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 330i owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I went to start my BMW 330i and a warning indicator came up and said there was a steering lock malfunction. It said to move the steering wheel and start the car. I tried and tried to start the car but it just kept saying the same thing. The temperature outside was below freezing. I waited a while and tried again and it started. There are several complaints about this issue and it needs to be a recall.
I had been using the car regularly driving to and from work. Randomly the yellow light pops up of the steering lock sign then a couple days later the car shuts down and the light turns red. The car then would not start. There was nothing I could do the car was parked at my work and was forced to get it towed to BMW.
I own a 2006 BMW 330i. 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. Then, when the indicator light turns red, the car does not start. I first experienced the problem in 2007 and the steering column was replaced under warranty. In 2010, the yellow light started coming on again intermittently and it is now on every time I enter the car. I took the car to the local BMW dealership to be diagnosed. They tell me I need a new steering column yet again. I am out of warranty and the BMW regional is refusing to cover the steering column because a safety recall has not been issued. It costs $1428 to replace the part. …
I just had my 2006 BMW 330i repaired due to a steering wheel lock warning light which appeared on the odometer causing my car not to start.this occurred when I was ready to leave the parking lot at my job. The car would not start and the red steering wheel lock warning light was on the odometer. The shop replaced the battery and ibs sensor cable. I drove the car for one day without any warning signal and when I adjusted the steering column by releasing the lever, the yellow steering wheel lock warning light lit up on the odometer. The repairs cost me $1,391.82. This car also was in the shop due to a recall on the airbag on the steering column. A local BMW dealership replaced this part two months before this problem with the steering wheel lock occurred. What other problems will I have with this BMW series? I believe BMW should refund my money for these repairs.
Malfunction of integral lock sensor in steering column necessitates replacement of entire steering column at cost of $1300. This is the second replacement in this vehicle, the first failed at 80,000 miles. Same issue with 2006 325i model at 90,000 miles. Understand that electronic sensors will always wear out and fail but this is defective engineering. The sensor should be a separate part anticipating the need to replace it from time to time. Would expect more attention to detail and more consideration for the paying customer from german engineering.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 330i. The contact stated that a loud noise emitted from the steering wheel and the wheel seized. As a result, the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the elv steering lock was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 97,000 and the current mileage was 99,334.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 330i. The contact stated that the electrical steering wheel lock warning lamp illuminated, preventing the vehicle from being started. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the steering wheel lock system needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 138,320.
I have an amber colored steering wheel lock icon on the dashboard. I took it to the dealer and they said it is not safe to drive it because this will lock up the steering wheel. I told them if that's the case then there should be a recall and unfortunately there hasn't been one. Hopefully everyone who has had this issue files a complaint with the NHTSA as this is a very serious problem and one that needs to be addressed by BMW na.
Parked at airport 6 am feb 8 2012, left for overnight trip. Got back next morning feb 9th 2012 at 10:30 am. Put key in car pressed brake to start and would not start. Got 'electric steering wheel lock' error on I drive system and an yellow/amber error symbol with a steering wheel and a lock. Numerous and numerous reports about this happening on BMW e90's worldwide.
Vehicle has been failing to start and displaying a elv steering column lock. Problem would intermittently come and go. It has now resulted in a total failure and vehicle will not start or respond. Problem is either with BMW software or steering column malfunction which has not been officially acknowledged by BMW so they won't warranty problem.
Steering complaints in other 330i years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 BMW 330i?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the steering of the 2006 BMW 330i, 9% of the model year's 219 complaints. The component named most often is column (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 BMW 330i steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2006 BMW 330i, though it has 7 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 330i steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
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.