Dreaded red steering wheel lock issue

[AlexTDI]

So this morning I get to work and as soon as I switch off my 2006 e90 320d the red steering wheel light comes on

I tried starting the car afterwards and it doesn't start, I've tried wiggling the steering wheel but the lock doesn't seem to release.

Even unplugging the battery never worked.

Anyone found a way to sort this out? from googling I see it's very common and a fault with the lock and some dealers insist on replacing the entire column which I think is a bit crazy.

I've seen some guys sorted it out with a software reset but not sure If that will help, I'm in the waterfall/woodmead north area so anyone with a cable and software might be my saviour

Help please guys

 

[Donnie Darko]

Ill ask guys at work for you bud

 

[Gunner-Win]

Sorry to hear Alex. :blueCry:

Unfortunately I don't know anything about this issue so I can't help, but please keep the thread updated for future reference.

Good luck with the fix. :wave:

 

[AlexTDI]

Sorry to hear Alex. :blueCry:

Unfortunately I don't know anything about this issue so I can't help, but please keep the thread updated for future reference.

Good luck with the fix. :wave:

Thanks guys, Well the car went on a flatbed to JSN BMW Motors in Bryanston.

They will do the diagnosis tomorrow morning and let me know.

 

[Spannie]

This sucks man. Can you remove the mechanism and code it out?

 

[AlexTDI]

This sucks man. Can you remove the mechanism and code it out?

Yea you can but you need someone that know's the coding

---

So this is what happened over the past few days.

Received quote from BMW 10.5k and they refused to fit a 2nd hand column due to some VIN matching mumble jumble crap

Phoned a few independent workshops, They said they could do it for basically half the price with a 2nd hand column.


So I cancelled with BMW and they said - Ka-ching $$
Organised a flatbed to transport the car - Ka-ching $$

The car was dropped of at GP Motor works in Ferndale, Randburg on Monday afternoon.
Initially they said they can only start on it on Wednesday but by 12pm the next day they phoned me to say they have cleared the error, re-calibrated the steering and the error hasn't returned.

They gave the car a nice wash and told me I can collect, I paid just under R1k for their work and all is good again

I highly recommend GP Motor works if anyone needs an independent BMW/Mini specialist, Their service is excellent and they constantly keep you in the loop.

BMW was simply a nightmare and my biggest mistake to date, I could never get feedback and the car basically sat their from last Thursday for nothing, The only good thing is they charged me half price for the diagnosis but why resetting error codes isn't part of the diagnosis is beyond me.

 

[Twincam Shark]

That's what Bmw did on mine and that sign was gone.

 

[netercol]

for the guys with diy skills, this error seems to be getting more and more common as the e90 platform ages, seems to be mostly caused by dry joints..

if you have the skill, might be a cheap fix..

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=520467

 

[Spannie]

for the guys with diy skills, this error seems to be getting more and more common as the e90 platform ages, seems to be mostly caused by dry joints..

if you have the skill, might be a cheap fix..

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=520467

Excellent, thanks for the link!

 

[Ratslaaf]

I stated this in Arbee's thread as well, but for guys that are worried about soldering these things, I've got a complete Surface Mount PCB rework setup and will gladly assist anyone in fixing up faults like dry solder joints.

Ta,

 

[Nick]

Jees this makes me worried.

Glad we have such knowledgeable people on here. raise:

 

[335i MTX]

This sucks man. Can you remove the mechanism and code it out?

Yea you can but you need someone that know's the coding

---

So this is what happened over the past few days.

Received quote from BMW 10.5k and they refused to fit a 2nd hand column due to some VIN matching mumble jumble crap

Phoned a few independent workshops, They said they could do it for basically half the price with a 2nd hand column.


So I cancelled with BMW and they said - Ka-ching $$
Organised a flatbed to transport the car - Ka-ching $$

The car was dropped of at GP Motor works in Ferndale, Randburg on Monday afternoon.
Initially they said they can only start on it on Wednesday but by 12pm the next day they phoned me to say they have cleared the error, re-calibrated the steering and the error hasn't returned.

They gave the car a nice wash and told me I can collect, I paid just under R1k for their work and all is good again

I highly recommend GP Motor works if anyone needs an independent BMW/Mini specialist, Their service is excellent and they constantly keep you in the loop.

BMW was simply a nightmare and my biggest mistake to date, I could never get feedback and the car basically sat their from last Thursday for nothing, The only good thing is they charged me half price for the diagnosis but why resetting error codes isn't part of the diagnosis is beyond me.

---

Sounds like their diagnosis was incorrect. I would demand a refund as they told you to change the steering g column when in fact they ought to have done what GPMW did. CPA may be your answer. Sounds like they charged a fee they were not entitled to. If you paid by card, certain bank credit cards (I think VISA platinum) allows for reversal of transactions. If you can reverse the transaction, it would be nice to see a dealer coming after you for services apparently rendered. At best I don't see why you should pay for anything more than towing.

 

[AlexTDI]

Thanks as much as it sounds like a good idea to demand my cash back for diagnosis, I don't want to go through the hassle of trying to get It back.

It's not worth involving CPA for such a small amount, I've learnt my lesson, the car won't go their for any repair work.

 

[akesh]

@ AlexTDI..
did the error ever come back since the software update and re-calibration of the steering col.?
i've been through a new CAS and software update, DIY and i still have the yellow steering with the two arrows - car wont start unless i lock full to the left and jig the steering a few times.

Will go check out GP Worx for a fix.

 

[AlexTDI]

@ AlexTDI..
did the error ever come back since the software update and re-calibration of the steering col.?
i've been through a new CAS and software update, DIY and i still have the yellow steering with the two arrows - car wont start unless i lock full to the left and jig the steering a few times.

Will go check out GP Worx for a fix.

No it hasn't came back.

You can get a cable from Zasstra http://www.zasttra.com/collections/...-obd2-for-bmw-free-shipping?variant=834025509