Clock Spring for 2004 X5 - does it really need to be coded???
 

Hi guys

My steering wheel has started clicking. Pretty sure it's the clock spring...

Doing some research it said that the clock spring needs to be coded by a main dealer after installation.

Really??? Even for a 2004 car???

I was going to buy a second hand one on eBay rather than new (with matching part number). Does this really need to be coded to the car??? Seem OTT.

Any help appreciated!

what kind of clicking?

most likely its the steering double u joint not the clock spring

you don't need to code it

I installed one from another car when I retrofitted a heated steering wheel 2 years ago no coding

Clicking
 

Hi there

Thanks for that!

The clicking is a plasticky sounding clicking coming from the airbag region of the steering wheel...

Oddly it clicks when you pass either side of dead centre, but does not click again when you turn the wheel 360 degree's past centre for a second time.

No clicking when rocking the steering wheel left and right (unless you put it dead centre then it will click as it passes either side of dead centre - but move it a few degree's either side of dead centre and rock back and forth and no clicking).

Any ideas?

Can I just remove the airbag fuse to remove the airbag, or do I need to disconnect the battery to stop it throwing up a airbag warning light which I'd then need to get switched off?

Hey Gurjit

When you fitted the wheel from another car, did you also change the clockspring??

No coding for clock spring.

Ok guys...

I could not find a used clock spring that matched my part number so had to buy a new one from BMW...

Installed it. Made a boo-boo in that one of the two cables in the back of the airbag was not inserted fully when I put it back together. Threw up the airbag warning.

Have plugged it all back in correctly but airbag warning still on.

When you put in the key and turn the ignition (without starting the car) all the lights come up on the dash, and they disappear one by one as normal. The airbag light switches of for half a second and then stays on.

Am struggling to reset it with my software.

So I'm wondering: does it need resetting or does it need coding??????

You need to reset the AB light. There is no coding for the CS. I had a new one installed when I did the heated wheel upgrade.
You need a software/cable package from ebay or a Peake SRS code reader or the like to reset the light.

Is your name Richard by any chance?

(Richard Coeur de Lion)

Hi there

nope, not Richard...

Ok, that's good. I read somewhere they need to be coded. Seems a simple reset should get me sorted.

I just ordered the C110 diagnostic reader from eBay (£36) which seems to be held in high regard on many BMW forums. Hopefully that will sort it!