Steering Column Problems of BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series owners have reported 9 problems related to steering column (under the steering category). The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Steering Column problem of the 2007 BMW 3 Series

Failure Date: 09/21/2015

I parked my vehicle and when I went to start it it would not start. I got a red elv steering column lock error, BMW cc-id 186. Car will not start.

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2 Steering Column problem of the 2006 BMW 3 Series

Failure Date: 07/07/2014

I just came back from a long family vacations, I was driving this vehicle all over the states! I was so lucky! this happen to me when I got home , my 2006 BMW 330i which had a steering column malfunction and failure. Malfunction of integral lock sensor in steering column necessitates replacement of entire steering column, it is a safety problem and should be covered by a BMW customer satisfaction campaign. But is not!!! the warning indicator in the instrument panel showed an icon of a steering wheel and a lock and the vehicle failed to start, I had to have the car towed to the dealership. I contacted BMW customer service, explained my problem and was told they couldn't do anything to cover this very common quality problem and would not be covered under a manufacturers customer satisfaction campaign. On the NHTSA website, there are many cases reported that there is a problem! and that's why! I am reporting this incident to NHTSA in hopes that BMW will do something for other owners as the repair bill was $1000 and should have been covered by BMW. All I think about is! if this problem happened to me while I was driving with all my family on my car! I think I got so lucky! look at; service bulletins. Youll see! service bulletin no. : sib-32-04-07 component(s): steering BMW: a new technical process has been created for BMW to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models. ((((so! they know! about this!!!)))) make this a recall! before! this gets lock wile some one is driving and gets hurt!!!!.

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3 Steering Column problem of the 2006 BMW 3 Series

Failure Date: 06/30/2013

Steering wheel lock malfunctioned as evidenced by warning light. Vehicle was immobile and required towing. Cost for repair = $1100. 00. Repair shop said there was a core charge for the replaced upper steering column. This means that BMW is buying back the malfunctioned units to either diagnose, or they're rebuilding them and making more money. Either way, it's an known problem and BMW isn't taking the proper action to ensure owners safety.

4 Steering Column problem of the 2006 BMW 3 Series

Failure Date: 02/08/2012

I own a 2006 BMW 330xi. I'm having problems with the steering column lock which prevents the car from starting. The problem starts with a yellow warning light that indicates the steering column is locked. The starting problem is constant. We are concerned we may get stranded or as some have reported the steering may lock with little or no warning . From what I can find on the internet it appears BMW is aware of the problem. Comments are bad steering column. The problem started in Feb. Of 2012 when the car only had 9000 miles and my extended warranty had just expired. The car now has 11000 miles. The dealer has not been able to help and suggested on several occasions that I contact BMW direct. The problem appears to be common from the comments posted on line by BMW owners of 2006 on. I recently contacted BMW and they suggested I have the dealership perform a diagnostic test. The test result was defective steering column. The fee for this test was $145. 91. The estimate they provided to replace the steering column is $1,467. 86 plus diagnostic fee of $145. 91. Total cost $1,613. 77. Your investigation will show the defective steering column is a common problem. As the problem persist the safety concerns become greater. Is a recall coming as this is serious highway safety concern?.

5 Steering Column problem of the 2007 BMW 3 Series

Failure Date: 02/06/2012

I was driving and a red light with a steering wheel and pad lock came on. I contacted someone regarding this light and they indicated that this is very dangerous to drive on and that it could potentially lock up on me. I contacted irvine BMW to inquire on the cost and someone answered asking me if I had spoke to him earlier about this problem, I responded no it was my first time calling. I believe this is potentially a problem with this vehicle and am requesting that someone look into the matter. I'm having to replace my steering column which cost $1460 and my extended warranty just ended and my vehicle just came on its 5th year.

6 Steering Column problem of the 2007 BMW 3 Series

Failure Date: 02/06/2012

A warning light came on in my car (steering wheel with pad lock). I contacted the dealer and they asked me if I had called earlier which I had not. I was somewhat alarmed that this sound like a common issue although in all of the cars I have owned in the past, I have never had to replace a steering wheel column. I believe this is a defect and this is why I am filing this concern. I was informed that normally the steering wheel locks up and you are unable to drive.

7 Steering Column problem of the 2006 BMW 3 Series

Failure Date: 02/03/2011

On 2/3/2011 my vehicle had the steering wheel lock with the amber light. 2006 325i was towed to the dealer. It took re-programming and the steering column being replaced to fix the vehicle. 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. BMW is not acknowledging the defect yet they took this feature out in 2008. Reports: 10380778, 10378186 - 330i 10322165 - 325xi 10380077, 10353644 - 325i 10173714,10369685,10341920,10341836,10238977,10181405 - 3 Series.

8 Steering Column problem of the 2006 BMW 3 Series

Failure Date: 11/28/2010

Failure of steering column lock, causing inability to restart automobile intermittently. I have read this is a common problem with early 2006 330i models, but a recall was never issued. My car has very low miles, so it was clearly a design flaw. BMW offered to supply the parts for free, however I feel this is a safety-related issue and should have been 100% covered by BMW as a recall and handled proactively by the company.

9 Steering Column problem of the 2006 BMW 3 Series

Failure Date: 11/17/2006

: the contact stated while traveling 40 mph on normal road conditions, the brake and steering lights illuminated and the vehicle jerked violently. Also, when trying to turn in any direction, a loud grinding noise was heard. An extended stopping distance occurred when normal braking was attempted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. Also the brake pads needed to be replaced and adjustments had to be made to the tire pressure. The dealer performed the necessary work, but the problem persisted, and continued to jerk violently while driving. Updated 03/22/07 updated 03/30/07.


Other Common Steering related problems of BMW 3 Series



Safety Ratings of 3 Series Cars
3 Series Service Bulletins
3 Series Safety Recalls
3 Series Defect Investigations