Ignition cylinder part

[Guapo]

I had my ignition cylinder mechanism fail on me, luckily as I got home. Pulled into the garage and turned the key to shut off the car, and it wouldn't shut off. The lock just rotated back and forth, to no effect. I had to pull the fuel pump fuse under the hood to shut down the car, then pulled the negative terminal from the battery.

This morning I pulled the cylinder out. The lock mechanism seems to be working fine, but it's this piece behind it that is the culprit:

http://www.guapozx.com/gallery/d/16319-4/IMG_4380.JPG

My question is what part is it?

According to realoem for my 1992 (10/91 prod date) 525:

http://www.guapozx.com/gallery/d/16323-1/6.png

Does this part reside in #2 (32321161551)? This is the part listed with Autohausaz:

http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/M5025238064OES.JPG

Basically, I need guidance as to if this part resides inside the housing, as it doesn't seem to be available separately. Or, am I on the wrong track?

[timandbim]

i dunno about that cylinder - but i had similar symptoms on a different car and it was because a connection at the starter relay had corroded.

[bmwpower]

Was your car ever stolen? Looks like someone tried to bust the wheel lock.

It looks like that part DOES come with the whole housing. I don't see it separately.

[Guapo]

Was your car ever stolen? Looks like someone tried to bust the wheel lock.

It looks like that part DOES come with the whole housing. I don't see it separately.

I don't see any signs of foul play. The parts on the left and middle used to be a single part. Besides that, there's no excess scratching or damage anywhere else to indicate any kind of attempted entry.

[bmwpower]

Hmmm.

Maybe try some JB weld on the two piece? Might work. Might save you some cash.

[Ross]

Yep,expect to be ~$100 lighter. The replacement is no better either.