My wifes 2008 L322 had a bad battery which i replaced then a new alternator and the other day it was completely dead again. I jump started it and let it warm up and it will start back up after switching off but I just noticed when I take the key out the motor that makes the steering wheel go in/out up/down keeps whirring until I play with it then it stops but I believe this is the culprit. Has anyone had this problem before?? Is it a Dealer fix? Thx! Mike

Cant really help Mike but sounds like the culprit, if you can, do a check with the old voltmeter on the battery after turning off, but the steering wheel motor would do it Happy Holidays

It would be very wise to read up on here about the steering column motor, as it's a whole assembly, and very expensive, when at the dealers. There are a few solutions, one, to address, a nylock nut, that unscrews itself, and then the motor can't find itself....
The best solution, (for mine) was to turn off the auto retract so it doesn't need to wear itself out. -once you have got it to work that is.. It's done on a diagnostic tool.
There is a German guy who posts on here, with a modified nut part to fix it.

Mine is starting to annoy me with its random leg crushing escapades , so I've been doing a little research ..

From what I'm lead to believe you simply set it to its desired driving position then Disable the "auto adjust on ignition" feature in the software .
But reading john's reply I take it it has to be working perfect before you turn it off ?

It's the first time I've heard this , so can you clarify please john ?

Thanks All! John, on the 2008, is there a way to disable the auto retract? I know there is on my 2011 but I looked thru the manual for the 2008 and I couldn't find anything?? Thx! mike

Through the diagnostics port .
You'll need a communicator or a visit to a specialists/dealer .

johnboyairey wrote:

There is a German guy who posts on here, with a modified nut part to fix it.

Hi John,
So question. Is the nylon nut just a bandaid or does it actually correct the problem? Thx! Mike

I have the 2002 model. I know it works for up to 2006, within a menu on my diagnostic tool, with the other links, like double locking, and alarm chirp, you can switch off auto steering column action. I can still use my adjust action, with the the lever, and I'm sure it would still work with the the seat button memory, for another driver too. -mine was doing a few odd things, when I got the car, and I read here, that the early models, can be turned off. Perhaps mid-term models have it slightly similar. But I couldn't do it without a diagnostic tool. ( mine is RSW allcomms).
I think I also read that a whole column assembly is north of £1500.
This is the German guys' eBay item. http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/191763681859
Have a read up and message him.

Hey up,

I bought one of the black nylon replacements from the German guy for my L322 when the steering wheel didn't move inwards outwards- fitted by my indie in about an hour- presto all working as it should

The nut cost about £29 from memory then add the labour- i thought it was really good value

All the best

Reecy