Steering wheel lock issue

**skyotee** · 03-19-2017, 09:08 PM

I hope everyone will forgive me the cross post, as I also put a very similar post in the track section --

My e36 M3 is missing the lever to unlock the adjustable steering wheel. So the other day I started googling, because I wanted to fix that, and learned about the issue of the steering wheel lock. How common is it for the steering wheel lock to malfunction and permanently lock the steering wheel? Even if I am not having any issue, is drilling through the bottom plate to permanently disable the steering wheel lock a must for track cars? Can this happen while driving? Having the steering wheel lock while tracking (or driving in the canyons) is a nightmare scenario!

Also, what about that missing steering wheel adjustment lever? I see the part is available, how easy is this to fix? Or should I even bother, I think the wheel is relatively well positioned to begin with...

Thanks!

**TostitoBandito** · 03-20-2017, 12:18 AM

US E36 M3's don't have any steering wheel adjustment as far as I know. The wheel only "locks" when parked, unless it malfunctions. I know some race sanctioning organizations recommend disabling this in full race cars.

i have a 145K mile M3 and mine has never acted up.

**NoLastName** · 03-20-2017, 07:52 PM

Some early-production '95s had tilt steering. Mine does. After a certain date they stopped that option. Most E36 M3s will have a fixed steering column without the associated release lever for the tilt column.

With the ignition lock feature, disabling it is a good idea for track cars. It's possible to knock the key to the off position with your knee while driving and have the steering wheel lock - which would be a nasty situation on track at high speed. I doubt it's a common failure but it is possible. For a daily driver I'm not sure I'd worry about modifying the ignition lock, but for a track car definitely yes.

**bhh1989** · 03-20-2017, 08:21 PM

I'd say if it's a track car then yea, I'd disable it. Once the spring is pulled out there's no way it can re-engage (also makes it easier to steal though). The pin that the spring pushes up into the column to lock it falls down, disabling the system. I don't *believe* it could snap while driving and cause your wheel to lock as it usually snaps when you go to turn the ignition switch and the alum. rod in there finally gives in to torsion. Take out the spring and there's no resistance anymore on that rod - won't break ever.

Mine snapped once when I went to start my '99 and it disabled the car. I have heard stories of them breaking right after the car was started or when someone went to turn it off, and there's no way to turn off the car save stalling or disconnecting the battery. They are expensive and replacing them is a pita.

**tjm3** · 03-20-2017, 10:27 PM

That steering lock mechanism can break at any time, especially in a high mileage car. The piece that actually locks the shaft is made of steel but the piece that pulls and holds THAT piece of steel out of the lock position is a cheap cast pot metal part and can crack and break without warning.