Steering Lock Problem! Please Read
12-22-2013, 07:05 AM
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Steering Lock Problem! Please Read
Hi everyone, long time viewer, first time post 
I have a 2006 530i with the N52 engine. I live in Canada. Over the last several months, I've been getting the ELV error from time to time. Usually it takes 1 or 2 attempts to start the car, and it's all good.
Just this past weekend, I was stranded for a good 10 minutes before the car would unlock and start. BMW quoted me a new steering column saying that would fix the problem (over $2K). I read some forums and people said that you can purchase the ELV separate ($250) and that can be installed.
So what I did was purchase this part, I unplugged the cable to the original ELV, and plugged it into the new ELV. Everything worked fine, but after my 7th or 8th attempt, the new ELV failed as well! I would have to remove the key, wait a few seconds, put it back in, and then it'd unlock.
This leads me to believe that there is nothing wrong with the ELV - but maybe a signal leading to it that is not allowing it to function properly.
I tried my spare key, same thing. I disconnected the battery, same thing. The battery looks like it was changed in 2011, so I doubt it's that.
I know this topic has been beaten to death, but wanted to see if anyone can suggest or recommend trying something else without buying the entire steering column. I believe it's some electronic signal not getting to the ELV, allowing it to function.
I have a 2006 530i with the N52 engine. I live in Canada. Over the last several months, I've been getting the ELV error from time to time. Usually it takes 1 or 2 attempts to start the car, and it's all good.
Just this past weekend, I was stranded for a good 10 minutes before the car would unlock and start. BMW quoted me a new steering column saying that would fix the problem (over $2K). I read some forums and people said that you can purchase the ELV separate ($250) and that can be installed.
So what I did was purchase this part, I unplugged the cable to the original ELV, and plugged it into the new ELV. Everything worked fine, but after my 7th or 8th attempt, the new ELV failed as well! I would have to remove the key, wait a few seconds, put it back in, and then it'd unlock.
This leads me to believe that there is nothing wrong with the ELV - but maybe a signal leading to it that is not allowing it to function properly.
I tried my spare key, same thing. I disconnected the battery, same thing. The battery looks like it was changed in 2011, so I doubt it's that.
I know this topic has been beaten to death, but wanted to see if anyone can suggest or recommend trying something else without buying the entire steering column. I believe it's some electronic signal not getting to the ELV, allowing it to function.
12-24-2013, 05:17 PM
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My Ride: 07 525i Alpine White
I am sure you have googled this and turned up this thread already: ELV Steering Lock Fault - Page 2
But if not that battery sensor might be something to check out. if you need to remove the steering wheel portion within the cabin to find out let me know - I have a good step by step procedure from an E60'r who attempted the .02 cent fix to fix a ZSL error myself and others were getting.
But if not that battery sensor might be something to check out. if you need to remove the steering wheel portion within the cabin to find out let me know - I have a good step by step procedure from an E60'r who attempted the .02 cent fix to fix a ZSL error myself and others were getting.
12-24-2013, 05:17 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Dallas TX
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My Ride: 07 525i Alpine White
I am sure you have googled this and turned up this thread already: ELV Steering Lock Fault - Page 2
But if not that battery sensor might be something to check out. if you need to remove the steering wheel to find out let me know - I have a good step by step procedure from an E60'r who attempted the .02 cent fix to fix a ZSL error myself and others were getting.
But if not that battery sensor might be something to check out. if you need to remove the steering wheel to find out let me know - I have a good step by step procedure from an E60'r who attempted the .02 cent fix to fix a ZSL error myself and others were getting.
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