dreaded spinning key problem got to me....

[dtmvelocity]

long story cut short, i parked my e36 and when turning it off, it stood on...confused and baffled, i let go of the clutch & managed to turn it off. i then went online and got well informed of this common issue e36's are plagued with. i read several DIY instructionals and saw the youtube video, but i cannot seem to release the ignition barrel by inserting the paper clip / bobby pin in the tiny hole to the right of the key in position 2 as the video recommends. this is very frustrating since my steering wheel is locked and cannot unlock it since there is no resistance when i turn the key, just free play all the way across. today, i managed to tap wires together and get the car to turn over, but wont stay running because the fuel pump turns on only in the on position (correct me if i'm wrong) and until today, it only now spins until position 2, wont go past this point to the on position. this is very, VERY frustration and i do not want to go thru the stealership for this, besides having 2 different keys, paying a fortune and waiting for days...i'd rather tackle this myself but in all seriousness....it is very annoying and frustrating. anyone can shed some valuable information on similar experience? tips or advice? or even pay me a visit if you're local?

[flyfishvt]

You have two choices. You can get a used ignition assembly including the switch and usually the tumbler on ebay for about $100 and swap out the lock cylinder or get a new lock houseing from the dealer and use your existing tumbler and switch. The tumbler doesn't have to be out to take off the assembly.

[Bleary]

try this.

take the covers off the column.

remove wax plugs covering screws on RED ignition switch. back them out a few turns. (small flat head)

take the switch off, and use something to turn it counter clockwise.

the pin, that turns the switch. turn it CLOCKWISE. it will BANG and sink in.

re-assemble.

and when you go to start the car, push IN on the key. do this when turning the car off, too.

this whole thing should take you 10min.


thanks gardenbeast

[dtmvelocity]

flyfishvt, bleary....thank you both for the tip, i will tackle this yet again tomorrow with the info you guys provided....hopefully this issue will get resolved...its been 4 days now!

[E36 For Life]

Order a new cylinder and housing from the dealer. You will have to show proof of ownership and it should take 2-5 days. Parts are # 5 & 2 on realoem. I diden't want to buy the housing so when I removed the cylinder and housing I carfully cut the black steel ring around the cylinder turned the key to run and removed the cylinder. You also might want to replace #2 in the second linnk this will eliminate any up and down play in the steering, a word to the wise the snap ring on that piece takes alittle finess. Never tap wires your heading for trouble and always disconnect your battery. With EWS you will have to hold the head of the key at the ignition to start the car if you don't fix it properly.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CB43&mospid=47498&btnr=32_0909&hg=32&fg=30

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CB43&mospid=47498&btnr=32_0909&hg=32&fg=30

[dtmvelocity]

bleary, i could not find any screws on red ignition switch, on mine, seems to be one whole unit...

[flyfishvt]

If you look at the red igintion switch there are two tabs that fit into slots on the houseing. These are held in place by two small screws the screw in from the bottom. The heads of these screws are covered in some kind of wax or rubber. Never figured that part out but it just scapes off then you can access the screws.

[dtmvelocity]

i really didn't see any screws...i did however see tabs and i tried to pry off, but no luck...regarding screws...i saw nothing. this is on 94' 325is, perhaps other models are different?

[flyfishvt]

No they aren't different. the screws go up through the center of those tabs from the bottom. You cant see the screws unless you remove the coating. The tabs fit into a slot in the metal housing. The screw goes up through the bottom of this slot into the red plastic tab.

[dtmvelocity]

ok, just did exactly as you mentioned and did managed to take the red ignition off, i rotated counter clockwise the pin thingy that protrudes and did hear something and it did "sunked in" but that didn't do much help, the wheel is still locked and the switch don't go past position 2. i really need to get the switch barrel out but that seems like an impossible task.

[ken.mark]

4 days is not too bad. I was screwing around with my tumbler for over a week! Try some of my tips (the 2nd last post): http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=228406&page=3.

Your tumbler will only come out if you can get the key to the 3'oclock position; if not, you'll have to replace the housing too (not fun either).

[charbel]

i can get you an ignition with a key of you want. i have like 5 of them. they still in the cars so i have to remove one for you.

or you can break the lock on your steering wheel. take the round plastic piece from the ignition. either rewire it to a switch or you can start the car and shut it off with a screw driver.. easy.. but then it is easy to steal. so make sure you have full cover on it with good insurance. lol

[dtmvelocity]

charbel...i would appreciate it very much, i'm running out of options so that idea is one i will go with...pm me for more details
thanks