[lungdoctor]

My 2006 330xi failed to start today at the WaWa ( coffee stop). Car started out of garage without difficulty, but after the coffee stop ( 2 miles from my house) the car failed to start. Car has comfort access. The dash computer first showd an icon a person with the seatbelt on and the airbag deployed. ( air bag is not deployed and the car hit no bumps or other objects on the way to the WaWa). Then a picture of the steering wheel with a lock above it was displayed. The starter motor starts but the car will not start. BMW assist was great and the car was towed to the dealer. I just spoke with them (Thompson BMW), and they can not get the car started , and have not seen this problem before. The car has been at the dealer 8 hours. Anyone have a similar problem. The dealer has not seen this before. Is this a software issue or a sensor or hardware problem. For now they have provided me with a toyota- Not the ultimate driving machine. Any suggestions or comments Thanks I have asked them to call Germany for suggestions. Please Help I want my baby back. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Dr. A

[Broken1]

Did you try put the key in?

The steering wheel lock icon means that the automatic steering wheel lock couldn't disengage (and hence the car won't start)

I had it once, and all i did was move it side to side until the lock was free to move and it worked.

[E90Fleet]

As broken1 said the steering wheel and lock is the electronic steering lock fault warning

was it red or yellow ?

If yellow the engine wont start till you get the lock to disengage by moving the steering wheel back and forth

[thrill30]

I once had a similar issue(I also have Comfort Access)... there was an elaborate error message on the iDrive screen with icons and all.... the error mentioned that I mustn't shut down the engine... but the engine was already off as I had just stopped to refill gas/petrol .

See my post at: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6121

In any case, to solve the problem, I put in the keyfob and the car started without a problem.... I later reported this behaviour to the dealership , and they told me that they know of similar issues on the 7 series... and the workaround is to put the keyfob into its slot and start the engine... then book the car in for a check or software update.

As Broken1 asked: Did you try to start with the keyfob in its slot? If you did try this, then you might be having a different problem.

[David328M-Sport]

So in other words, you can turn the engine over, but it just refuses to properly start and run on its own. Do I understand your post correctly?

[LEDZEP]

I'm just thinking how damned funny it would be if wiggling the steering wheel has eluded the BMW shop monkeys for eight hours!

I hope they at least gave you a good loaner!

[lungdoctor]

I tried to start the car with the key fob in the dash, and the car still would not turn over. I did try turning the wheel and the car still did not start. The steering wheel with the lock was yellow in color. Thanks for your help. The car is at the dealer, and as of 5 pm, they still have not gotten the car to start.

[lungdoctor]

The Loaner is a Toyota- It starts every time, but it is not the ultimate Driving machine. The steering is way to loose, and the interior is all plastic.

[btc]

Originally Posted by lungdoctor

I tried to start the car with the key fob in the dash, and the car still would not turn over. I did try turning the wheel and the car still did not start. The steering wheel with the lock was yellow in color. Thanks for your help. The car is at the dealer, and as of 5 pm, they still have not gotten the car to start.

have you check the battery safety terminal (BST) ?

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=battery

[lungdoctor]

To the Dealer
[IMG]

[lungdoctor]

No I did not even open the hood, because I had power in the car. The lights worked and the car would turn over, but not start. I will call the Dealer in the morning and ask to have the BST checked Thanks. Dr. A

[btc]

Originally Posted by lungdoctor

No I did not even open the hood, because I had power in the car. The lights worked and the car would turn over, but not start. I will call the Dealer in the morning and ask to have the BST checked Thanks. Dr. A

BTW, your battery is located in the trunk. When the BST disconnect, it still give you power to lock, un-lock, play the radio, call sos, and light.

[hkspwrsche]

I've been waiting to see what reliability problems might show up and this one was mentioned in the car and driver article, wasnt it? The test car wouldnt start right away? Is this only an issue with comfort assist? This is my fear that if I buy a fancy eletronic controlled everything car that it will break down right away on me. Ive got 2 911 SC's that start right up and a little 91crxsi for the snow. I really want a new car but, reliability is worrying me....on new porsche and bmw stuff.

[lungdoctor]

I had the Dealer Check the Battery and it was fine. Thqanks for the suggestion. The dealer finally got the car to start, and has narrowed the problem to a communication module. The have ordered the part and hope to have the repair completed 12-8.Thanks again for everyone's suggestions. I will post the resolution once I have my Baby Back.

[lungdoctor]

Failed Main Relay was replaced FP Number 61-36-6-901-469 (I think this is ignition relay)
Also replaced- Control Unit FP number 61-35-6-981-416.
The Car is back like new. Just returned from picking up my daughter at Syracuse University ( Winter Break ). This car is so much fun to Drive, 4.5 hour road trip with navigation and great sound-no time to get bored or get fatigued.

[myXI]

Sorry to hear that you had issues with the car. It's good that things are resolved, and your baby is back on the road.