Steering Lock Warning BMW 5 Series E60

BMW 5 series steering lock malfunction (symbol is a steering wheel with a lock). This video shows the insides of the failed ELV (electronic steering lock). This will cause a no crank no start. The steering lock is a theft protection device and it must send a communication signal to the CAS unit for the CAS to allow the starter to turn. When it fails the CAS will not allow the starter to be powered up.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, I am sorry to hear that you have this problem. The common symptom is that when you press the start button only some lights come on but the vehicle does not crank over. I have seen some vehicles that the steering warning light does not come on but is the same problem. The only thing to try is also to disconnect the IBS plug in the trunk to make sure this is not a bad intelligent battery sensor failure.

[@JussiSaarinen]

I managed to remove the lock, both of the shear bolts were quite loose (!). I think this was the root cause in my case because the lock was slightly moving due to lock motor's torque and this time the lock's pin got stuck. As I did not have shear bolts available I put different bolts, now the original lock is working fine. I ordered shear bolts from dealer and put them later... Thank you for your help!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

It is a good idea to make sure the vent is installed and the battery area is clean of any acid crystalls. You did everything right in checking the IBS. Since the vehicle still did not crank it is not the IBS causing the problem. This would leave the steering lock as the most likely failure unfortunately. The good news in this is that it can be replaced separate from the column. On 3 series the entire steering column needs replacement.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

That is rather interesting! Usually the shear bolts are a real pain and are made to be tightened very carefully for saftey reasons. The looseness might have been the root cause as you suspected. Sweet that it works now though! Glad I could help :)

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, You could try to have the code cleared and the ELV reset to see if the warning will stop setting. If it comes back, it sounds like the ELV is begining to fail and it would be a good idea to replace it as a preventative measure. I hope this helps :)

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, Since this is a theft protection device unplugging it will only result in a no start situation. Often even plugging in a new ELV will not allow a start without running a test plan with the BMW tester to reset the CAS unit. Unfortunately this is something that a BMW shop will need to perform for you for it to work correctly. You can use a non dealer shop if they have the right equipment. The best first step will be to have it towed and scanned to verify the steering fault.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

On an E60 the ELV is replaced separate. It is held on by shear bolts so you need to use a chisel to break them free and walk them out. You will need a new ELV and programming once installed.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

I do not remember having to take the steering wheel off. Just the column trim. It has shear bolts so you need a chisel to tap them loose and walk them out. Then they need to be replaced and the new shear bolt heads will snap off when at the correct tightness.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

The CAS unit provides power and switches terminal 15. The CAS unit has to be reset using the BMW tester. I do not think any aftermarket scanner can do this reset. At my shop when we install the steering lock the vehicle still has to be pushed in to be reset before it will start. It may have to be towed to the dealer for this next step. Also if the CAS unit has a problem it needs to be programmed before the vehicle will start but I would start with having them do the reset first.

[@studisme]

Good stuff! Thankyou for putting this up. It's highly appreciated! God bless.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, Can I have the last Seven of the VIN number and did you have the ELV reset after replacment. This has to be done with a BMW tester.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, The eE65 did not have this system. Your no start could be a bad key, a problem with the CAS unit, a failure of the starter motor, low voltage, or an IVM integrated voltage module which has the starter relay.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

To see how this can occur please look at my video listed as "battery acid caused a crank no start" to make sure this is not from a bad IBS (intelligent battery sensor. I hope this helps! :)

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello Jussi, I am not familiar with INPA yet. I am waiting for my software to come in that has INPA as part of it but have not yet used it. I know that the TIS program can reset a steering lock. But if the lock has failed you will need to replace it first. If you can program it would also be a good idea to program the vehicle or at least the DSC control unit.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

The K can is a communication bus line between modules (computers) in the vehicle. If there is a component or a wiring issue and the modules cannot communicate you will get these faults. This is a difficult diagnosis requiring a lot of time to trace down. Not something I can fix on you tube for you. Sorry.

