Can't turn ignition key

[Mr. BILL]

Having a problem with the ignition on my '90 525 w/220K.

The key will turn far enough to unlock the steering wheel, but not far enough to reach position 1 (acc.) or far enough to start the car.

I figure the lock tumblers are worn out, but I was hoping to get another opinion or suggestion.

Thanks in advance.

[The Bigfella]

Had that with one of my W126 Mercs. MB wanted $650 for a new tumbler insert - so I pulled one out of my spares car. These things can be scarce at the wreckers.

[Mr. BILL]

Did a more thorough search. Found the paper clip method to remove the lock cylinder. However, I can't seem to get the key to turn to the first position no matter how much I jiggle it.

Does the key need to be turned to position 1 before I can insert the paper clip?

Thanks

[shogun]

link from my website
http://evansweb.info/articles/2003/01/19/removing-the-ignition-lock-barrel

[Mr. BILL]

Thanks Shogun. That link wasn't showing up on the threads I found.

Any suggestions as to how I can turn the key to position 1? Mine won't budge more than 1/8". I tried jiggling for 5 minutes, but no success.

Thanks!

[Omega]

"Suggestions ?"

Plenty! I found swearing helped. So did rocking the steering wheel whilst turning the key, gently tapping the lock barrel, swearing, adding a small squirt of WD40 on the key and patience. And swearing. Lots and lots of swearing!

One word of warning once you get the lock moving, pull it out of the barrel using a thick paperclip immediately. Don't assume that now it turns that all is well. It isn't and this will happen again. Next time you may not be lucky enough to remove the barrel.

You can get a new keyed lock (that is keyed to the same key as the door locks and not any old barrel) from the $tealer using your registration document and proof of ID - well in the UK that's what you need. I think it was about £80- for the keyed barrel= and it took about 3 days.

Good luck, you will need it. This will be pleased to learn this is quite a common complaint, like the passenger wiper arm.........

[gale]

Ditto, mine went from working perfectly all along, to nearly needing to have my car flatbedded home in just a mater of 2 days. I must have spent 20 minutes to get it to start the last attempt. Same thing, new barrel from the dealer matched to the VIN, took about 4 or 5 days to get it. Mine went at 177k miles.

[Mr. BILL]

I still can't get the key to turn to position one. Any suggestions other than try, try and ry again?

[shogun]

http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/center_vents/driver_side_frame.jpg

Forget about the red color rings, that is for a different info.
Under the steering column you see the pin which locks the steering wheel.
If this is jammed, you cannot turn the ignition key to "pull" this pin in.
Use a wood block and a hammer and give the steering wheel column some hard whacks that this pin might get released.

Remove the roundel emblem in the center of the steering wheel with a flat-blade screwdriver and then hit on the 22 mm bolt and at the same time let someone try to turn the key
http://bmwe32.masscom.net/sean750/dash_bulbs/showLockingNutSteeringWheel.jpg

I have done this once successfully on an E32, but that car was without airbag

[Mr. BILL]

Thanks again shogun. Mine doesn't have an airbag, so I'll try giving that nut a few whacks.

[Mr. BILL]

SUCCESS!

I finally got that MoFo out! Nothing seemed to work and then, PRESTO! it turned.

Thanks all!