[aljo]

hi all
steering lock warning symbol in red has appeared, car(2007 318d ) will still start and drive ok , but just wondering if this is going to be safe to drive or not ? have read a post that steering wheel can be dimantled and electronic motor gears can be cleaned and re greased to solve the problem ? is this true ? and if so any hints on removing steering colum
many thanks

[vblanche]

got the same warning last december, don't know if it's safe to drive, maybe call BMW emergency service line?
My car is booked tomorrow with dealer. if it ends up needing a new column, hoping on a goodwill claim.

[Tipper]

It seems to mean the steering lock is sticking (has stuck) albeit occasionally.

The standard BMW dealer response is to fit a new steering column. I moaned about quality of expensive prestige cars and it shouldn't need this sort of repair at only 3 years old and got the parts free and just had to pay the labour which was £138 + vat IIRC. I think others have had the whole job free.

They also did the DSC failure repair at the same time which was on free parts and pay the labour basis too.

Press them for at least the parts as it is a known issue with the E90/91/92.

Good luck!

As for safe to drive, well I didn't even know there was a problem with the steering lock until it went in for the DSC/brakes light to be checked. I thought it was just brake pads!

[HighlandPete]

I had this issue and the lock (not the steering column) was replaced under warranty. It was clear after the fix, that the unit had become sluggish, as the new lock clunked home with a 'good old thud' every time.

I drove mine for a week or so after seeing the red warning, while the parts arrived. Mine would refuse to unlock for several attempts, then free up and allow a start.

HighlandPete

[kriszty]

Had the same problem this week ( bmw 335d 2006 ) , the BMW dealer reset the fault, and they said the steering columm need to be replaced ( this coming tuesday )
My car still has waranty

i hope this replacement is a definitive repair or a tempory solution , just wonder what the difference will be with the old steering columm ??

( someone knows this ? )

[vblanche]

got the car back, sorted. column needed to be replaced, they had the parts in stock, all done in 1 day, can't complain and got the BMW goodwill (I did not pay the parts, just labour).

[vblanche]

did anyone get the repair entirely free (100% BMW contribution to parts and labour)? thanks

[yakev724]

Originally Posted by vblanche

did anyone get the repair entirely free (100% BMW contribution to parts and labour)? thanks

I know BMW NA is a bit different, but interested in this as well. I've had the yellow lock and sticking many times and am about ready to dismantle the column and grease everything (maybe snap some photos for a DIY), hope that sorts it.

At least stateside, columns were replaced in 07 to not include the locking feature. If you go to the dealer to have it serviced, they replace the old locking column with one without the locking mechanism.

[spandeli]

Originally Posted by yakev724

At least stateside, columns were replaced in 07 to not include the locking feature. If you go to the dealer to have it serviced, they replace the old locking column with one without the locking mechanism.

that only happens in the US i suppose.

Pls do a photoshoot of the procedure and post it in the DIY section. There was another guy who did it, and i reposted it here a month ago, with no pics..

[yakev724]

Originally Posted by spandeli

that only happens in the US i suppose.

Pls do a photoshoot of the procedure and post it in the DIY section. There was another guy who did it, and i reposted it here a month ago, with no pics..

Ok, don't have classes for another 2 weeks so I'll try, should have the time to.

EDIT: I'm an idiot; steering column costs $500-600, not $150

[I6Touring]

Originally Posted by yakev724

At least stateside, columns were replaced in 07 to not include the locking feature. If you go to the dealer to have it serviced, they replace the old locking column with one without the locking mechanism.

You'd have hoped they could disable the existing lock with a recode, leaving it permanantly open, and save themselves a lot of $$$

[yakev724]

Originally Posted by balernoStu

You'd have hoped they could disable the existing lock with a recode, leaving it permanantly open, and save themselves a lot of $$$

I was thinking of replacing the motor with a resistor and leaving in the open position, might give that a try in addition to greasing.

[spandeli]

Originally Posted by yakev724

I was thinking of replacing the motor with a resistor and leaving in the open position, might give that a try in addition to greasing.

might be a great idea!!!!

i have found a website, getbmwparts.com, a couple of months ago, the steering column asembly was advertised to be


MSRP Price $206.75
Your Price $165.40

Now they sell it for
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

Steering column, 3 series 08-11
MSRP Price $510.17
Your Price$408.14

[yakev724]

Originally Posted by spandeli

might be a great idea!!!!

i have found a website, getbmwparts.com, a couple of months ago, the steering column asembly was advertised to be


MSRP Price $206.75
Your Price $165.40

Now they sell it for
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

Steering column, 3 series 08-11
MSRP Price $510.17
Your Price$408.14

I'm seeing $264

Edit: you've got a different column (32306786891), sucks, though I wouldn't spend $250 on something that should be done for minimal cost. I might try playing with the motor a bit once I have it apart.

Enter part no. 32306786899

[spandeli]

theres people paying 900 euros to get it fixed

well, let us know when you ll have ur DIY write up ready

[yakev724]

Originally Posted by spandeli

theres people paying 900 euros to get it fixed

well, let us know when you ll have ur DIY write up ready

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=483387