auto steering wheel and seat movement

[cwatts4955]

The auto seat & steering wheel adjustment feature when I start my ignition is not working well. It moves the seat some but I have to press the memory button to make it advance. Sometimes I have to push that button several times for it to complete the task.Is this something I can fix?

[bredtime]

If you go click on the Settings button on your console/nav system it will give you options of what you want to adjust to your settings when you start you car.

[cwatts4955]

Thanks. I tried it but that is just for setting the movements. My problem is that the settings are not working correctly. They move partially or not at all, and not the same way each time.

I did some searching on NICO and found this post by 'goody90q45' in November 2007. Any ideas on how to do this without an ignition key?

I'm not sure what caused the two lights to blink and the seat and tilt to stop working but this two minute procedure fixed it:Disconnect the battery cables for ten minutes, reconnect, then follow these steps:1. Open the driver front door2. Turn the key to the Run position (all the instrument cluster lights on, but engine not running)3. Turn the key all the way back off, but don't remove it4. Close the door5. Wait about 1 minute (no less)6. Open the door. Your seat should slide back, the steering wheel should tilt up, and the memory function should work.

[Lynchr]

I am having the same issue with my 06 M. Sometimes the memory function works and sometimes it doesn't. Tried to reset memory - worked before but now it doesn't. Exit movements work but does't return to driving position.

Looking for advice. Searched the shop manual index for info on system and can't find any reference to it. I'm sure I'm overlooking something.

Any comments about "goody90q45" procedure (I believe applied to Q45)?

[The00Dustin]

There is another post somewhere in the M forum about this. If I remember correctly, it is caused by failsafes wherein some sensor or function doesn't work as expected so the entire process is halted. The other post may have been related to the mirrors or maybe the steering wheel sticking. I'm pretty sure SteveTheTech posted a response in that thread listing the order of operations for the auto adjustment feature and possibly which one was most likely the culprit in that case. I would search for that thread and see if it looks like anything you might be able to deal with yourself, but I'd be afraid it's probably a take it to the dealer type issue. You could also just turn the feature off, I don't know how well that works for the average person, but as the only driver of my M and at a height of 6'1", I don't need an exit position, the seat is all the way back and almost all the way down to begin with, and I don't see any reason for the steering wheel to go up either, so I just leave the feature off.

[Lynchr]

I have turned it off for now. Just like for things to work as they should.

Did locate the thread SteveTheTech posted in. Pretty depressing prognosis. Thread was so old I sent him a PM. Thanks for the tip.

[eessel]

I have turned it off for now. Just like for things to work as they should.

Did locate the thread SteveTheTech posted in. Pretty depressing prognosis. Thread was so old I sent him a PM. Thanks for the tip.

What were you able to find out after contacting SteveTheTech? I'm having this problem on my 06 M45. I haven't tried the reset method mentioned above yet though

[njjuliano]

had this issue back and forth. ever tried holding the brake longer, ie all through the starting sequence. I found that the release time affects mine considerably.

[Divindra]

Same issue. I also feel if i hold the brake for longer than 3 seconds then the seat and steering wheel will barely move into the memory position. However if i just hit start and let go of the brake then the chances of the memory settings working automatically has greatly improved

[njjuliano]

More info on this as my issue was getting worse. I was able to research that there is a sensor in the steering wheel that needed to be replaced. It was replaced, and it fixed it. Be careful, however, as there are other sensors in the steeering wheel that can go whacky if not replaced properly. My level sensor was put back incorrectly, and after a false diagnosis of needing new brakes because of the LDW, and clicking sound before hand, they were able to correct. They used faulty part reason and used my Elite Warranty to pay for the repair.