Yes--dealer told me that they did hear a noise, and that it is common among X5's, but it was the first X3 that they had heard the squeaking sound in. They told me that "you could continue to drive your car without any problems, but we are going to replace it for you." Get this--8 hours worth of labor--something in the steering column. Full warranty coverage.

FYI. . .

Any idea what it was? My 02' x5 just started this wonderful squeak, after taking it in for my steering wheel motor not working (not taking it back to the exit position). BMW of Bellevue (hateful place) states that its not tied to the work they JUST did on my steering wheel and steering column, but a new issue... of course its not tied to anything they JUST did (hateful place). I dont really hear the noise unless the radio is low and I can live with it, but I was really just wanting to know what it might be.. before letting BMW of Bellevue try and rape me, again... or ... find an independant since my Extended Warrantee seems to be crap too and never pays for anything that ends up with the comma in the price for repairs.

Thanks!