BMW 3 Series Recall R/2006/199: Steering Lock May Inadvertently Engage, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 22 Dec 2006
- Launched
- 2,222
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2006/199
- DVSA reference
BMW recalled 3 Series vehicles built between 1 November 1995 and 1 November 1996. The control cam of the steering lock may break. The dealer will check manufacturer of lock and if necessary replace steering lock. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The control cam of the steering lock may break. This is most likely to occur as the vehicle is started or parked. However the possibility of this occurring whilst the vehicle is in motion cannot be ruled out. In this event the steering lock could engage with the effect that it would no longer be possible to steer the vehicle.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: STEERING LOCK MAY INADVERTENTLY ENGAGE Defect: The control cam of the steering lock may break. This is most likely to occur as the vehicle is started or parked. However the possibility of this occurring whilst the vehicle is in motion cannot be ruled out. In this event the steering lock could engage with the effect that it would no longer be possible to steer the vehicle. Remedy: Recall affected vehicles check manufacturer of lock and if necessary replace steering lock.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: steering lock may inadvertently engage.
The Fix
The dealer will check manufacturer of lock and if necessary replace steering lock.
Are You Affected?
3 Series built between 1 November 1995 and 1 November 1996 may be included. BMW estimates 2,222 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with BMW, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with BMW.
- Book with any franchised BMW dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2006/199. See how to get a BMW recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series Touring, 4 Series and 7 moreReplace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2026/054 | |
| 1 Series, 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 3 Series and 3 moreReplace the driver’s airbag: takata PSDI-5 | Urgent | R/2025/327 | |
| 1 Series, 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 2 Series and 22 moreTakata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (Global VINs) | Urgent | R/2025/349 | |
| 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 3 Series, 3 Series PHEV and 14 moreReplace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2025/405 | |
| 3 SeriesReplace the front passenger airbag takata PSPI | Urgent | R/2025/323 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2006/207 on 28 Nov 2006, for possible loss of braking power assistance. The one launched after it was R/2007/106 on 16 Jul 2007, for driver's seat belt may de-latch. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2006 and steering recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2006/199, launched 22 December 2006. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.