2,385 Posts Drives: 09 VW JSW Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: cleveland, oh iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	haha stupid. No offense but if you can't figure out how to unlock your steering wheel w/o calling Assist then maybe you shouldn't have a car. You are supposed to be able to manually lock your steering wheel when parking on steep grades, thus locking your tires facing the curb so that if the car falls out of park it won't go anywhere. All you do is turn your wheels in the desired direction, turn the car off and turn the wheel in the same direction until it locks. To unlock the steering wheel you just turn it hard in one direction, insert the key and start the car. If you didn't know this then BMW Assist needs to figure out a way to reach through the speakers, smack you, then take your keys and the title to the car back. __________________ retired 06 E90 325i New: 09 VW Platinum Grey Jetta Sportwagen 2.0T SEL w/DSG, panoramic sunroof and Ipod adapter
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02-05-2008, 08:26 PM	#12
AndrewAZ Major 137 Rep 1,243 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	I am still trying to figure out if this is a joke or not..
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02-05-2008, 08:32 PM	#14
AndrewAZ Major 137 Rep 1,243 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Reminds me of the blondstar "help ive locked myself inside my car and the keys are outside and my windows are up.... and the keys are outside".. classic
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02-05-2008, 08:38 PM	#15
darkcloud Colonel 335 Rep 2,385 Posts Drives: 09 VW JSW Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: cleveland, oh iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	That's the OP "HELP ME BMW ASSIST!! MY STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED! Even though I've owned numerous cars I still don't know how to unlock a locked steering wheel. I can't believe my state allows me to operate a car. What do I do?" "Damn you BMW for having a steering wheel that locks like every car built in the world! Now I'm going to bring my car in to the stealership and have them fix my perfectly good steering column cuz I don't know how to function a locking steering wheel" No wonder BMW owners are looked down upon. When I talk to my SA he tells me what customers bring their cars in for and some of it is the dumbest shit __________________ retired 06 E90 325i New: 09 VW Platinum Grey Jetta Sportwagen 2.0T SEL w/DSG, panoramic sunroof and Ipod adapter
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02-05-2008, 08:43 PM	#16
mr. slim baby post whore 19 Rep 1,323 Posts Drives: 2006 Monaco Blue 330i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Los Angeles/Eagle Rock iTrader: (0)	i had this happen to me when it was like 20 degrees outside... __________________ 2006 330i.monacau blue.black leather.sports.premium. mod(s): noyka jdm fogs
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02-06-2008, 02:45 AM	#18
Luongo Lieutenant 134 Rep 463 Posts Drives: 2018 Porsche Carrera T Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago, Illinois iTrader: (2)	It happened to me frequently. I mentioned this to the service adviser and he ended up ordering the whole steering column to be replaced. He told me that I wasn't the first one with this problem.
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02-06-2008, 07:05 PM	#20
GMWNashville Colonel 172 Rep 2,373 Posts Drives: 19 G05, 16 F80, 10 E70x5D Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (2)	the fix is no longer to replace the column...its a software reprogram from what i remember...but im sure some cars actually need the column replaced
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