Car would not start!

toughluck · 06-04-2007, 08:56 AM

My steering columns failed about 30+ times with an ELV failure 3 months ago, for several weeks. Try not to hit the steering wheel when you get into your car. After being more careful, the ELV problem went away and never came back. I never went to the dealership - too busy. Do a search though - common problem.

xdrive · 06-04-2007, 05:14 PM

If it happens 10 times or just once, it's just embarrasing!! Especially when you have friends in your car. They're like, "what!! isn't this car pretty new? why isn't it starting?" What da freak.... It's completely unacceptable!

robzeko · 06-06-2007, 11:23 AM

I don't think hitting the steering wheel has anything to do with it. I would usually see the error on the display as soon as I unlocked the car/opened the door with comfort access, before I even got in the seat, or as I was getting in.

Took my car to the dealer, they had to order a sensor and I will be taking it back in a week once the part gets in. Also, they said the new sensor requires a new download of progman, so I don't have to make up excuses to get the new version.

cgnahc · 06-06-2007, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robzeko

I don't think hitting the steering wheel has anything to do with it. I would usually see the error on the display as soon as I unlocked the car/opened the door with comfort access, before I even got in the seat, or as I was getting in.

Took my car to the dealer, they had to order a sensor and I will be taking it back in a week once the part gets in. Also, they said the new sensor requires a new download of progman, so I don't have to make up excuses to get the new version.

Sensor? what sensor? I had my entire steering wheel column replaced.

robzeko · 06-07-2007, 03:42 PM

The guy told me that the ELV sensor was known to be faulty on the E90s and had to be replaced/upgraded. I'm no mechanic but that's what he said.

xdrive · 06-08-2007, 10:58 AM

Got my car back from the dealer.
The "steering wheel column" was replaced.
Unfortunately, my steering wheel is now messed up!!
I have to turn completely to the left for the car to drive straight.
:mad:
The only somewhat positive aspect is that the car is starting without any problems so far.

cgnahc · 06-08-2007, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xdrive

Got my car back from the dealer.
The "steering wheel column" was replaced.
Unfortunately, my steering wheel is now messed up!!
I have to turn completely to the left for the car to drive straight.
:mad:
The only somewhat positive aspect is that the car is starting without any problems so far.

Take it back and have them road test it before they hand it back to you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by robzeko

The guy told me that the ELV sensor was known to be faulty on the E90s and had to be replaced/upgraded. I'm no mechanic but that's what he said.

If that works then more power to you. Actually, I would rather have them replace a sensor than replace a column.

ny325 · 06-12-2007, 11:41 AM

I have the same problem. It happens once and awhile. The next time I will bring it in to have it checked out.

BassDude · 06-20-2007, 02:11 PM

My E90 just started a couple of days ago with this same issue. Hopefully I can get it into service here in Puerto Rico.

Peace!!!

robzeko · 06-22-2007, 10:52 AM

Update on my story:
They had to order the part for my steering column. The part arrived on Wednesday and I rescheduled the appointment for Monday (earliest they could do it and I tried arguing to no avail to be done immediately). Starting last Friday it started doing it everytime I started the car (yellow warning light failure). Yesterday, when I went home for lunch and got back in my car to come back to work it had the red error symbol this time and the car would not start at all. I tried all sorts of things: turning the wheel, getting out, locking, unlocking to reset the computer, attempting to turn the wheel till it locked which never happened. After that fiasco I called roadside assistance and they towed it to the dealership and it's being worked on now.

When you get in the car and hear the click that's the steering wheel lock. Mine started making much longer sounds like a rachet like sound instead of a quick click. I think that was the lock slowly failing. If this happens to you take it to your dealership to get fixed before you possibly get stranded. I'm expecting a recall soon.

arzoumanian · 07-28-2007, 11:21 AM

Same problem here 2006 model about 20k miles, taking to the dealer Monday. I have had some luck making sure the steering wheel is locked before exiting the vehicle.

netwrkr · 08-02-2007, 07:43 AM

Same issue here; 2006 330XI; about 17K miles. Just called my service advisor at BMW of Sterling. Waiting on a call back.

Tom

nyc3r · 08-02-2007, 12:33 PM

don't know the answer to your question but why is this in DIY forum?

