[Jexus]

Well this is just getting annoying now. Just got ANOTHER error message...this time the steering lock warning symbol in red has appeared, car will still start and drive ok...yet the error message says that i wont be able to start the engine again..
So I have read posts stating possible solution to fix this problem:

1. Steering column needs replacing, which would be well over $1000, unless it gets replaced by good will from BMW (and apparently there's a recall for this?)
2. Battery needs replacing, not enough voltage to trigger the unlock (but my battery was only replaced 4 months ago)
3. Reprogram and software update

Has anyone had this error before, would appreciate any advice on which possible options to take or other altenative solutions to this..

[Max555]

Originally Posted by Jexus

1. Steering column needs replacing,

Not what you want to hear but mine was number 1, luckily for me car was still under warranty.

[Gemballa1980]

I had this on mine about a month ago - although my steering wheel lock symbol was amber - not red. My car wouldn't even start though!

Turned out to be the CAS (car access system) module had gone.

Long story short - $800 part and a 2 week wait from Germany, then fitting.

I did a fair bit of research trying to sort the issue and from what I found - yours sounds like it's the steering lock within the column.

It was more comon on the 2006 and early 2007 models. (heaps of info on this forum once you start searching).

Go to an authorised repairer rather than BMW, otherwise it'll sting twice as bad!

Hope it works out for you!

[_ink]

sucks! how the hell does something like this go bad??

its a scary thought knowing these things are happening and not cheap to fix either.

[marcvtec]

I got this now also
What happens if I just keep drive and the dumb symbol stays on my dash
Car runs fine still ?

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by marcvtec

I got this now also
What happens if I just keep drive and the dumb symbol stays on my dash
Car runs fine still ?

From what I have read it eventually goes red and the car wont start essentially shutting down the vehicle so you have to take it to the dealership.

It would be interesting to get some feedback from the OP into what he had done to solve his problem, some guys state a software update fixes it though it seems the majority have to go with a new column (I have seen a fair few 2nd hand spares for sale though they were from LHD vehicles...)

[Jin-ActiveMotorwerke]

Majority of the times, it's a steering column lock problem.
Steering column had to be replace.
A diagnoses from the factory diagnostic will tell you what it requires, sometimes new column plus programming, sometimes just programming.
I have never heard the battery would cause that.
I have seen many case where the car still starts and drives normal. And as many case where the car will not start at all. It will require a diagnostic machine to be plug in to it and reset the counter on the ELV.

[Jexus]

Originally Posted by pepsicola47

Majority of the times, it's a steering column lock problem.
Steering column had to be replace.
A diagnoses from the factory diagnostic will tell you what it requires, sometimes new column plus programming, sometimes just programming.
I have never heard the battery would cause that.
I have seen many case where the car still starts and drives normal. And as many case where the car will not start at all. It will require a diagnostic machine to be plug in to it and reset the counter on the ELV.

Yeap. You're right, it depends on whether you can still drive it or not. I was able to drive mine after the error and all i needed was a programming

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by Jexus

Yeap. You're right, it depends on whether you can still drive it or not. I was able to drive mine after the error and all i needed was a programming

Great to hear, did you go to the dealer to get this done?

[Jexus]

Originally Posted by DR-JEKL

Great to hear, did you go to the dealer to get this done?

Nope i got it done at Advan thanks for peter