Has anyone else experienced issues with the steering column lock on the X350.

Mine is often doing a machine gun impersonation rather than just the usual one click. It also means the engine won't always start when this happens so I have to remove the ignition key, put it back in and wait for the clicking to stop.

It does it with both keys so I don't think it is related to them


It can also still happen immediately after a reasonably long run so I don’t think it is the battery as it should have a decent charge by then.


The part looks quite expensive to replace so I don’t want to change it if it is possibly something else.

 

u102, Can you elaborate on the part that you said looks quite expensive to address a steering column lock issue? I have the similar problem and was considering a steering column replacement, but I have yet to jump into diagnosing my specific problem. My steering column doesn't lock.

 

I had to get it replaced in the end after the car wouldn't start for 5 minutes. I repeatedly put the key in and took it out and the machine gun sound started going on for longer and longer. Once I got it started, I drove straight over to the guy who services my car and left it with him.

As luck would have it, he had a spare steering column with the lock still attached so was able to supply one reasonably cheaply.

If you have a look at item 250877038775 on the UK Ebay you will see what they look like.

I think the steering column has to be dropped or removed to change it then I think he had to use his IDS to reprogramme the unit to the car so it isn't a home DIY job. It is held on with security bolts as well.