How can I tow 535i with jammed ignition switch?

[Warren N.CA]

My shop Bavarian Professionals of Berkeley, CA are willing and able to fix my jammed ignition switch, and I want to tow the car to them.

But the car is in a side-by-side parking space, only 1.5Ft from a wall, with a sharp, backing turn required for removal. Because the steering wheel is locked, I don't see how the car can be positioned so it can be loaded onto the tow truck?

Any suggestions? 1989 535i manual 240K professionally maintained and running/driving like new except for this.

[ryan roopnarine]

any tow company that does repos/parking violations will have little hydraulic dollies that they can put under your wheels to move the car. just tell the towing company that the steering is immobile and the specifics of your parking situation before they dispatch a truck.

[ryan roopnarine]

oh, and just in case your wheels are turned at angles, you might want to ask for a flatbed. your choice.

[Warren N.CA]

oh, and just in case your wheels are turned at angles, you might want to ask for a flatbed. your choice.

Now I can proceed with confidence!

[Omega]

With a lot of patience, rocking of the steering wheel, tapping of the lock (if you can get to it) and copious amounts of swearing you may be able to get the barrel to un-seize for long enough to start the car. Then drive it straight to the shop.

I had the same problem with my e34 and could always manage to get it going before I received my new barrel - it took about 5 days from BMW.

If the keys are original to the car, you can get a new ignition barrel cut to the key from BMW, you just need proof of title and the VIN number.

HTH.

[shogun]

easy, see my pics :D
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/take/P1030374.jpg
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/take/P1030372.jpg