Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 BMW 3 Series owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Electronic steering wheel lock malfunctions without notice and renders the car incapable of starting. A yellow steering wheel icon (or red in some instances) appears in the informational panel on the dashboard. The accompanying error code is cc-id 187. This condition when it occurs, will not energize (disables) the ignition system and prevents the car from being started. Drivers will become stranded wherever they happen to be once the car is turned off as the error notification appears only when the car is switched off or back on. There are literally hundreds of similar and identical cases on the internet when performing a google search on this issue.
Electronic steering wheel lock. This is in the steering column when it fails the car will not start. It seems to be a pretty common problem. I was hoping there was a recall for this issue, but can not find one.
I drive a 2006 BMW 330xi with the OEM Bridgestone turanaza runflat tires. From 2006 to today I have replaced all 4 of my tires and rims twice and still have problems with the tires being to rough on new york city roads which means it just cracking and bending each and every rim on my car over time. Now this problem with the tires being to rough and lack of control with there tires lead to another problem something in my steering rack has cracked. BMW not wanting to tell me what part of the steering rack was broken all they told me was it will cost 3000 dollars and I couldn't pay it in monthly installments, I have been trying to alert them of my situation for about 1 year but they do not take me seriously since I am only 22 years old and take me for a fool. …
I own a 2006 BMW 330xi. I'm having problems with the steering column lock which prevents the car from starting. The problem starts with a yellow warning light that indicates the steering column is locked. The starting problem is constant. We are concerned we May get stranded or as some have reported the steering May lock with little or no warning . From what I can find on the internet it appears BMW is aware of the problem. Comments are bad steering column. The problem started in feb. Of 2012 when the car only had 9000 miles and my extended warranty had just expired. The car now has 11000 miles.the dealer has not been able to help and suggested on several occasions that I contact BMW direct. The problem appears to be common from the comments posted on line by BMW owners of 2006 on. …
I just came back from a long family vacations, I was driving this vehicle all over the states! I was so lucky! This happen to me when I got home , my 2006 BMW 330i which had a steering column malfunction and failure. Malfunction of integral lock sensor in steering column necessitates replacement of entire steering column, it is a safety problem and should be covered by a BMW customer satisfaction campaign. But is not!!! The warning indicator in the instrument panel showed an icon of a steering wheel and a lock and the vehicle failed to start, I had to have the car towed to the dealership. I contacted BMW customer service, explained my problem and was told they couldn't do anything to cover this very common quality problem and would not be covered under a manufacturers customer satisfaction campaign. On the NHTSA website, there are many cases reported that there is a problem! …
Received yellow steering wheel and lock icon when trying to start the car. Attempted using different keys, but the car would not start and the steering wheel remained immobile. I exited the car and waited about 30 minutes to try again, but received yellow steering wheel with lock icon again when putting the key fob into the vehicle. When I called the dealership, I was quoted about $1200 as soon as I described the yellow steering wheel and lock, without them having seen the vehicle. The sa also mentioned that the newer models don't even have this feature at all. I was also advised that it is not a BMW responsibility or defect, and that I would be responsible for all shop repairs and time. Doing research about this issue, I found this is a very well documented and known issue. …
The two issues are (1) airbag malfunction and (2) steering wheel malfunction. (1) the first issue occurred while I was driving on ca I-80 towards berkley from davis on 8/17/2012. As I was driving, the car displayed a notification that the passenger air bag was experiencing a problem and shut off. There was a passenger in the car. As of this date, the airbag is still shut off. (2) the second issue occurred while I was driving on ca I-280 from burlingame towards millbrae on 8/30/2012. As I was driving, I noticed a steering wheel lock notification. Luckily, I was at my exit and near home so I drove slowly home. After turning the car off, the steering wheel locked up. Restarting and turning the car off causes the steering wheel to randomly lock/unlock. I have not driven the car after the incident.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 40 MPH on normal road conditions, the brake and steering lights illuminated and the vehicle jerked violently. Also, when trying to turn in any direction, a loud grinding noise was heard. An extended stopping distance occurred when normal braking was attempted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. Also the brake pads needed to be replaced and adjustments had to be made to the tire pressure. The dealer performed the necessary work, but the problem persisted, and continued to jerk violently while driving. Updated 03/22/07 updated 03/30/07
On 2/3/2011 my vehicle had the steering wheel lock with the amber light. 2006 325i was towed to the dealer. It took re-programming and the steering column being replaced to fix the vehicle. There are numerous 3 Series with this issue in us and world. This is common for the e90s. Below is a list of those that have been reported to your agency. BMW is not acknowledging the defect yet they took this feature out in 2008. Reports: 10380778, 10378186 - 330i 10322165 - 325xi 10380077, 10353644 - 325i 10173714,10369685,10341920,10341836,10238977,10181405 - 3 Series.
Steering wheel lock malfunctioned as evidenced by warning light. Vehicle was immobile and required towing. Cost for repair = $1100.00. Repair shop said there was a core charge for the replaced upper steering column. This means that BMW is buying back the malfunctioned units to either diagnose, or they're rebuilding them and making more money. Either way, it's an known problem and BMW isn't taking the proper action to ensure owners safety.
Steering complaints in other 3 Series years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 BMW 3 Series?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 2006 BMW 3 Series, 12% of the model year's 202 complaints. The component named most often is column (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 BMW 3 Series steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2006 BMW 3 Series, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 BMW 3 Series steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 35% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.