BMW 325XI steering lock-up problems

Filed Aug 12, 2017 · Electrical, Steering · 210,000 miles · OH

While driving car will intermittently and briefly experience full electronic outage causing the instrument cluster, vehicle lights, and electronic steering column lock to engage. As soon as the electronic power returns service lights display on the dashboard until I stop, fully power off the vehicle with the ignition button and restart the car. This has all happened at driving speeds ranging between 15 and 70 MPH, fortunately while driving straight. If I or anyone else would happen to be in a turn and the electronic steering wheel lock engage the results could potentially be life threatening. This vehicle is a prior dealer lease then sold to a rental company then purchased by me. The vehicle remains unmodified and has beeb maintained and serviced with all oem or equivalent parts.

Filed Jun 25, 2016 · Steering · 89,000 miles · TX

First time I noticed the elv steering wheel lock malfunction. I just parked my car, turned off engine, and took out the key fob. I noticed on the instrument cluster a picture of a steering wheel and a pad lock. So I put the key fob back in the slot and the car wouldn't start. Then trying couple times taking out & putting the key fob in the ignition slot and turning the wheel left and right, the car finally started.

Filed Oct 7, 2015 · Steering · 114,000 miles · OK

After work yesterday when I tried to start my car, the yellow locked steering light came on and the car would not start. After I jerked on the steering wheel, the light went off and the car started. While on my way home, on the highway, the steering locked again and the red light came on. I was going about 75 MPH at this time. I hit the clutch and brakes and jerked the wheel again causing it to release. Luckily it was not rush hour. It has been parked ever since. It has 114k miles.

Filed Jul 4, 2013 · Steering · 49,000 miles · NY

Steering wheel lock indicator renders the vehicle not able to start. Bmw says the only solution is a replacement of steering column. The steering column was replaced at 25000 miles. 2 years later at 49000 miles, the vehicle will need to do it again. This will be the 3rd set of steering column within the last 7 years. It is cleanly a design and defect. It should be recall.

Filed Jan 21, 2013 · Steering · 76,021 miles · FL

This vehicle, along with hundreds, maybe thousands, of others are afflicted with a known defect bmw is well aware of (and has subsequently made engineering changes after 2006) involving the steering wheel lock in e90 and e91 chassis. An amber or red steering wheel lock indicator will light for no apparent reason nor warning rendering the vehicle non-drivable (nor towable) and non-startable. Bmw says the only solution is a complete change of the steering column. A very expensive repair. The owners blog shows hundreds of other dissatisfied owners with similar problems. I think you should have a recall of these bmw's because of the obvious defect in its engineering. And, furthermore, since bmw changed the whole steering lock system in their later models, they too knew of its faults. Proving their guilt.

Filed Jan 17, 2013 · Steering · 60 miles · MI

My steering wheel lock indicator was warning me that it was locked (amber light) ultimately the indicator turned red when trying to start the car and stranded me.

Filed Feb 4, 2012 · Steering · 15,500 miles · PA

Ever since I purchased this car, it'd display a yellow icon with a steering wheel lock. On this date, the steering wheel lock failed to disengage and the icon was red, leaving me stranded. This same issue occurred to my friend last month as he has the exact same car as me. According to many online sources, many others have had the exact same issue.

Filed Jan 8, 2012 · Steering · 150,000 miles · PA

My vehicle had the steering wheel lock with the amber light. Apparently, there are numerous 3 series with this issue in us and world. This is common for the e90s. Below is a list of those that have been reported to your agency. This fault could potentially happen while driving causing the occupants to lose steering control. Reports: 10380778, 10378186 - 330i 10322165 - 325xi 10380077, 10353644 - 325i 10173714,10369685,10341920,10341836,10238977,10181405 and many others. When are you going to hold bmw accountable for this major issue and safety hazard?

Filed Jul 14, 2011 · Steering · 41,000 miles · MA

Steering wheel lock issue causing issues when trying to start ignition. The steering wheel lock will happen 2-3 times a week and eventually disable completely after a few months. Had to replace with a new steering column.

Filed Apr 15, 2011 · Steering · 58,000 miles · CO

My 2006 bmw 325xi has had the amber steering lock light on for over a month and will not go off. It is a common problem with this make and model of car and bmw has refused to fix it. My car is 3000 miles past the warranty and it needs a new steering column.