Steering Wheel Copper Contact squeal.
 

The steering mechanism behind the wheel on my x5 3.0i is making the same squealing noise that my 1990 325i made; when making turns.

On the 325, there was a spring loaded shaft that supports a copper electrical contact head.

The copper head wore down and the steel rod that supports the spring in the column was rubbing on a disk in the steering wheel.

I think my x5 may have the same problem.

Anyone else hear this noise in their x5 steering column?

I've done a search here and there, and I cannot remember how I fixed the 325i (@ 18 years ago....:loco:)

I think the E53 uses only clock spring wiring and no sliding contacts. I would pull off the airbag and look for some trim piece that is rubbing on the non moving part of the steering column. Also: test for the squeak at all adjustments of reach and angle of the wheel

I hit mine with some dry lube that was non-conductive. I believe Teflon based and it hasn't squeeked since. I gave it a couple hours overnight before I started it. Your results may vary up to including a disaster if you use the wrong stuff.