I also have a 2007 but the steering doesn't lock. It was made in mid August of 2007, so maybe BMW had eliminated the steering lock by then? If anyone knows give me a hit. I have 130,000 on my Base Model hardtop and have only replaced the timing belt recently. I check the oil level every week and top when needed. I just drove it on a 500 miles trip at about 75 mph and got 41.2 mpg.

 

I also started getting the warning recently, I have a 2007, Born on Date Jan 2007, ~50,000 miles, the lock seems to function normally, just get the annoying icon.

Looking around under there, there is a 4 pin connector that goes to the steering wheel lock unit. Pulling the connector will disable the locking unit (ie. will no longer lock and unlock with the key in and out), but the car won't start either, so this is no good.

My question, is there a way to jumper the pins in that connector so that the computer gets the proper signal back to think that the locking unit is connected and working fine?

 

''07 R56 is the only year to have ELV ( steering lock), if there is a fault and the steering won't release, chances are the ELV needs replaced not the whole column. The is not a simple task but not that difficult if you have the correct tools and patience. All the quick remedies that you are all suggesting should work for now but it needs to be replaced. There was a service bulletin for that component a few years back have dealers replace them, it takes approx 1-2 hours and then the cost of the part.

Hope this helps.

Team @ KMW.

 

I hate to say this to everyone with the ELV issue. You will have to get it fixed. It will be several weeks to a few months before it fully stops functioning properly but it will leave you stranded. This happened to me about two weeks ago and they DO indeed have to fully disassemble to steering column to get to the issue. My quote was 610.00 plus tax. If you have that error message get it fixed or else you will be left broke down somewhere.

My issue is I bought the warranty because I bought my car used but that's NOT COVERED. So now I'm fighting with the dealership to pay for it or refund me for the warranty.

 

Yea,

It was just talked about here. You can narrow it down to the steering wheel lock on early 2007 models.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-opinions.html

 

OK, so I replaced the ELV, with one that was ordered from ECS tuning, and I have the same error code. The lock functions normally just like it did before. Locks / Unlocks, just still have the warning code. Whats next? how do I get rid of the warning code? Thx.

 

Hello,
Regarding the steering wheel problem, I have a Mini cooper S 07 and the light recently turned on even though my steering wheel isn't locked. I got it checked already and told me I have to replace the steering column and modules. I will replace it all but I'm worried that it will still give me problems since I recently had to replace the battery. I heard this is a really common problem for Mini's. I really don't want to get rid of it since I just got it 3 months ago. I am a broke college student and I really love my car. Any suggestions???

 

Bought this car several months ago and this light came on. It's red so according to the manual I shouldn't shut it off but to call the dealer. Well I've been driving with it for a few weeks with no other issue but took it in to a shop that I take my other vehicles to and they had to do an update. I had 13 updates to do, he did them all for $280, dealer wanted $200 each. The light cleared up and has not returned so far with about a week of driving. Hope it helps someone down the road.