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
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.
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