growl/creak noise from steering wheel on start.

[BMW DIY Guy]

Hey yall:

Yet another question.. so the steering wheel can/often/usually does a small power adjustment when you start the car. I am getting a growl/creak noise whenever it does that. Functionality wise it seems just fine, no issues and moves smoothly. Anyone else run into this noise specifically at startup, and if so, any suggestions on how to address it?

Thanks!

[StephenVA]

is the steering wheel power adjustment making fine corrections or is it coming from the engine bay and you feel it through the steering wheel?

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by StephenVA

is the steering wheel power adjustment making fine corrections or is it coming from the engine bay and you feel it through the steering wheel?

Definitely coming from the steering wheel moving slightly, as it adjusts from seat memory positions, that type of thing. This 2-3 second Grrrrrrrrrr sound. Its more of an asthetic thing more than functional, as while yes I know its 14yo now, the X5 (fondly named Harley) looks in pristine shape. This weird growl on startup ruins that image. 8)

[Helihover]

I believe you are referring to the leather cover that rubs against the plastic. This is currently driving me nuts too!

The other week I rubbed the leather peice down with oil and it subsided for a few days. I noticed it was back the other night when we went out to eat.

I'm sure rubbing it down it vasoline would cure it for a bit, but it would also attract a lot of unwanted.