Interior - Heated Steering Wheel Malfunctions

SI B32 01 09
Steering and Wheel Alignment

February 2011
Technical Service

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B32 01 09 dated February 2011.

[NEW] designates changes to this revision

SUBJECT
Heated Steering Wheel Malfunction

MODEL
E90, E91, E92, E93 (3 Series) produced from 9/2008 and equipped with the Heated Steering Wheel (SA 248)

E82, E88 (1 Series) produced from 9/2008 and equipped with the Heated Steering Wheel (SA 248)

SITUATION

Immediately following a cold start, if the heated steering wheel is switched on in addition to other electrical consumers (i.e., heated seats, rear defroster, etc.), it may switch off after 5-10 seconds of operation. This is an intermittent situation. Cycling the key will typically restore function.

CAUSE

For the first few seconds after start-up, voltage levels may dip momentarily when electrical consumers are switched on. If the supply voltage dips below the threshold for the heated steering wheel, it will be switched off.

This situation may be present even if the battery is properly charged and no charging system problems are present.

CORRECTION

Refer to ISTA diagnosis for the required repair procedure.

PROCEDURE

The problem has been integrated into ISTA diagnostics. Follow the diagnosis test plan, using the latest ISTA version.

In "Information Search", select the "Function Structure" tab. Select "Body", "Heating and air conditioning functions", "Current fault patterns "Steering wheel heating fault patterns" and then press "Start Search".

A. [NEW] FOR VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2008 THROUGH MAY 20, 2009, SELECT TEST PLAN "W3233_WAS1 MALFUNCTION OF STEERING WHEEL HEATER".

B. [NEW] FOR VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER APRIL 1, 2010, SELECT TEST PLAN "W3233_WAS2 MALFUNCTION OF STEERING WHEEL HEATER".

[NEW] Vehicles produced between May 21, 2009 and March 31, 2010 have no known problem.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Refer to the KSD2 to code the repair performed as prescribed by ISTA diagnosis results and the Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual for specific warranty coverage.