E34 Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement?

[DaCan23]

So my ignition cylinder has been slowly lockin up more and more from it collapsing internally... So I finally ordered a new one from the Stealer to match my keys (Only $71) to replace it before I can not start my car.

Has anyone done this procedure before? Tough/Easy? Amount of time to do?

Thanks

[dacoyote]

"Should" be easy...

I believe you turn the key to the radio position and then stick a pin up the hole next to the key, I have found hex wrenches work good on the other cars I have done (don't ask). (rant) Farking Local Stealership told me you couldn't just get the tumblers and had to replace the entire thing at the cost of about 1500 bucks... watch out for Davis Auto Group in Solon Ohio (/rant)

However... I do have some cool ass switchs to start the car now....

-Charles

[Don McAdams]

So my ignition cylinder has been slowly lockin up more and more from it collapsing internally... So I finally ordered a new one from the Stealer to match my keys (Only $71) to replace it before I can not start my car.

Has anyone done this procedure before? Tough/Easy? Amount of time to do?

Thanks

I just went through this on my E30 M3 on Saturday. The repair CD shows this process being the same on the E34. Turn the key to the first accessory position (60 degrees)- use a LARGE paper clip in the tiny hole on the key cylinder. Give it a few wiggles & it will pull right out. Make sure to use a large paper clip as I was using a small one & it did not work! (dumb @$$ me...)!!

HTH! :)
Don

[DaCan23]

Ah cool thanks for the replies... I thought it wasnt too bad a procedure, read similar write up in a Roundel issue once. But I thought there was a "special tool" needed to jam in that hole, parts guy didnt know (weekend parts guy only does 1 Saturday a month at the stealer so he wasnt too familiar) but I asked the service mgr who I know well and he said I didnt need a special tool for that.

Should have the cylinder Wed/Thurs so will do this weekend and let ya know how it goes.

[Dash01]

BMA (Patrick) sells these lock cylinders already pre-set to your car key, for $58. You'll need to supply them with VIN, as I recall.

Best removal tool is a heavy duty paper clip, with ~1.5" straightened and then bent ~20 degrees about 1/8" from the tip. Stick it in til it bottoms out, then rotate so the bent tip acts cam-like to retract the latch. Assy. then slides right out.

[DaCan23]

Also, might be a dumb question, but do I leave the battery connected when doing this work?

[shogun]

For safety it is probably better to disconnect the battery before you start.
http://evansweb.info/article.php?story=20030119001513995

[DaCan23]

Shogun Master of Weblinks... Perfect little write up Thanks!