How can I recognize this fault?
Do you have a BMW or Mini with a steering lock fault that prevents the car from starting?
We can solve that for you professionally. Contact us directly!
How do I fix this fault?
The BMW dealer or a regular garage will usually want to replace the steering column. This quickly costs around €1,000. Unfortunately, replacing the steering column is no guarantee that the problem will actually be solved.
Fortunately, thanks to years of experience, other solutions are possible. These solutions come at a significantly lower cost. Options range from a one-time reset to a permanent reprogramming.
We offer these services to both business and private customers—from car dealerships to hobbyists.
Enlist the help of Carware
What is the electronic steering lock?
The electronic steering lock ensures that the steering wheel is automatically locked as soon as the ignition is switched off. The steering lock is part of the steering column.
The following models are often equipped with an electronic steering lock:
BMW 1 Series e81, e82, e87, e88
BMW 3 Series e90, e91, e92, e93
BMW 5 Series e60, e61
BMW X5 e70
Mini R50, R56
BMW & Mini CAS2 & CAS3
Problems
Unfortunately, the steering lock in these models sometimes causes problems. If the car detects that the steering lock cannot be locked or unlocked, the system may, as a safety precaution, prevent the ignition from being switched on. This means it will no longer be possible to drive the car at all.
This fault can be recognized when the onboard computer displays a yellow or red steering lock icon. If the vehicle is equipped with a CCC or CIC, a warning will also appear on the iDrive screen.
Normally, with the orange icon the car will still start a few more times. With the red icon, however, the car often will no longer start.
According to the official BMW instructions, the ignition is locked after 50 attempts. However, our experience shows that it is possible for the car to become unable to switch on the ignition within just one day.
Pinpointing the problem is not always easy for a garage, as there can be several possible causes:
- (Partially) defective steering lock motor
- Weak battery / voltage problems
- Incorrect key programming
- Defective CAS module
In 9 out of 10 cases, the defect is caused by one of the first two issues.
The CAS module often shows the following fault codes:
- A0AA BSW_REGISTER_ERROR
- A0B5 Signal Detection Speed Error
References
What our customers say
Great service, even with urgency it was very fast, it could be fixed the same day, I am very happy with it, definitely recommended!!
Highly recommended to bring your BMW in if you need software updates or programming done! This guy knows what he's talking about and is willing to go the extra mile to make sure you go home satisfied! Thanks for the experience. Regards, Dennis (speeddonors)
Very satisfied with Carware! My dashboard lights stopped working, and owner Jan quickly found the cause. He honestly suggested I could fix it myself to save money—and he was absolutely right. Friendly service (even offered a drink) and very knowledgeable. Absolutely recommended! You won't find service like this again! 5/5 ⭐️
Very satisfied with the work and the service. He keeps his appointments and delivers quality work. Jan is also a true specialist/expert and works very neatly. Highly recommended.
After replacing several parts on my BMW M140 with no success, the ECU turned out to be the culprit. After some online research, I found Hagenaar Carware, where I received excellent service. Jan quickly diagnosed the problem correctly. He clearly explained the problem and the costs. Clear communication, no surprises, and expert service. Highly recommended for anyone with electronic problems with their BMW or MINI.
My car has been parked since July 7th due to a malfunction in the electronic steering lock on my BMW E90.
Last year, the entire steering column was replaced, but after a few months, the same problem arose. No one could solve it, but after a long search online, I found Jan, and after a clear explanation and a potential solution, I regained hope.
Jan remotely—how?—really got my car running again and immediately wrote down all the malfunctions and error messages.
Jan is a hero! It's a shame you can only give 5 stars and not 10, otherwise he would have definitely earned them!
Last year, the entire steering column was replaced, but after a few months, the same problem arose. No one could solve it, but after a long search online, I found Jan, and after a clear explanation and a potential solution, I regained hope.
Jan remotely—how?—really got my car running again and immediately wrote down all the malfunctions and error messages.
