Steering wheel tilt / telescope function not working. Need diagnostics help (INPA)

[gjvah]

Hello guys,

Have an 2006 and both telescope / tilt functions are out. Issue started when I swapped in e46 M3 seats, so I thought it's the memory module/controller that was the issue. Picked up a seat memory module, but the problem persists. I'm assuming the new module might be defective, since the chances of both motors dying at once without warning (no clicking noises or anything of the sort) are slim.

Checked the tilt switch on the steering column using INPA and it does detect all 4 switch positions.

Issue 1 is, in the "read position-counter" for the seats and steering column, the both the "steering column axial" and "steering column radial" values are at 0.

Issue 2 is, I can move the seats using INPA, and they respond correctly, however when I try to adjust the steering column, instead of the column moving, the driver seat does

Any feedback much appreciated. I'm going to pick up another seat switch in the meantime. My understanding is that the e46 and e53 seats were interchangeable, but if that's not the case I guess I gotta start looking for new seats as well.

TIA

[andrewwynn]

It's got to be the seat controller board.

A quick lookup on realoem shows no cross reference to the "actuation unit left" and e46. Exclusive to the e53. (that could be just due to a different shape/size, but just as likely electrical differences).

I would look for an e53 controller and see if it'll fit in the seat (might need some Dremel work).

[gjvah]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

It's got to be the seat controller board.

A quick lookup on realoem shows no cross reference to the "actuation unit left" and e46. Exclusive to the e53. (that could be just due to a different shape/size, but just as likely electrical differences).

I would look for an e53 controller and see if it'll fit in the seat (might need some Dremel work).

The one I got (that has the same issue) I pulled from an x5 that was made a month before mine, same year. I'll go get another one and see if it fixes it. There's nothing else on the seat that might make a difference right? I see the main stack of cables going to the unit, and then they come out and go to the motors, etc under the seat. There isn't anything else that should sit in between on the e53 vs the e46?

Thanks

[andrewwynn]

I don't recall the cable harness superficially but there's no ass sensor driver side just optional heater and i don't think that would go though the control board. Were it mei would suspect the "new to me" board also defective.

[gjvah]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

I don't recall the cable harness superficially but there's no ass sensor driver side just optional heater and i don't think that would go though the control board. Were it mei would suspect the "new to me" board also defective.

Ok, thank you. So we have the same assumption. I'll report back once I pick up a new one in a couple of hours.

[gjvah]

It wasn't the memory module, but the wiring harness of the seat itself. The e46 harness didn't have the wires for the steering wheel, I guess either this particular one (or all e46s in general) come with a manually adjusting steering wheel. Everything works now.

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by gjvah

It wasn't the memory module, but the wiring harness of the seat itself. The e46 harness didn't have the wires for the steering wheel, I guess either this particular one (or all e46s in general) come with a manually adjusting steering wheel. Everything works now.

E46 never had option for electric column adjustment.