Ignition in column help

[JDBH]

I need to repair a punched ignition on a car that I just purchased. I see replacing from a "360 deg" seems to be a common problem and appears to be quite easy. But How do I go about removing it after its been punched?

The outer ring that has wires on it seems to free spin. But some of the guts inside dont seem to be.

Here is what I have to work with..
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/527570_10150663461998030_653683029_9726177_9906988 96_n.jpg

[flyfishvt]

Ive only swapped cylinders that are intact. Sorry. What ever you do be VERY careful. Right behind that plastic housing a green wire that goes around the cylinder barrel. That is your EWS ring. if you damage that wire you will have to replace it or your car will never ever start even if you fix the tumbler.

[JDBH]

EWS?? I'm new to BMW, whats that stand for?

:edit: EWS is the anti theft system correct?

How do you get that off before you remove the barrel?

[flyfishvt]

There should be a plastic cover that pops onto the steering column covers at the tumbler. Its just a trim piece. It looks like yours might be missing. EWS is indeed the anti theft. The wire I mentioned is used to read the chip in your key. If the wire is missing or broken it wont read the chip and your car wont even crank when you turn the key. the wire can be replaced but why take that chance?

[JDBH]

Ok. So when I get a new tumbler, it wont have this piece with it? Do I need to remove the tumbler first, then this comes off?

I noticed the car wont start unless the key is "in the ignition", lol. But noticed it would crank, just not fire.

[flyfishvt]

I just researched this over the weekend. The EWS module sees the chip in the key and allows the car to crank. Then it compares a password in the DME and allows the DME to fire spark and fuel. So at least your EWS is seening the key. That means your EWS ring is intact. I cant tell from that pic if your trim piece is still there but my guess is that it is. If it wasnt then you'd see the EWS ring wound around the ignition housing. Its not very bit and it covers the end of the tumbler if I remember correctly.

[JDBH]

I just checked and I do see bare wires.

Sounds like I'm going to need to replace the housing as well. And wondering what BMW will accept as legit paper work to get the tumbler.

[flyfishvt]

title and or registration and a picture id is all they need but call first and ask. Actually I think you only need ID if you get a key. order a tumbler that is matched to your key or keys and you'll be all set. Tumbler is about $75 and the housing is about $150 if I remember correctly. The EWS ring cover is cheap.

[JDBH]

We just bought the car, so hopefully a signed away title, and BOS is good for them.

[flyfishvt]

I don't think you'll need it if you aren't ordering a key.

[JDBH]

Well, we only have 1 worn key too, so was planning on ordering tumbler and 2 keys. Also have no remotes, I need to figure out where the brain box was for that and possibly get them too.

They are gonna love us, lol.

[flyfishvt]

If you have an alarm/keyless entry then go on ebay and get a replacement fob. $35-50. if you don't have an alarm/keyless entry and you want one...there are several for sale in the classifieds at any given time. Usually $100 without a fob. If you are buying a unit then get the 2 button fob unit.


Check this thread http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1792200

[JDBH]

Wasnt the brain box in the glovebox, or behind it or in that area?

[JDBH]

I thought I had spotted the little cam gear in the ignition that needed to be moved to pull it. Still doesnt want to come out. :(