Auto Retract Steering Wheel Issue
 

Today I've noticed when I switched off my 2009 E70, the steering wheel didn't retract. It's the first time I've noticed this happen.

So I inserted the key and started the car, then turned it off. Again nothing.

So I did it again, inserted key, started it, but this time I adjusted the steering wheel (via its electronic adjustments) just a little, then used the memory function of the seats to return it back to where it was. Then I turned off the car. This time the steering wheel retracted and moved up as per normal.

I've driven it a couple more times today and so far it's worked flawlessly (touch wood).

My question is, has anyone else experienced this? Is this just one of the character glitches of the E70 experienced from time to time, or is it a symptom of something far worst to come - like a worn out motor etc.

My factory warranty runs out in November and I'd like to get this fixed if its a symptom of something far more serious to come. So any valuable imput will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

while it could be a worn motor, i wouls suspect a typical electronic gremlin - like a cell phone, or a computer, the electronic modules may "rack" up some error that would clear up on a reboot, power cycle... in the case of this type cars, the vehicle should completely go to sleep before trying to restart with a key...
some modules have specific reset procedures...
worst case scenario, disconnecting a battery for at least 20 minutes, to allow any residual charge to discarge...

I would say, that was one of those gremlins, but watch out carefully for recurring events before november, to report to the dealer...

Known issue with known solution: turn on ignition, retract/extend steering wheel in/out 3 times, then set to desired position, save to memory. Done.

I've had this thing 4 years and still haven't figured out why it decides to do it sometimes and not others - which is most of the time. I actually like that it doesn't do it everytime though - motor failure is bad.

Thanks for this usefull post. The wheel in my truck had stopped retracting when I turned it off but, I never really noticed it. After reading the OP's post I noticed indeed my wheel was not "parking" when I turned the truck off. I followed you're advise and it worked perfect. As a side note, after I moved the wheel in/out three times the wheel would go in/out but, not up/down I also had to move the wheel up/down three times. After this the "parking" function worked like it did when new.

Thanks again.

Good analytical skills to solve the problem ;)