[hanadul]

2011-13 F10 3/5 Series(may 7 series also) SZL/Steering Comumn Switch Cluster Issue

Symptoms:
Driver Restraint System Melfunction alert on screen
Airbag alarm
No horn
None of buttons are working on steering wheel
Weird ticking nosie when turn the wheel

Resaon:
If side switches(turn signal and wiper) are working,
mostly slip ring cables issue in SZL module
or
If side switches(turn signal and/or wiper) are not working,
whole SZL module melfunction

How to fix:
1. Disassemble SZL module and resoldering slip ring cables (very hard but most cheapest way less then $1)
or
2. Buy used SZL module and replace only slip ring cables (I did this. No programing needed. $150-220)
or
3. Buy used SZL module and replace whole unit (Easier then above but need to reprogram. $150-220)
or
4. Ask dealer to do it with new SZL module ($1200 when I asked at BMW Sterling in VA on 07/2017)

My way to fix this:
Summary:
1. disconnect Airbag/Horn module
2. disconnect Steering wheel
3. open SZL module cover
4. disconnect SZL module
5. bring SZL module on your desk and disassemble SZL module
6. disassemble used working SZL module
7. replace slip ring
8. reassemble SZL module
9. use Esys and reset/clear all DTC

Detail with pictures:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...jQ?usp=sharing

====================================
I couldn't add pictures.
I just made one of my Google drive folder for everyone.
Check above URL.

Please be careful when you look at my ugly drawing on my Google folder. I think 2nd & 3rd termination point is opposite. 2nd line pass through 2nd termination point and terminated to left side(3rd). 3rd line is terminated to top of right connector(2nd).
====================================

If anyone has other issues and need SZL module without good slip ring cable, please let me know. I have a good used SZL module without slip ring cable (I used it for this ). I can sell it for $100 with free shipping (I paid $160 and $60 discount for slip ring cable is fair I think). I confirmed all functions are working good(signal switch, wiper switch and circuit board on the back). As I informed, you need to reprogram if you replace SZL module.

[Surly73]

Originally Posted by hanadul

2011-13 F10 3/5 Series(may 7 series also) SZL/Steering Comumn Switch Cluster Issue

Symptoms:
Driver Restraint System Melfunction alert on screen
Airbag alarm
No horn
None of buttons are working on steering wheel
Weird ticking nosie when turn the wheel

Thank you for posting this!

Even though the F10 is aging, and isn't even the current model any more, I find an abnormally low number of DIY posts, particularly of this nature. I don't think the F10 is any more reliable than any of my previous BMWs, but the owner community doesn't seem to be "moving on" to turning their own wrenches as quickly as my E39 and E90 "friends"

I had to take the SZL out of my E90 a while back, polish the plastic encoder and touch up a couple of solder joints. Saved me >$1000 for $0 and an hour of my time.

[BMWKLR]

Great post man. Thanks.

[Tritan84]

Are you 100% sure that a used SZL module needs to be reprogrammed? Different situation, but I was told by a BMW service rep and online retailer that a new SZL does not need to be programmed, so I'm thinking why would a used one need to be?

[Tritan84]

ok, so when I read this post I got really excited, as I have two SZL modules for the F10 because I was having similar issues. I went ahead and took the ribbon from my original SZL (as it wasn't suffering from the clicking, but had malfunctioning DSC) and placed into a used SZL (this one was suffering from the clicking and had the same symptoms as yours with no horn or radio controls). Just like yours, the ribbon from the used SZL was completely shredded. Once I replaced it, I can confirm that almost all functions are performing normally with the exception of a "Driver Restraint Malfunction" warning. I'm assuming this is due to having disconnected the airbag (yes, the battery was disconnected). I'm hoping that all I need to do is have this code clear and all will be normal.
Does anyone know how to clear all airbag related codes?
I do have the paid Carly app, but have not used it in some time. Does anyone know if this will clear the codes?
Thanks for the help,
Anthony

[Tritan84]

UPDATE!!!!
I can confirm that a used SZL does not need to be "programmed" to the vehicle. Given that all functions of the SZL are working properly, you should only have to have the code faults cleared. I did this by installing ISTA+ on my laptop, running the vehicle test, and clearing the faults. I did not do any special "programming of the VIN" to match my vehicle. Will update if any changes occur. Read above to recap my issue

[EL Jeffe 5]

Great work Thanks for posting

[gtthree]

Hi

I think I may have a slip ring fault developing in my car.

Upon turning or using the indicator there is a clicking/ratching sound but I have no issues with any of the wheel functions at the moment.

Therefore I have two questions:

1. Can the slip ring cables be bought separately anywhere?

2. If I do need to swap out the SZL is coding required for used or new?

I know hanadul said it would need programing (coding) but Tritan84 said no coding required.

If coding is required, I assume its as easy as adding 3AG (reverse camera).
Code VO inject CAFD.

Thanks

[RaidoR]

I am also interested if programming is needed.
I am planning to replace my current SZL with a used one.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by gtthree

Hi

2. If I do need to swap out the SZL is coding required for used or new?

Originally Posted by RaidoR

I am also interested if programming is needed.
I am planning to replace my current SZL with a used one.

When I read through this thread...I thought this was answered in post #6. Is there a reason not to believe that forum member's confirmation?

[kralchev_i]

Hi,
can you upload pictures of repairing process again, because link is invalid?