E39 Clock Spring Question

[E39Saloon]

Hi Guys,

Can anyone tell me what the resistance or ohm reading is on a functioning Clock Spring (slip ring). Recently I have lost all power to my steering wheel and before I buy parts I wanna make sure my clock spring is at fault.

Thanks for the help and Happy Holidays!

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Sorry, Forgot to mention its a 1998 528i (Single Stage Airbag)

[JimLev]

Never measured it but I would expect it to be close to 0 ohms.

[edjack]

The clock spring is merely a flat multiconductor cable. It has no "resistance."

Typical failure is a scraping noise when turning the steering wheel. If your airbag light is not on, I suspect the problem lies elsewhere.

[E39Saloon]

Well fuse 44, which if memory serves me correct, is for the MF Steering wheel was blown. However, it still did not work after the fuse was changed. The only airbag light that is on, which has been on for the longest time is the passenger side airbag.

I did purchase a pioneer head unit with navi back in August, I had to purchase an extra piece that allowed me to still use the controls in my steering wheel. The problems started a few weeks after this install. I took the car back to the shop that installed it and told them of what happened and they ofcourse said that their install had nothing to do with the power to the steering wheel.

[BMW540san]

Well fuse 44, which if memory serves me correct, is for the MF Steering wheel was blown. However, it still did not work after the fuse was changed. The only airbag light that is on, which has been on for the longest time is the passenger side airbag.

I did purchase a pioneer head unit with navi back in August, I had to purchase an extra piece that allowed me to still use the controls in my steering wheel. The problems started a few weeks after this install. I took the car back to the shop that installed it and told them of what happened and they ofcourse said that their install had nothing to do with the power to the steering wheel.
To me, it sounds the shop is the problem. I'd bet as they installed the wiring, they forgot or didn't know about moving the steering wheel in correct position in relation to the clock spring (ribbon cable). They installed it and after moving the wheel, they almost tore the ribbon cable but they were able to readjust it and have it work until now.
This is only a guess since it happened to me (my dumb ass did it, can't blame anybody else). Have you removed the steering wheel and inspected the ribbon cable for damage. If there is a damage, my theory is right.

[E39Saloon]

They did not remove the steering wheel at all, I was there the whole time. They only thing removed was the lower kick panel to run wiring. My best guess is that they zip tied something too tight and maybe a wire broke aft the clock spring. I did remove the steering wheel but did not find any damage on the ribbon, I even ventured deeper into the wiring that leads to the clock spring and did not find any broken wires.

[edjack]

Good reason to stay away from car stereo shops.

[BMW540san]

They did not remove the steering wheel at all, I was there the whole time. They only thing removed was the lower kick panel to run wiring. My best guess is that they zip tied something too tight and maybe a wire broke aft the clock spring. I did remove the steering wheel but did not find any damage on the ribbon, I even ventured deeper into the wiring that leads to the clock spring and did not find any broken wires.
I'm glad I was wrong, but you still have a problem. I hope you find it. Good luck.

[E39Saloon]

Thanks and Happy New Year to you All!