Jan is a hero! It's a shame you can only give 5 stars and not 10, otherwise he would have definitely earned them!
I had a problem with the ROC module for my BMW. Jan neatly fixed all the error codes and reinstalled the module. A fantastic solution, instead of having a new and expensive module replaced at the garage. Jan communicates quickly and honestly about the options and any risks. He also provides immediate clarity about the costs. In short, I understand why all the reviews here are 5 stars, and this one adds another 5 stars!
Response from the owner 06:46 01 Sep 25
Jos, dank voor je leuke review en je lovende woorden. Daar doen we het voor! 🙂
The ECM of a 320 convertible was repaired and updated with new software. The car now drives smoothly and better than ever. Excellent service! Perfect! Highly recommended!
Response from the owner 06:46 01 Sep 25
Dank voor je lovende woorden!
I have an old BMW Z3, and after winter storage, it wouldn't start.
Jan was able to come on-site within two days to scan the Z3, but unfortunately, that wasn't possible because the Z3 has an older system.
Luckily, Jan still had an old laptop with the correct software.
He quickly realized the AWS module was malfunctioning. He gave me tips on how to work around this and adjusted the ECU. And yes, it's running like a charm again.
Excellent, clear communication, good advice.
Simply a true professional.
We need more of them.
Jan was able to come on-site within two days to scan the Z3, but unfortunately, that wasn't possible because the Z3 has an older system.
Luckily, Jan still had an old laptop with the correct software.
He quickly realized the AWS module was malfunctioning. He gave me tips on how to work around this and adjusted the ECU. And yes, it's running like a charm again.
Excellent, clear communication, good advice.
Simply a true professional.
We need more of them.
Response from the owner 06:47 01 Sep 25
Joost, dank voor je leuke review. En veel rijplezier toegewenst in je Z3!
My frame broke.
He expertly repaired it for me.
Great service.
I was able to get an appointment within two hours and it was fixed within half an hour. Absolutely fantastic.
Highly recommended 👌👌
He expertly repaired it for me.
Great service.
I was able to get an appointment within two hours and it was fixed within half an hour. Absolutely fantastic.
Highly recommended 👌👌
Response from the owner 09:57 28 Jul 25
Dankjewel Cristian voor je review. En fijn dat je FRM het weer helemaal doet
We had Jan install original BMW cruise control in our BMW Z4. Everything was expertly installed and thoroughly tested. Jan works calmly and consistently. Highly recommended!
Response from the owner 09:58 28 Jul 25
Ha Johan,Fijn dat je blij bent met de originele cruise control. Origineel blijft in onze ogen de mooiste oplossing voor je Z4.Hartelijke groet,Carware
After some online research, I found Hagenaar Carware for an upgrade to the DCT gearbox in my BMW E92 M3, specifically the GTS software. After contacting them through the app, I was able to quickly schedule an appointment.
Once I arrived, Jan already heard me 🥳. He immediately grabbed the laptop to check everything for error codes, after which the software could be installed. Meanwhile, Jan changed my menu to Dutch (it was in English), completely free of charge 👌
After an hour, we were back on the road, and the shifting was so incredibly fast.
Thanks, Jan!
Once I arrived, Jan already heard me 🥳. He immediately grabbed the laptop to check everything for error codes, after which the software could be installed. Meanwhile, Jan changed my menu to Dutch (it was in English), completely free of charge 👌
After an hour, we were back on the road, and the shifting was so incredibly fast.
Thanks, Jan!
Response from the owner 09:59 28 Jul 25
Ha Piet,Het werken aan een E92 M3 is altijd extra leuk. Fijn dat je tevreden bent, en het mooie V8-geluid was inderdaad al van ver te herkennen ;-)Hartelijke groet,Carware
Additional Information
On-site and remote service are also available!
Note: After reprogramming or bypassing the ELV, we strongly advise having the steering lock physically removed.
Request a quote or more information
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