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Question

I am about to buy a 1999 540i but it has one "intermittent" problem.
-- air bag light coming on
-- no horn
-- no buttons on steering wheel work
-- the radio goes out
-- steering wheel moving up & down on its own
This all occurs at once, unpredictable.
I have seen several solutions, all different - any ideas?

Thanks,
Jim
XXXXX@XXXXXX.XXX

Submitted: 128 days and 13 hours ago.

Category: BMW

Value: $20

Status: CLOSED

Posted by brownjeff 128 days and 13 hours ago.

Answer

The horn, air bag, and buttons on the wheel all have one thing in common....They all go through the clockspring in the steering wheel and this is a common problem. The steering wheel moving up and down on its own I'm not sure of. I would replace the clockspring first as it may fix all of these.

128 days and 13 hours ago.

Reply

Hi - just to clarify, is the clockspring IN the steering column, or ??
Also, a forum had 2 other possibilities (description was EXACTLY same symptoms - weird...).
1. ignition switch contact that affects all these items - this person said it fixed it 100%
2. some sensor in the driver's seat - this person said it fixed 50% of issues

Ignition switch made some sense, but seat sensor?
I am not familiar with all the sensors in a BMW, I restore older cars, no sensors to worry about. :-)

Thoughts?

Accepted Answer

The ignition switch affects a lot of items and you would even have more issues if that were the case. The seat sensor....hello! Yes the clockspring sets right below the steering wheel and makes the most sense based on the description that you gave.

Accepts:
Expert:	brownjeff
Pos. Feedback:	96.7 %
Answered:	7/17/2009

ASE Certified Technician

ASE Certified Technician, 17 years experience, Delaership Certified, Service Manager for 15 years

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