My '06 BMW 325xi is exhibiting a yellow caution light, indicating that there is an issue with the electronic wheel lock. My local dealer said the fix is to replace the steering column, which will cost about $1,000. If I don't fix it, the yellow warning light will eventually turn red, at which time, I reportedly will not be able to start my car. After scanning the internet blogs, I quickly realized that this is a very common problem with several BMW models. Sensing my frustration with such an unusual problem, the dealer recommended that I contact the BMW Customer Relations folks (1-800-831-1117) to see if they might help pay for the repair, or at least cost share it. The CR representative that I spoke with told me that BMW currently had no plans to work with the customer on this. I told the rep that replacing a steering column is not the type of repair you expect to encounter for a $40,000 car. I could understand having to eventually change parts like a water pump, radiator, belts/hoses, plugs, tires, but certainly not a steering column (at least I didn't have to for my Ford, Pontiac, Toyota, Olds, VW, which I previously owned). The response from the CR rep was the expected "well, I'll make sure to document this and forward it to the blah blah department for further review", but I didn't get a real warm fuzzy. In closing, I just want to recommend other folks who are having this same issue to contact the BMW CR hot line (number provided above) and register your complaint. Maybe, just maybe, they will make a smart marketing decision before losing numerous customers. Thank you for letting me vent!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
My '06 BMW 325xi is exhibiting a yellow caution light, indicating that there is an issue with the electronic wheel lock. My local dealer said the fix is to replace the steering column, which will cost about $1,000. If I don't fix it, the yellow warning light will eventually turn red, at which time, I reportedly will not be able to start my car. After scanning the internet blogs, I quickly realized that this is a very common problem with several BMW models. Sensing my frustration with such an unusual problem, the dealer recommended that I contact the BMW Customer Relations folks (1-800-831-1117) to see if they might help pay for the repair, or at least cost share it. The CR representative that I spoke with told me that BMW currently had no plans to work with the customer on this. I told the rep that replacing a steering column is not the type of repair you expect to encounter for a $40,000 car. I could understand having to eventually change parts like a water pump, radiator, belts/hoses, plugs, tires, but certainly not a steering column (at least I didn't have to for my Ford, Pontiac, Toyota, Olds, VW, which I previously owned). The response from the CR rep was the expected "well, I'll make sure to document this and forward it to the blah blah department for further review", but I didn't get a real warm fuzzy. In closing, I just want to recommend other folks who are having this same issue to contact the BMW CR hot line (number provided above) and register your complaint. Maybe, just maybe, they will make a smart marketing decision before losing numerous customers. Thank you for letting me vent!
- lanfred, Wallingford, CT, US