Need help !!

[s2gallagher]

Can a front door key lock that is stuck (unable to turn either way) on a 1994 325i, activate the antitheft and keep it from starting ?? It turns over but won't fire ?
Any ideas ?? thanks

[strad]

Absolutely. I discovered this on my 94 325is way back in 2002. got locked out while it was in the bodyshop (keys in ignition) fortunately rear window was out so crawled in through there, into the driver's seat and tried to start it -- wouldn't even crank. After unlocking the door with the key it worked just fine.

edit: the exact method of getting locked out, as I recall, was reconnecting the trunk lock cylinder to the harness. It was unlocked until I plugged it back in, and when I did that everything locked down. Good thing the rear glass was not installed lol.

2nd edit: the fact that it cranks tells me that the anti theft is not involved. Since antitheft interrupts the starter on that car.

[flyfishvt]

drivers side? maybe

passenger side? no

You have EWSI on that car so its pretty basic. Ive heard a couple stories here lately about this type of thing happening on the drivers door.

Have you ever had problems with the door lock before? if you have then did it start the last time you had this issue?

[s2gallagher]

Rarely used the key just used the fob, but just prior to it not starting (not immeaditately) the key was used and now the cylinder won't budge. I was thinking maybe one of the microswicthes was stuck and wouldn't let me disarm the antitheft portion. Is there a way to disable the antitheft ?