Car won't shut off, help? Key just turns

[cmackin300]

I came home and went to shut my car off and the damn key just spins in the lock cylinder. I know this is a common problem so anyone please let me know what I need to do to fix it. Don't have any good dealers around.
Thank you.
c_mackin@hotmail.com
Chris

[BMWguy206]

Here's what you might need;

Coded key cylinder

Steering lock column

ignition switch.

I had the same problem before and it turned out to be a bad steering lock column. Somewhat a very difficult job to do if you dont have the right tools. If it turns out to be a bad key cylinder, you're gonna have to wait almost a week to get it from Germany.

[cmackin300]

I am pretty sure it's not the ignition switch. So how much was the bill? Did you have to take it to the dealer?
how would you know the difference between the steering lock and the coded key cylinder?
Thanks a lot for you help.
chris

[BMWguy206]

My problem was covered under warranty but if you're looking at a steering lock column section, labor will be about 2-2.5hrs. I dont know how much the steering lock unit costs.

I'm gonna take a stab at this but its most likely that you do have a faulty key cylinder. There is a plastic tab at the other end of the unit and it may have broken off.

[cmackin300]

Hey Jon,
Thanks again for the help. Here is what has happened. I took the car in and they said it was the coded key lock assembly. Which is about $70. And it would be about two hours at 89 bucks an hour. Ouch. Do they think they're doctors or what? Then like you said after a week the part comes in and they call me back saying it will also need a sleve for the cylinder and that will be another 123 dollars and five hours of labor. Well I said no way. I am going to get the car, which unfortunately I have to push start it and drop the clutch, to take it back to my shop who only charges about forty an hour and I trust them. THe only reason I took it too the dealer was because they needed to order the part and I was already down there. So what do you think? Is push starting it a couple more times doing to hurt it? Also do you think they're trying to rip me off? I don't trust them at all. Especially considering how they changed their mind. I think I should just get the parts and take it back to my own shop.
Let me know what you think. Thanks
Chris

[Beau]

Hmm... I sorta have this problem but it's not really a problem (yet). I notice if I don't insert the key all the way with just a little bit of force I can get it to spin freely. I've done this a couple times by accident. Push the key in a little more and within 180 degrees of rotation it will lock and I can start the car. Never had a problem when the key was inserted properly. Is this a sign that failure is imminent? - Beau

[cmackin300]

It's about a 700 dollar repair, so I would replace your coded key cylinder while the key still works, that way it's only a 70 dollar part and two hours labor, instead of five and a half and 200 in parts. or it might last who knows.