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View Full Version : Strange issue with Steering Lock Housing replacement, could use some advice



CubbyChowder
09-28-2014, 06:57 PM
Hey guys, I recently picked up a 1995 525i Touring which was having ignition related issues. Previous owner told me one day the car wouldn't start but the key would turn. I bought the car and started taking things apart, as soon as I removed the ignition cylinder I found that the problem was a broken part in the ignition tube that turns the ignition switch. After a bit of research, I decided to order a new Steering Lock Housing since you can't just replace that internal piece and a new ignition switch as well.

Installed the parts today and am finding that the key ignition lock cylinder is not functioning properly, and I suspect that it is due to the new lock housing. As soon as I installed the ignition cylinder, the key was hard to turn and was not smooth at all. Plus, I couldn't turn it back enough to get the key to come out. The internal part of the new lock housing seems hesitant to rotate, something just doesn't seem right.

As for the ignition lock cylinder, the key turns smoothly while the whole unit is removed, if that makes a difference. After heavily examining everything, and trying a few different things, I am stumped. Any input, ideas or advice?

Matt Z
09-28-2014, 07:23 PM
I just did this myself not too long ago but did not have any issues after. The only thing I can think of is did you get the correct lock housing? There are 2 versions of it and you need part #32321160278

I used this DIY when doing mine, http://bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/566688/ Look through it maybe something wasn't assembled correctly?

CubbyChowder
09-28-2014, 07:36 PM
I just did this myself not too long ago but did not have any issues after. The only thing I can think of is did you get the correct lock housing? There are 2 versions of it and you need part #32321160278

I used this DIY when doing mine, http://bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/566688/ Look through it maybe something wasn't assembled correctly?

Yep that's the housing I ordered and I followed the exact same DIY actually.

CubbyChowder
09-29-2014, 12:55 PM
Can anyone else offer any insight? ECS won't accept the return since its a genuine BMW part and I'm not a mechanic. Didn't realize that policy existed, pretty mad about that.