Carl · 08-02-2007, 02:07 PM

Just started happening to me this week 2006 Dec 05 build. Dealer told me to bring it in immediately! Steering wheel column will be replaced

arzoumanian · 08-05-2007, 06:42 PM

update: Steering wheel column was replaced, seems to be common issue, part was in stock, back the same day.

MusicMan · 08-21-2007, 12:43 PM

Well, I guess it's my turn to have the steering wheel lock problem. Took it in yesterday. Hope it's a quick fix.

MusicMan · 08-22-2007, 11:07 AM

One day fix, replaced steering wheel.

alphad · 11-13-2007, 01:24 AM

got my e92 for 1.5 month now. sometimes after i got into the car, the brake felt very stiff and the car would not start. usually i have to take the key out, repeat the sequence about 2x and it would start. Seems like it's happening much more frequently now. No warning light or any locking of the steering wheel.

Any idea guys?? or pretty much a trip to the BMW dealer

Mantis64 · 11-13-2007, 12:56 PM

I have the same problem, after reading about it here I called my dealer. They already knew it was a common problem and they're going to replace my steering column under warranty (1.5y old) They said it would take less than 2 hours...

ph19 · 11-26-2007, 05:06 PM

I use to have the issue that once the ELV came on I couldn't start the car, but now when I unlock the car the ELV warning appears but I am able to start and drive the car with the error (!) appearing in the center. Did anyone experience this?

gdnyc · 11-28-2007, 01:16 PM

I have been having this problem as well Feb 06 build. A few days ago, it took 20 min to finally get the car started. I was about to call a flatbed. I am bringing it in to the dealernext week.

ph19 · 11-28-2007, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdnyc

I have been having this problem as well Feb 06 build. A few days ago, it took 20 min to finally get the car started. I was about to call a flatbed. I am bringing it in to the dealernext week.

See mine is funny, because even tho it shows the steering wheel is lock it still starts up. Only sometime it will lock up.

