I just bought a 2004 545i from a family member, with the steering wheel problem.

The three buttons on the right (star, diamond, and the up/down arrows) don't function and don't light up, while the buttons on the left work fine. The heated wheel also doesn't work. Has anybody else had these symptoms? I didn't see anybody with the button problem in the search.

Once I return to school I may take it to the dealer and see what they say. Dealers in central Illinois are much cheaper for labor than those in Chicago!

 

It could b a weak battery. These cars seem to b rough on batterys. Just an idea.

 

These electrical related issues should get checked out by the dealer if you are still under warranty. And it can be costly. Good luck!

 

It could be faulty contacts in that right side switch cluster or the connection within and behind the steering wheel [that permits electrical connection when the wheel turns - a wipe switch].

Sometimes it is possible to use a spray contact cleaner to correct switches that are dirty. Careful because these cleaners can stain plastics!

Search "steering wheel replacement" and start by seeing if it's easy to remove that right side switch cluster to investigate a problem there. Digging into the vehicle electrics and steering wheel further is probably left to the dealer.