Ignition Switch 1999 318ti
 

Just scored a 1999 318ti in great condition, for a great price. The main issue (and a huge reason for the price) is the ignition switch has rounded out and the guy was starting it with a screwdriver after the keys were inserted and turned on.

I found a replacement switch in about 5 seconds on Google. Looking at the currently installed switch, just how far in does this thing go? It's all zip tied together and I don't want to start cutting things that don't need to be fiddled with. If it's a pain to get to, anyone ever just cut the old rounded one off and resolder the new one in its place?

Thank you!

i have also needed a new switch in my car. you can do to the dealership and you can get one that matches your key. overall its not very difficult but, for me it was a little easier because i used the dealership tool to remove it from the cylinder and a small Flathead screwdriver to pull off the EWS ring. just make the tool from a paper clip or bobby pin and turn the key to the "on" postilion and put the tool inside of the small hole and you will feel a spring inside of the little hole and once you twist it the right way, it will pop out. then get your replacement one and put into the cylinder and it will lock into place. then put your EWS ring on it and that is it.

This is the side of the whole mechanism I need to replace. Key inserts and turns just fine, as does the metal connecting rod that goes thru the steering wheel. It's the other side that the plastic is rounded.

this should help
https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tec...eplacement.htm

Perfect! Thank you!

Did you remove the lock cylinder? If not, here's a few more tips. tougebmw318ti is correct, you need to TWIST the tool (clockwise roughly 1/4 turn). The Pelican Parts tutorial only says... Insert the tool and wiggle it until the lock cylinder disengages. It didn't tell which way to orient the tool (the bend should be pointed away from the lock cylinder). The tutorial suggests using a paper clip (I tried several types of paper clips, but found a standard bobby pin worked best). The tutorial didn't instruct how only light pressure was required (at one point I thought force was the answer, that maybe I'm trying to disengage a heavy lock tab. Not!). Nor did the tutorial mention to look for (feel for) the spring-loaded action of the tool (this is key!).

There are YouTube tutorials that explain the process to remove the lock cylinder. Here's one. Jump to around 3:00
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tETEtb5Yr_o

BTW, I'm a huge fan of Pelican Parts' tutorials, but on this topic there's more information to consider. Twist the tool, don't wiggle it. Good luck.