kduff70

I have a 2006 530I does anyone have a problem with there steering wheel burning when you press the steering wheel warming button? Every time i press the button the steering wheel burn through the steering wheel I check with BMWUSA and they claim there no recall but if I bring it by a deeler in might cost me or not cost . How does that work.

twh

What does "burning" mean? Do you see smoke? Is the leather wrapped around the steering wheel charred? Is it just too hot for you to hold?

I will say that my 530xi with heated steering wheel is hotter than my wife's 2009 X5 heated steering wheel. I like the 530 one better

FormerE30Owner

What do you mean by burning? Is there actually smoke? Do you smell burning?
Depending on the temperature in the car (summer time), the steering wheel can get quite hot when the "warming" button is pressed, but burn?

Salut, Bob P.

KyleB

Nope, no problems with my wheel. If anything, I think mine is somewhat slow to heat up. Being in Florida I don't use it too much.

kduff70

The steering wheel actually burning where smoke come out of it burn a small holes through the steering wheel that can really burn your hand if your not carefully

kduff70

you see smoke and the heating element burning

jgt

It has happened to me and another member but I forget who. I do remember that smoke smell.
Basically there's a short somewhere in the heating element causing one spot to heat up significantly more than the rest of the wheel.
I got it covered under CPO but I would bring up the claim to a BMW dealer and BMW NA regardless if I were you. Just bring up your concern regarding the smoking smell and numerous hand burns you've gotten and I'm sure they'll repair it as a courtesy.
BTW they'll need to order a new steering wheel, no airbag just the wheel, from Germany which will take about 3-5 weeks.

kduff70

thank you the dealer told me they would not cover the steering wheel becauseits out of warranty but I’ll write a letter to BMW north and see what they say.I would think a steering wheel would be something that would be guaranteed forthe life of the car since there are a whole lot of other thing that can andwill eventually go bad .I never would think my steering would go bad

jgt

A nicely worded letter concerning the burning smell, the actual smoke coming off the wheel, the likelihood of ignition and your burn injuries should sway them in the right direction.
What if the steering wheel ignited? It's already physically smoking.
I wouldn't be surprised if it actually ignited if left on long enough.

If it was just regular wear and tear or a worn out steering wheel I could understand denying the repair in or out of warranty but this is a serious fire and safety issue for the driver and the car itself.

FYi the non-sport heated steering wheel costs about $800 new from BMW if I recall correctly.