E36 Steering Lock/Ignition Issues

[User12345]

Hey Ya'll,

I had an issue where after parking my car it suddenly wouldn't turn on. The key would spin the correct distance but there was none of the usual resistance and it wouldn't turn on the accessories or crank the car. I replaced the key tumbler thinking it was the issue but it didn't change anything. At the moment I can start the car if I put the key in the ring antenna and turn the ignition switch with a screwdriver but the steering wheel still won't unlock. I know it has to be something in between the ignition switch and key tumbler that has to be the issue but I'm not familiar with the system, has anyone experienced this before or would have an idea of what I need to replace?

Thanks!

Parts diagram- https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BJ73-USA-10-1998-E36-BMW-323i&diagId=32_2427

[dworthy]

So if you take out the lock cylinder, can you turn the locking mech to release the steering lock? Sometimes you will have problems with the steering lock itself that will cause issues like you are describing. Now a spinning key is rather common on the E-36 as the key or lock gets worn.

[bmwdirtracer]

Replace part #2, the steering lock. It's broken. Before ordering, make sure you can get your new tumbler out of the old steering lock. I always replace the steering lock, and the lock cylinder, and the key together. Oh, you will also need new shear bolts, part #11. You need 2.

[ross1]

There is a linking rod between the lock and the switch which is on the other side of the steering column. Sounds like yours has broken, a common E34 & E36 issue.
The good folks at BMW don't sell just that part so you need to buy the entire assembly.
The good folks in China have addressed the need with a knock off of the actual part that fails. It is a fiddly repair but if you have more time than money they work fine. No worse than the OE piece which BMW hasn't bothered to redesign.
Removing the lock cylinder is the most challenging part for many, myself included. There are numerous posts about it in the E34, E36 forums. Only when all the bits are aligned perfectly does the cylinder release, it can be frustrating.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/112160202384?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1wC_9dcCST6ixSO5tha50hw80&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-1

[shadowpuck]

There is a linking rod between the lock and the switch which is on the other side of the steering column. Sounds like yours has broken, a common E34 & E36 issue.
The good folks at BMW don't sell just that part so you need to buy the entire assembly.
The good folks in China have addressed the need with a knock off of the actual part that fails. It is a fiddly repair but if you have more time than money they work fine. No worse than the OE piece which BMW hasn't bothered to redesign.
Removing the lock cylinder is the most challenging part for many, myself included. There are numerous posts about it in the E34, E36 forums. Only when all the bits are aligned perfectly does the cylinder release, it can be frustrating.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/112160202384?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1wC_9dcCST6ixSO5tha50hw80&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-1


good info!! thank you for posting that..