[@joelr316]

I just reset the counter and it started up right after

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, From what I can find in the part diagram this would cover from 2006 model year to current E60 vehicles.

[@kyrees.williams4023]

Gotta love those yearly German engineering surprises. Yet we keep buying these overcomplicated and unreliable cars. I didn't learn my lesson with my first VW, and now I have a TDI that's three months old. I do *not* look forward to the end of the warranty...

[@momp0]

Its cm49740. We have the scanner but not sure how to reset the elv. We manage to delete all codes but A0B4 shows up and ask to unplug terminal # 15 which we have no clue.

[@suguilarry]

so after the new ELV install. the CAS unit would need to be reset by the dealer or shop?

[@momp0]

Hello, I am also having this problem. I thought it was the battery but the battery is fairly new and was tested. I did all the turning procedure but no success. This morning I had to start it 3x coz I thought I was not pressing the start button long enough. But it never showed before only after it was towed home. Can this have been damage when it was towed? And it still wont start.

[@momp0]

Hello, I forgot to ask. What year does this video cover to?

[@momp0]

I purchase my battery from AAA and was just recently checked. In your video (batttery acid) I disconnect the blue wire (IBS) and started it but still no crank, plugged it back in and try to start again and still no crank. Did I do something wrong?

[@jerogressier9768]

hello mr askthecarexperts. I would like to ask a question: I have to install a new ELV for my 2009 e60 530d manual. I need to reprogram or not. reset CAS3 is doing, so no new message in CAS3 for now. thank you

[@blitz07734]

where can I find a replacement ELV without having to source a whole new steering column? Also, is the ELV compatible for both right hand and left hand drive E60's?

[@bmw7351000]

Thank you ,i fixed it right now loose connection in PDC ,EHC made all fault but i got key not update data miles,service,etc. when i read with bmw key reader all key that i have got same problem ,i bought a new key from bmw and try to update but it not update data bad CAS ,.what i should do.

[@JussiSaarinen]

Hi! Yes I have a failed lock and I can't release it no matter what (car is E61 535d -06). Car computer displays error message in info screen: "Electric Steering wheel lock under strain, Steering wheel cannot be unlocked. Move the steering wheel to enable engine start" However "moving" does not help... It is quite cold now, even -30C so I changed the battery because the old one was quite weak already. It did not help. Next I try to dismantle the lock. Do I have to remove steering wheel?

[@bmw7351000]

Hi my e66 2003 have problem with EHC K-CAN problem CAS K-CAN problem DWA K-CAN problem CIM K-CAN problem SHD K-CAN problem KOMBI K-CAN Low problem PDC K-CAN Low problem BZM K-CAN problem BZMF K-CAN problem CON K-CAN problem FCON K-CAN problem IHKA K-CAN problem IHKA2 K-CAN problem how to fix all of these problem ,what problem with it,why all of these code are same it might be lose connection??? ,and all of these are work fine ... thank you aloff......

[@momp0]

Is there any place I can get this part on the web instead of the dealer? Is there a way to start the car if I unplug it?

[@momp0]

Is there a part nos for the ELV? I have been trying to search it in various web vendors but does not show. Can that be bypass instead of replacing it?

[@JussiSaarinen]

Do you know if the reset can be carried out using INPA?

[@bmw7351000]

hello if it failure ,how i can start car? Did E66 have ELV? thank you

[@momp0]

Hello, After months of delay. I finally replace the new (elv). I am getting a code A0B4 (engine starter operation and terminal #15 on the aftermarket scanner. I have no clue what this means. Please help. Still no crank no start.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

The part can be found on pelican parts or real oem online. 8 Steering column lock 1 09/2005 32306786922 $247.86 This is not the part number by VIN so it may not be exact for your vehicle. If you can post the last seven digits of the VIN I can verify the part number for you.

[@suguilarry]

not with the odb2 right?