Computers/Controls - Electronic Steering Column Issues
SI B 32 02 07Steering and Wheel Alignment
October 2007
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B32 02 07 dated June 2007.
[NEW] designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
Electric Steering Column Adjustment Malfunction
MODEL
E70 (X5)
SITUATION
The customer complains that the electric steering column does not move down when the engine is started.
Situation 1 (Vehicles up to October 1, 2007)
The steering wheel may not move to the last saved position and must be moved using either the memory presets or the steering column adjustment switch. This occurs when the driver moves quickly between unlocking and waking up the car and then pressing the "Start" button. In most cases, the Personal Profile is set to "Move the seat to the last saved position when unlocking or opening the door".
Situation 2 (Vehicles up to April 1, 2007)
The steering column will not adjust at all or sometimes sticks while adjusting. The following fault codes may be set: 9C6D (Solenoid, steering column adjustment - short circuit to ground, or open circuit) or 9C6C (Steering column positioning motor - short circuit to ground).
CAUSE
Cause 1
Software error that results in a time period after waking up the vehicle (KL-R "ON"), where there is no response from the steering column adjustment when the "Start" button is pressed. The time period is more noticeable if "Move the seat to the last saved position" is set in the Personal Profile.
Note that on a car that is asleep, KL-R "ON" normally occurs when the remote unlock button is pressed or on Comfort Access cars when the door is opened.
Cause 2
Steering column faulty. Improved IHKA software from March 2007.
CORRECTION
In the case of a customer complaint, check the details of the problem with the customer to identify whether Situation 1 or Situation 2 applies.
[NEW] Correction 1 (Vehicles up to October 1, 2007)
Update the vehicle using Progman V27.02 00 (Target Data Status E070-07-09-520) or higher. Refer to SI B09 05 01 (Coding, Individualization and Programming), Procedure B.
Correction 2 (Vehicles up to April 1, 2007)
1. Using DISPlus/GT1, read the faults in the IHKA memory. (The IHKA controls the steering column.) Follow any relevant test plans.
2. Check that the plugs and/or connectors are properly in place and that there is power to the electric motor in the steering column.
3. If the steering column still does not move, replace the steering column - refer to repair instructions RA 32 31 090 (Removing and installing/replacing steering column).
4. Update the vehicle using Progman V25.00.00 (Target Data Status E070-07-03-510) or higher. Refer to SI B09 05 01 (Coding, Individualization and Programming), Procedure B. Note that the vehicle must be updated regardless of whether the steering column is replaced or not.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Please refer to the latest KSD for all applicable labor operations and allowances.
If the appropriate labor operation is not contained in KSD, then a work time labor operation should be used.
Defect Code: 32 31 15 12 00
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