ignition lock stuck in run...

[iflybmw]

Hi!

I've been lurking around here for a month or so since my father decided to give his '97 ti to me. It's a bit beat up, but since what happened below, its free! I've got plans for it, believe me! But first, lets get it running.

Basically, when my dad parked the car, he pulled out the key and was astounded to find the engine still running. You can put the key in or pull it out, but you can't turn it forwards or backwards from the *run* spot. The steering isn't locked. To turn off the car, we dropped the clutch in the driveway, and pulled the neg. battery cable.

What do you think needs replacing? I'm feeling it's just #5 on this page: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...32&fg=30&hl=96

I've looked over this page: http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=9650 but this also describes how to replace the steering lock and housing for the lock cylinder. Am I right in guessing that I only need to order a new lock cylinder from bmw? Isn't that the part that you only have to remove the antenna for EWS, then use a thick gage wire to push into the hole near the key and it just pulls out? Seems like it wouldn't take much time to do at all.


Thanks so much guys!

[mooseheadm5]

You may actually need both the lock cylinder and the electrical portion of the switch, but I would probably just get the cylinder first. Read the instructions carefully, and calmly try to pull the cylinder. DO NOT disconnect or hook up the battery with the key in the ignition!!!! Also, do not fiddle with it too much until you are prepared to pull the cylinder otherwise the thing may actually lock the way it is supposed to and you are screwed because it has to turn to a certain point for you to remove it!
-Paul

[iananderson02]

what you need is the actual tumbler and the steering lock assembly:

part numbers
32 32 0 002 723 - tumbler
32 32 1 093 265 - steering lock assy
32 31 1 160 255 - fracture bolts x2

did this one on my sisters car no more than a month ago, same exact problem! easy fix, expensive parts, tumbler will need to be specially made for your car and your key. Good luck...
-ian

[Mallard]

turn key to position 1
feed a straightened paperclip in the small hole in the barrel, (can be seen just above the keyhole
try as best as possible to push the fracture pin out.
the barrel should slip off after that

or so ive heard

[iananderson02]

You are right about turning the key to about position 1 and inserting a stiff piece of wire (allen wrench works well) to remove the tumbler. However you may not be able to remove the tumbler from the steering lock assy in your situation. The problem you are having is that the tumbler and the steering lock assy have somehow gotten out of sync (almost like the tumbler is in the "lock" position but the lock assembly is still in the "run" position). You will have alot of trouble releasing the tumbler from the lock because of that.

The problem that many e36 owners experience (key turns backwards forever and never stops) is caused by a bad steering lock assy. However even in this instance, which is slightly less severe than your situation, replacement of both the lock and tumbler are needed quite often. Good luck...

-ian

[BAD745I]

get all the parts from the dealer. you have to take the steering column apart. Still takes me about 1 hour to complete having done over 20. Pay attention to how it comes apart.

[sam316i]

Sorry for bringing up an old thread but i have just had the problem with my key turning backwards as much as you like. please could someone help me with were to go now, is there a wright up any were or a list of parts i will need?

Thankyou in advance


Sam.

[thesk8nmidget]

dave... elchicano should know

[elchicano]

yup i know all about it. Like i said in your PM if your still able to turn your car and off check your key. If your key is spinning then your screwed. You'll have to replace the lock cylinder, lock assembly and antenna as well. Well good luck with it.

Edit:
Here's my thread. There's some links to some other threads that will help you out.
http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthrea...=lock+cylinder

[John318ti]

Ha my car is in the shop right now getting the lock cylinder fixed. going to cost about $265

[elchicano]

Dude just be happy you only need to replace the lock cylinder. I had to pay $800+ from my arse to get mine fixed. Also if your key is pretty beat up get new one.

[John318ti]

oh wow that does suck!!! but i'm also starting college so 265 feels like a million right now! i think its coming with a new set of keys... or so they told me!

[elchicano]

haha I was in college when that happened and i still am. So yea i know what you mean. But my parents paid it for my bday gift. Which sucks because i wanted them to get me something else for the Ti. But i don't think they will give you a spare key. You have to order them from the dealer. My key with no light costed me $65.

[sam316i]

Hey all i had a chat with a freind who works for bmw and he told me what i need to get to fix it, im going up there on monday with all my documents to order the keY barrel, he said he can print off the instructions for me too. Il get back to you when i no more.

Thanks, Sam.

[John318ti]

oh geez well hopefully the guy that is doing the work (a family friend that does domestic and foreign stuff) knows to order one. he had a guy from another shop that specializes in german cars look at it and he told him what to get... I wish BMW would do a recall or something seeing how a large number of people have had this happen oh well