Roger,
I am glad you found the trouble - poor earth it seems does come up quite often as the cause of trouble. The same goes for a weak battery. The electrical system on these cars is extrememly sensitive to even a small votage drop. This is, of course, more prevalent for cars who are often 'resting' in a garage, etc. and don't have the benefit of regular longer runs.
It seems, indeed, a strange place to earth a circuit, I'll have a look at my car to see if it is the same. Does it look like original wiring or is it possible that is was done later in its life?
It is normal for the steering wheel to get out of the way when you remove the ignition key - these are very gentlemanly cars and make sure, recently retired folk like myself can get in and out a bit easier
Remember, if you disconnect the battery you will also have to reprogram the door windows so they know there reference position for partially dropping the window when you open the door.
Hopefully, your main dealer should be able to give you a reasonably general report.
Good luck and please report back after its visit to the dealer. Thanks. Roger - and out
(excuse the joke, I am sure you heard it before
