The two parts of the steering column disengagement element could completely disconnect if the car contacts an object in the roadway or elsewhere of sufficient mass to apply a significant force directly to the steering gearbox...
Steering
BMW 325 Steering problems by year
2 complaints filed with NHTSA about the BMW 325's steering. Loss of power steering, stiff or loose steering, wandering, column and rack problems.
Steering complaints by model year
Steering recalls
Latest 325 steering complaints
Unable to unlock steering wheel and gear shift lever with key unless steering wheel is violently pulled. Dealer was notified of this problem many times since car was new but did not/could not correct it.*Ak
Intermittent failure of speedometer/odometer, also cruise control/fuel gauge failures. *Ak
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data