Need Help - ignition tumbler/switch problem

[Paul Anthony]

Can anyone tell me what part I need to fix an ignition tumbler/switch problem on a 1998 318ti?

The key gets stuck from time to time. Sometimes I go to start it and the key wont tun at all. Tonight I got home and couldn't turn the car off because it got stuck in the on position.

The only way to free it up is to remove the ignition switch.. I then free up the protruding piece that fits into the plastic keyway on the switch. I have to turn it with a pliers to free it. I then put the switch back in place with the 2 set screws.

It works fine for a while but then gets stuck and freezes up again.

The problem is not in the electric switch itself. I don't know if I need the tumbler assembly or the lock housing. Is the male piece that I turn with the pliers part of the housing or tumbler?

[The_Ikon]

Old thread but I'm having a similar issue! It will not turn back to lock and when I remove the key the chime still buzzes and it runs the battery down. So I have to disconnect it. Is this the ignition lock switch or what? Help!

[paul somlo]

It's been a long time since I had to deal with this, maybe 15 yrs, but I remember replacing the ignition lock cylinder. I had the "car won't turn off" problem. There's also an intermediate shaft between the lock cylinder and the electrical ignition switch. If you remove that ignition switch, you'll see the tip of it, as it engages the switch. Sometimes, that intermediate shaft will break, as it's a lightweight casting. Here are some links to articles in the knowledge base: http://318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=40316&highlight=ignition

http://318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=9650&highlight=ignition

Also, if you search on "e36 ignition lock", there's lots out there, several youtube videos, some stuff on bimmerforums.

Ultimately, you're going to have to do the diagnosis, the videos and such will help you as to what you're looking at. I would bet that it's not the electrical switch, which pretty much leaves either the shaft or the lock. It's a fairly complicated assembly, and you might look it up on realoem.com, just to see the parts breakdown. Keep us informed.

Paul
'96ti 237,000mi