Noisy steering column
 

Steering column squeaks when turning on and off. Had it "fixed" a couple of weeks after delivery and then supposedly once since, but each time the noise returns. Anyone else had this problem and was it fixable? Is the dealer trying to avoid an expensive parts replacement?

Had a similar problem on my 2001 X5. For me it was only happening in low speed (less than 50km/hr) and it was diagosed to be hydraulic noise from the ServoTronic system. Not an easy fix for me, but maybe covered by your warranty ?
This first comment assumes that you mean when you are turning the steering, engine running.

There is also a possible squeak when the electric motors in the steering column extends/retracts the column when you switch the ignition on or off. I had this nose as well, and it turned out to be that the column was in the uppermost position and was easily cured by lowering the column a few millimeters.... It seemed that the column was "scraping" on some trim panels inside in the dashboard.

I remember reading a post about curing this problem by removing the covers, applying grease to the adjustment mechanism and then, after extending the column all the way out, applying grease to the area where the inner column retracts into the outer column. It was claimed to have cured a long-standing problem.

Heres a post about a similar/the same problem

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...olumn+retracts