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.

- Rsm, CA, USA

We did not buy BMW just for the look but we bought it cause of how good they make there cars and now this happen and boy I was fooled.

- Garland, TX, USA

Steering column needed to be replaced per dealer.

- Compton , CA, USA

The steering lock sensor is on. Might have to change steering wheel. Googled the problem at it seems that it is a factory defect as tons of people are affected.

- New York, NY, USA

The steering column lock failed which required BMW to replace the upper steering column at $1,252.92!!!

- Fisherville, KY, USA

There is a defect with the electronic steering wheel lock. The warning light came on, but the car functioned normally despite the owner's manual saying the car would not start. I thought it was a defective light, until I tried to start my car one morning. The electronic steering wheel lock would not disengage, and I had to get the car towed. It appears to be a complex problem as BMW dealer mechanics can only tell me that the steering column needs to be replaced. They will not tell me why it needs to be replaced or what is causing the problem. Estimates for repair have been between $1300 and $1800 depending on the dealer. I understand that cars break down but, after visiting BMW forums on the internet, it is plain to see that this is a known defect that BMW refuses to fix. One posting did indicate that the steering wheel locked up while the car was being driven causing a dangerous situation, but, in my case, the car was parked. This defect does pose to car owners a great inconvenience with possible unsafe consequences depending on the circumstances surrounding the car owner getting stranded. Furthermore, once stranded, the owner has little choice but to get it towed most likely to a BMW dealership and pay the large repair bill. (I tried an indy BMW specialist first. He could not fix it or even determine why it was occurring.) I am filing this complaint in the hope that any subsequent investigation by the NHTSA will reveal that BMW has let a known defect persist. Once that is discovered, BMW should be required to fix the defect and reimburse owners who have had to pay for a costly repair.

- Orange, CA, USA

Steering wheel locked on 2007 BMW 328I coupe for the second time in two months! had to have vehicle towed, missed work, and out of a vehicle until it is fixed...for the second time in two months. I also know of at least 4 people who have had the exact same problem with their BMW's. please look into this.

- Mobile, AL, USA

Dashboard indicates, "electric steering lock engaged". car is currently drivable, however the dealer has informed me that this has happened often in this year and model of BMW, and will continue to worsen until the car will no longer turn on. The malfunctioning feature (steering wheel lock) has been removed from subsequent models, indicating that the manufacturer recognizes the malfunction. Repair includes replacement of the entire steering column, cost to repair is approximately $1300.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

Car died out of no where who not start would not jump start had to have it towed for big money on a flat bed with skates. I was hours away from home. Steering column and a new battery over $1600.

- Dunstable, MA, USA

I was driving the car and the electronic steering wheel lock icon illuminated on the dash panel. It kept giving the warning that the steering wheel will lock and if I turn the car off, I won't be able to crank it. I drove it for about two weeks. When I turned the car off, I could not crank it back up. I had to have the steering column replaced at my local BMW repair shop. I have known other BMW owner's who says this has happened to them more than once. I am wondering if this is a defect in the BMW 328I models because I have been told that the steering wheel could also lock if a person was driving, also.

- Florence, SC, USA

BMW steering wheel lock cant start vehicle leaves you stranded. Had dealer replaced already once in past problem persists.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

Red steering wheel lock warning light came on one day. I never had an issue with my car starting even with the warning light on. I had my car checked out and it was recommended to replace the whole steering wheel column. Not because it was bad, but because the sensor was bad and the only way to fix it was replacing the whole steering column. Total cost was over $700. My car was 3 months and 5,000 miles out of warranty. After researching on the internet I found that the steering column warning light sensor is a very common problem. Hopefully enough people complain and BMW recalls this part that is obviously defective.

- Elkhart, IN, USA

Steering wheel locks up unexpected and car will not start. Have been replaced once before. This is the second incident since 12/28/09. Car has to be towed from locations.

- Cerritos, CA, USA

Red steering wheel and padlock warning indicator light is on - steering wheel will not lock. The most common issue with this fault can cause a "no start" condition. The "no start" condition can arise and the steering wheel could lock while driving. This is the second failure within 4 years and common in BMW's (see thread: www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php"T=316722 thread: www.E90post.com/forums/showthread.php"T=147586)

- Santa Clara, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328xi. While driving approximately 25 mph and attempting to make a right hand turn, the contact stated that the steering wheel became stuck, causing him to hit a wall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who filed a report with the manufacturer. The manufacturer conducted an investigation which was inconclusive. They were unable to duplicate the failure. The current and failure mileages were unknown. A police report was available. The VIN was unavailable.

- State College, PA, USA

Dashboard indicates, "electric steering lock engaged". car is currently drivable, however the dealer has informed me that this has happened often in this year and model of BMW, and will continue to worsen until the car will no longer turn on. The malfunctioning feature (steering wheel lock) has been removed from subsequent models, indicating that the manufacturer recognizes the malfunction. Repair includes replacement of the entire steering column, cost to repair is approximately $1300.

- Bloomfield, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328I. While driving approximately 25 mph and making a right turn, the steering wheel locked. The contact drove across several lanes of traffic without crashing. The brakes were slow to respond when depressed and the ABS light on the instrument panel illuminated. When the vehicle came to a stop, the service engine light illuminated and the steering wheel was still locked. The contact shut off the vehicle. When she restarted it, the vehicle began operating normally. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it currently remains. The current and failure mileages were 3,183.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA