[swinster]

Hey guys/gals:

So I have a 335i 2007 with 30036 miles on it, which I drive maybe once a week...obviously I am fortunate not to have to drive it daily and I take care of the car. My warranty expired (due to time) and I started getting dash lights coming on. The stealership says the indicator light that came on (for DTC/tire issues) wasn't really the problem it said it was for, and now they tell me I have to replace the entire steering column ($1700) "OR THE CAR WILL LOCK UP AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE IT." Two questions, any one else begin getting hammered with car issues after warranty was up? Second, should I unload the car now before this gets out of control?

[ceb]

Originally Posted by swinster

Hey guys/gals:

So I have a 335i 2007 with 30036 miles on it, which I drive maybe once a week...obviously I am fortunate not to have to drive it daily and I take care of the car. My warranty expired (due to time) and I started getting dash lights coming on. The stealership says the indicator light that came on (for DTC/tire issues) wasn't really the problem it said it was for, and now they tell me I have to replace the entire steering column ($1700) "OR THE CAR WILL LOCK UP AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE IT." Two questions, any one else begin getting hammered with car issues after warranty was up? Second, should I unload the car now before this gets out of control?

What happened to cause the lights to come on?

[ChuckBMW3]

Since you are out of warranty, forget the dealership and find a local indy shop that is BMW certified/specialized which should save you a considerable amount of $$$.

I wouldn't dump the car just yet; it could be an isolated event.

[Supra98]

I need a new steering column (have the red steering wheel and lock on my dash) they said soon the car won't start and won't drive. I've been driving it like this for 4,000 miles haha i'm getting if fixed at the end of this week though. Bought an extended warranty a while ago, time to use it. I have 72K miles and that's been my only problem.

[Supra98]

Originally Posted by ChuckBMW3

Since you are out of warranty, forget the dealership and find a local indy shop that is BMW certified/specialized which should save you a considerable amount of $$$.

I wouldn't dump the car just yet; it could be an isolated event.

x2 the steering column is only 465 at Tischer BMW

[swinster]

Originally Posted by ceb

What happened to cause the lights to come on?

I truly think nothing "happened" at the time. I was pulling away from a curb and the lights came on. The symbol is a triangle with an exclamation point in the middle. An arrow going counter clockwise goes around the triangle and the "brake" light is illuminated yellow. I went with the dealer for repairs because of all the re-coding and re-programming involved after everything is replaced....Such a bummer since I rarely drive it. So far though, two fuel pumps, steering wheel peeling, moon roof wouldn't open, mostly all electrical issues.. Starting to wonder about the "Ultimate Driving Machine."

[swinster]

Originally Posted by ChuckBMW3

Since you are out of warranty, forget the dealership and find a local indy shop that is BMW certified/specialized which should save you a considerable amount of $$$.

I wouldn't dump the car just yet; it could be an isolated event.

I was torn man, good advice but the SA made it sound like without the BMW programming I would be screwed.....I'm gonna have to find a local shop if the problems persist.

[swinster]

Originally Posted by Supra98

I need a new steering column (have the red steering wheel and lock on my dash) they said soon the car won't start and won't drive. I've been driving it like this for 4,000 miles haha i'm getting if fixed at the end of this week though. Bought an extended warranty a while ago, time to use it. I have 72K miles and that's been my only problem.

I didn't even have those error codes, "have the red steering wheel and lock on my dash." It kind of blows when you trust the people at the dealership but I'm worried I'm taking one on the chin here....completely different codes and things happening, according to the dealership...

[DrtyJersey]

Originally Posted by Supra98

x2 the steering column is only 465 at Tischer BMW

gotta love Tischer!! Big savings

[ceb]

Originally Posted by swinster

I truly think nothing "happened" at the time. I was pulling away from a curb and the lights came on. The symbol is a triangle with an exclamation point in the middle. An arrow going counter clockwise goes around the triangle and the "brake" light is illuminated yellow. I went with the dealer for repairs because of all the re-coding and re-programming involved after everything is replaced....Such a bummer since I rarely drive it. So far though, two fuel pumps, steering wheel peeling, moon roof wouldn't open, mostly all electrical issues.. Starting to wonder about the "Ultimate Driving Machine."

So what "happened" some other time? Any run-ins with potholes, curbs or the like?

Did the dealer just pull codes and say "you need a new steering rack, that'll be $1700 please" or were other parts to be replaced? Steering rack replacements follow the replacement of other suspension bits.