BMW iX1 Steering Column Adjustment Failure Fix Guide

I have some experience with EVs and ran into a similar problem with my 2021 BMW iX3 (love the BMW electric line, also test drove the i4 back then). The same thing happened to me, steering column adjustment completely dead. Turned out to be a faulty cable connection in the steering column module. Took it to my regular workshop and they diagnosed it quickly. They had to partially disassemble the steering column to access and replace the defective wiring harness. Total repair cost was 95 Euro, mostly labor. Before I can share more specific details, could you tell me if you're getting any specific warning messages on your display? Also, has this issue started suddenly or developed gradually? This info would help determine if you're dealing with the same problem I had. The repair was pretty straightforward once they identified the issue, and the car has been working perfectly since then. Let me know those details and I'll try to help further!

Thanks for sharing your experience! My iX1 is still pretty new with 73368 KM on the clock and just had its service last month. The issue popped up suddenly yesterday, no warning signs before that. The display shows "Steering Column Adjustment Malfunction" in red. Interesting that you had a similar issue with the wiring harness. I was worried it might be something more serious (and expensive!). Did your car have any other electrical glitches before or after the repair? I might try the same repair route since it worked well for you.

Hey there again! Thanks for those additional details about your iX1. Yes, mine was also a sudden failure, just like yours, working fine one day, completely dead the next. That exact same red warning message too! The mileage on my iX3 was actually pretty similar when it happened, around 68000 KM. And no, I didn't experience any other electrical issues before or after the repair, which was really reassuring. The wiring harness replacement completely solved the problem, and I've put another 45000 KM on it since then without any steering column issues. One thing I forgot to mention in my first reply, before taking it to the workshop, I tried the basic troubleshooting like disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes to reset the system. Didn't help in my case, but might be worth trying. Just make sure you have your radio code handy if you do this. Since your symptoms are identical to what I experienced, and given that you've just had a service, I'd bet you're dealing with the same wiring harness issue. The good news is that it's relatively straightforward to fix. If you're going to get it repaired, just make sure they check the connections thoroughly while they're in there, there's no point having to open it up twice!

Thanks for the detailed follow-up! That's really reassuring to hear your car has been trouble-free for so many kilometers after the repair. I actually tried the battery disconnect trick this morning before seeing your message, no luck for me either! The identical warning message and similar mileage definitely makes me think it's the same issue. I'll get it booked in at the workshop tomorrow and specifically mention the wiring harness problem you encountered. Really appreciate your help with this, it's taken a load off my mind knowing it's likely a straightforward fix rather than something major. I'll probably come back here and update once it's sorted, might help someone else with the same problem down the line!