Heated steering wheel cannot turn it off

MSG_228i · 10-21-2016, 09:29 AM

I have a 2015 228i with all the cold weather options including a heated steering wheel which I have very much enjoyed using on cold days.

Well last night I got in my car in the dark, switched it on and the acrid odor of fried electronics filled the cabin. The heated steering wheel defaults to inactive when you start the car, I believe, but it started to heat up immediately and I could not turn it off by toggling the activation switch.

Time to call the dealer for some warranty work. It's a little worrying driving it like this because the wheel gets pretty hot and I wonder if it will cause a big problem on my 25 mile drive to the dealer. Maybe they would come pick it up on a flatbed for me. Ya right when pigs fly.

Cyberdemon · 10-21-2016, 09:31 AM

Well you should make sure it's not short circuiting in your steering column and causing something to smolder between your legs while you drive.

There are certain parts of the wheel that tend not to get as hot because of how the coil is designed, so you can probably drive it fine just keep your AC vents blowing on it to counteract the heat.

Rayscott · 10-21-2016, 11:50 AM

Wear a well insulated glove.

MSG_228i · 10-21-2016, 03:39 PM

Roadside assistance might be the easiest way for me to get the car to the dealer.

raleedy · 10-21-2016, 04:20 PM

Asbestos mitts.

orangeglim · 10-21-2016, 08:01 PM

I'm interested to know what the issue was once the dealer takes a look at it.

JChristie · 10-22-2016, 12:23 PM

I'd imagine there's a fuse you could pull to disable the heating element in your steering wheel until the problem is fixed.

The F22 fuse diagram shows two fuses for the steering wheel (one 5 amp and one 10 amp) but I'm not sure if either is for the heater. I wish the chart used plain language instead of just symbols.

MSG_228i · 10-27-2016, 05:17 PM

Dealer found a fried circuit in a control module inside the steering wheel and replaced it. They said this part usually fails in a way that makes the heated wheel will not work at all. But in my case it was the opposite - it defaulted to always on.

Also replaced my tires in hopes of fixing a 40MPH vibration issue since I hit a huge pothole a few months ago. I had already replaced both passenger side wheels but the vibration remained. With new tires the vibration is gone. I guess the tires were damaged and that set up a harmonic vibration at 40MPH. So nice to have a smooth drive again, like new.

10-21-2016, 09:29 AM	#1
MSG_228i Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2015 228i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	Heated steering wheel cannot turn it off I have a 2015 228i with all the cold weather options including a heated steering wheel which I have very much enjoyed using on cold days. Well last night I got in my car in the dark, switched it on and the acrid odor of fried electronics filled the cabin. The heated steering wheel defaults to inactive when you start the car, I believe, but it started to heat up immediately and I could not turn it off by toggling the activation switch. Time to call the dealer for some warranty work. It's a little worrying driving it like this because the wheel gets pretty hot and I wonder if it will cause a big problem on my 25 mile drive to the dealer. Maybe they would come pick it up on a flatbed for me. Ya right when pigs fly.
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10-21-2016, 09:31 AM	#2
Cyberdemon Brigadier General 1538 Rep 3,331 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 40i, 2018 M3 Comp Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (3)	Well you should make sure it's not short circuiting in your steering column and causing something to smolder between your legs while you drive. There are certain parts of the wheel that tend not to get as hot because of how the coil is designed, so you can probably drive it fine just keep your AC vents blowing on it to counteract the heat. __________________ Current: '20 X5, '18 M3 ZCP Previous: '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette
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10-21-2016, 11:50 AM	#3
Rayscott Major 376 Rep 1,154 Posts Drives: BMW 228ix Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Lewes DE iTrader: (0)	Wear a well insulated glove.
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10-21-2016, 03:39 PM	#4
MSG_228i Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2015 228i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	Roadside assistance might be the easiest way for me to get the car to the dealer.
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10-21-2016, 04:20 PM	#5
raleedy Colonel 160 Rep 2,248 Posts Drives: 2016 228i 6-speed Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portland, Oregon iTrader: (0)	Asbestos mitts.
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10-21-2016, 08:01 PM	#6
orangeglim Lieutenant 345 Rep 442 Posts Drives: 2019 M2C Join Date: May 2016 Location: NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 M2C [0.00]	I'm interested to know what the issue was once the dealer takes a look at it.
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10-22-2016, 12:23 PM	#7
JChristie Private 46 Rep 99 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0)	I'd imagine there's a fuse you could pull to disable the heating element in your steering wheel until the problem is fixed. The F22 fuse diagram shows two fuses for the steering wheel (one 5 amp and one 10 amp) but I'm not sure if either is for the heater. I wish the chart used plain language instead of just symbols.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-27-2016, 05:17 PM	#8
MSG_228i Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2015 228i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	Dealer found a fried circuit in a control module inside the steering wheel and replaced it. They said this part usually fails in a way that makes the heated wheel will not work at all. But in my case it was the opposite - it defaulted to always on. Also replaced my tires in hopes of fixing a 40MPH vibration issue since I hit a huge pothole a few months ago. I had already replaced both passenger side wheels but the vibration remained. With new tires the vibration is gone. I guess the tires were damaged and that set up a harmonic vibration at 40MPH. So nice to have a smooth drive again, like new.
	Appreciate 0 Quote