Steering Lock - E90

[a|an]

Dear guys,My E90 been acting weird latelty. When I insert my key, a steering lock sign will appear, sometimes in yellow, sometimes in red. Usually when that happens I wont be able to start the car. Whats happening?

 

[David Yong]

It could be active steering malfunction. Suggest u send in it into AB to check it ASAP.

 

[KL2DC]

It could be active steering malfunction. Suggest u send in it into AB to check it ASAP.

+1

Not just active steer, a steering column lock up defect. There were quite a few cases in US 325i/330i (before the changeover). Dealer action will involve anywhere from software update to replacing column and related parts under warranty.

SUBJECT
ELV Warning in Instrument Cluster


MODEL
E90, E91, E92 (3 Series)

E60, E61 (5 Series)

E63, E64 (6 Series)


SITUATION
The ELV (Electronic Steering Lock) check control warning illuminates in the instrument cluster and in some cases, engine start is inhibited. Diagnostics reveals fault code A0AA in the CAS (Car Access System) and prompts a control unit replacement.

CAUSE
Low voltages in the vehicle electrical system when cranking/starting the engine.

PROCEDURE

This problem has been integrated into DIS diagnostics. Follow diagnostics and relevant test plan using DIS V49.0 or later.

This problem is also related to the e90 steering column click sound issue, there is a TSB out for that, just to illustrate a weak point.

TSB language...

SI B32 07 06
Steering and Wheel Alignment April 2006
Technical Service

SUBJECT
Steering Column Clicking Noise

MODEL
E90 (3 Series) and E91 (3 Series Sports Wagon) produced up to 11/05

SITUATION
Customer may complain of a slight clicking noise heard, mostly at slow speed, when turning the steering wheel at about 180 degrees.

CAUSE
Steering column manufacturing tolerances stack up.

CORRECTION
In case of a customer complaint, replace the steering column only. Do not replace the steering gear and the steering spindle (lower joint assembly).

The steering column manufacturing process has been improved in 11/05.

PROCEDURE

Replace the steering column per Repair Instructions RA 32 31 090.

Perform steering angle sensor adjustment/calibration per Repair Instructions RA 61 31 996.

PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number............... Description..............Quantity

32 30 6 772 273.........Steering Column.......1

WARRANTY INFORMATION
For information only

 

[E46Fanatic]

I have this squeak when turning the steering during cold starts. Sounds like a puppy whining. Anyone know what the remedy is for this?

I am waiting for a while to see if the problem becomes more pronounced or goes away before sending the car in.

 

[Schwepps]

Check under the dash for a puppy? Sorry, sorry, kidding, kidding, can't resist!

 

[KL2DC]

Check under the dash for a puppy? Sorry, sorry, kidding, kidding, can't resist!

lol good one, herr schwepps

E46F, see the 2nd TSB, use that as a reference when you communicate to your SA.

 

[E46Fanatic]

Thanks KL2DC for the tip. So far these are the 2 problems I have which needs warranty work done:

1) CD Changer skipping/out of tune
2) Steering column replacement

Waiting for more quirks to appear and will send in to do 1 shot heh.

 

[a|an]

Thanks for the replies guys. Been living with the problem for about a month also already. Gonna get it fixed ASAP. Thanks again

 

[325xi]

Hi,

Just FYI.

I had the same problem with the steering lock sign (orange color), this was fixed yesterday (July 18, 07) under warranty.
According to the technician he replaced the steering column.

 

[KL2DC]

Hi,

Just FYI.

I had the same problem with the steering lock sign (orange color), this was fixed yesterday (July 18, 07) under warranty.
According to the technician he replaced the steering column.

yep...pretty common stuff, it seems I've been lucky though...

 

[bahang]

I have this problem starting about a month ago, had it checked at AB Kuantan and they're ordering the parts. (under warranty)

 

[TomJB]

Dear guys,

My E90 been acting weird latelty. When I insert my key, a steering lock sign will appear, sometimes in yellow, sometimes in red. Usually when that happens I wont be able to start the car. Whats happening?

I have the same problem and read thru the manual and state nothing serious and you cant do anything about it... Just state to send it for a check up...

After not long after... I totally cant start my car... Got to call in and toll the car back to AB to get it fix...

My advice to you... Go get it fix when you still can start the car and drive to AB, DON'T WAIT!

Its still under warranty and its totally free... For me... Should be the same for you too...

REMEMBER TO GIVE THEM ALL YOUR KEYS SO WHEN THEY RE-PROGRAME THE KEY, THEY RE-PROGRAME ALL!

I left out my other keys so now I need to re-schedule a date to go AB to have my other keys programme.

After they fix the re-programe all they keys, make sure you test out all the keys. INCLUDING the spare key, k?

Hope you get it fixed ASAP!

Enjoy your RIDE!:smokin:

 

[E46Fanatic]

Darn my first Steering Lock warning lit up just now (yellow). Couldn't start the car. Had to lock and unlock the car via the remote and then tried again. Its time to get them warranty claim in. Sigh such a hassle.

 

[danc]

E46, that is why I don't have my car now. At AB to fix this. They said maybe software but will see.

 

[astroboy]

Hmpff... wild car... even the BMW engineer also having difficulty taming it.. gosh... touch wood...

but my E90 no active steering... hope I'm spared..

 

[mnas]

hey guys ...is this mainly becoz of the active steering ? 325 Sports dont have it though..

 

[David Yong]

I don't think so this is because of active steering. Any comment danc since you have sent your car in for the fixing ? Did they mention what's the actual cause ?

 

[danc]

Nothing to do with the active steering as I believe this is a common problem for E90. It's either the software is too sensitve and if detects that the steering isn't locked and it assume something is wrong or if it's more severe and the steering column needs to be changed. They are updating the software first to see if it fixes it and will see. But I do at times have a ticking sound coming from the steering column when idling and steering in straight position. Will let you know more once I find out.

 

[E46Fanatic]

danc did the problem repeat itself more and more over time before you sent your car in? Firmware update sounds good. Do let us know if you get the 07/08 software goodies with the update hehe.

The problem is not related to A/S, and is the motorized steering lock mechanism since our cars have push button starts. Normal cars the steering lock mechanism is not motorized and mechanical when you turn on the ignition with the key.

 

[danc]

E46, during a 1 mth period I encountered 3-4 times steering lock error and couldn't start. So needed to remove the key turn the steering till it locks then restart the car. Decided to get it fix as I read in the E90Post that it's better to rectify this earlier as you don't want to be stuck at 12 midnight not being able to start right? Will let you know abt the sware once done.