06-04-2007, 08:56 AM	#23
toughluck First Lieutenant 45 Rep 360 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Pie in the Sky iTrader: (1)	My steering columns failed about 30+ times with an ELV failure 3 months ago, for several weeks. Try not to hit the steering wheel when you get into your car. After being more careful, the ELV problem went away and never came back. I never went to the dealership - too busy. Do a search though - common problem. __________________ r56 MINI Cooper S pepper white/redwood lounge leather (sold) e92 335i red/saddle leather e90 325i red/beige/clearbra - retired.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-04-2007, 05:14 PM	#24
xdrive Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 250 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	If it happens 10 times or just once, it's just embarrasing!! Especially when you have friends in your car. They're like, "what!! isn't this car pretty new? why isn't it starting?" What da freak.... It's completely unacceptable!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-06-2007, 11:23 AM	#25
robzeko New Member 0 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 12 528i Black Saphire/Terra Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Honolulu, HI iTrader: (0)	I don't think hitting the steering wheel has anything to do with it. I would usually see the error on the display as soon as I unlocked the car/opened the door with comfort access, before I even got in the seat, or as I was getting in. Took my car to the dealer, they had to order a sensor and I will be taking it back in a week once the part gets in. Also, they said the new sensor requires a new download of progman, so I don't have to make up excuses to get the new version.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-07-2007, 03:42 PM	#27
robzeko New Member 0 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 12 528i Black Saphire/Terra Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Honolulu, HI iTrader: (0)	The guy told me that the ELV sensor was known to be faulty on the E90s and had to be replaced/upgraded. I'm no mechanic but that's what he said.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-08-2007, 10:58 AM	#28
xdrive Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 250 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Got my car back from the dealer. The "steering wheel column" was replaced. Unfortunately, my steering wheel is now messed up!! I have to turn completely to the left for the car to drive straight. :mad: The only somewhat positive aspect is that the car is starting without any problems so far.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-12-2007, 11:41 AM	#30
ny325 Brigadier General 895 Rep 3,141 Posts Drives: Jet Black E90 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Gridlock iTrader: (0)	I have the same problem. It happens once and awhile. The next time I will bring it in to have it checked out.
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06-20-2007, 02:11 PM	#31
BassDude Feel that . . . It's the BASS!!! 11 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 325i E90 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Puerto Rico iTrader: (0)	My E90 just started a couple of days ago with this same issue. Hopefully I can get it into service here in Puerto Rico. Peace!!!
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06-22-2007, 10:52 AM	#32
robzeko New Member 0 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 12 528i Black Saphire/Terra Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Honolulu, HI iTrader: (0)	Update on my story: They had to order the part for my steering column. The part arrived on Wednesday and I rescheduled the appointment for Monday (earliest they could do it and I tried arguing to no avail to be done immediately). Starting last Friday it started doing it everytime I started the car (yellow warning light failure). Yesterday, when I went home for lunch and got back in my car to come back to work it had the red error symbol this time and the car would not start at all. I tried all sorts of things: turning the wheel, getting out, locking, unlocking to reset the computer, attempting to turn the wheel till it locked which never happened. After that fiasco I called roadside assistance and they towed it to the dealership and it's being worked on now. When you get in the car and hear the click that's the steering wheel lock. Mine started making much longer sounds like a rachet like sound instead of a quick click. I think that was the lock slowly failing. If this happens to you take it to your dealership to get fixed before you possibly get stranded. I'm expecting a recall soon.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-28-2007, 11:21 AM	#33
arzoumanian Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2006 325I Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Tucson AZ iTrader: (0)	Same problem here 2006 model about 20k miles, taking to the dealer Monday. I have had some luck making sure the steering wheel is locked before exiting the vehicle.
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08-02-2007, 07:43 AM	#34
netwrkr New Member 2 Rep 28 Posts Drives: 2012 B8 S4 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Same issue here; 2006 330XI; about 17K miles. Just called my service advisor at BMW of Sterling. Waiting on a call back. Tom
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08-02-2007, 12:33 PM	#35
nyc3r Colonel 112 Rep 2,589 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (24)	don't know the answer to your question but why is this in DIY forum? __________________ FS: Interior Parts - Msport knob, split armrest etc FS: Interior Parts Msport wheel, Msport knob, Boot, Idrive, FS: BMW factory oil change kit
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08-02-2007, 02:07 PM	#36
Carl Private 1 Rep 52 Posts Drives: e91 red loaded Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	elv Just started happening to me this week 2006 Dec 05 build. Dealer told me to bring it in immediately! Steering wheel column will be replaced
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08-05-2007, 06:42 PM	#37
arzoumanian Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2006 325I Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Tucson AZ iTrader: (0)	update: Steering wheel column was replaced, seems to be common issue, part was in stock, back the same day.
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08-21-2007, 12:43 PM	#38
MusicMan Private 1 Rep 79 Posts Drives: E90 330I Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Land of LALA iTrader: (0)	Well, I guess it's my turn to have the steering wheel lock problem. Took it in yesterday. Hope it's a quick fix. __________________ E90 330I/Sapphire Black/Black/Sport/Premium/Nav/Blacklines
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08-22-2007, 11:07 AM	#39
MusicMan Private 1 Rep 79 Posts Drives: E90 330I Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Land of LALA iTrader: (0)	One day fix, replaced steering wheel. __________________ E90 330I/Sapphire Black/Black/Sport/Premium/Nav/Blacklines
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11-13-2007, 01:24 AM	#40
alphad New Member 2 Rep 12 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 335i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Redlands, CA iTrader: (0)	Revisit to this topic. got my e92 for 1.5 month now. sometimes after i got into the car, the brake felt very stiff and the car would not start. usually i have to take the key out, repeat the sequence about 2x and it would start. Seems like it's happening much more frequently now. No warning light or any locking of the steering wheel. Any idea guys?? or pretty much a trip to the BMW dealer
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11-13-2007, 12:56 PM	#41
Mantis64 Private First Class 7 Rep 171 Posts Drives: BMW F31 330D MSport Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW F31 330D [10.00] 2009 E92 325D [10.00]	I have the same problem, after reading about it here I called my dealer. They already knew it was a common problem and they're going to replace my steering column under warranty (1.5y old) They said it would take less than 2 hours... __________________
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11-26-2007, 05:06 PM	#42
ph19 Private First Class 5 Rep 172 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: USA Bay Area iTrader: (1)	I use to have the issue that once the ELV came on I couldn't start the car, but now when I unlock the car the ELV warning appears but I am able to start and drive the car with the error (!) appearing in the center. Did anyone experience this?
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11-28-2007, 01:16 PM	#43
gdnyc Lieutenant 24 Rep 472 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Jet Black Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	I have been having this problem as well Feb 06 build. A few days ago, it took 20 min to finally get the car started. I was about to call a flatbed. I am bringing it in to the dealernext week. __________________ 2006 330xi BMW, please get rid of the RFT's and give us a spare tire!
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