Removal of Ignition Tumbler

[1979BMW]

How to easily remove an ignition tumbler without a working key or having to remove the ignition switch .

1. Disconnect the battery.

2. Remove the lower dash panel, lower steering column cover, and the ignition bezel.

3. Locate the hump protruding from the casing around the ignition switch (see photo).

4. On the hump you will notice it looks as if it has already been drilled an 1/8 of an inch, drill it all of the way through the top of the switch(not the the steering column) with a 3/16 drill bit (whatever you feel will do the job).


5. Now you will need a tool the slide into the drilled hole and push the tumbler spring towards the front of the car. I used an old bicycle spoke with the curved end cut off and it worked very well (see photo)


6. Turn the key if you have one and pull the ignition out while you are compressing the spring.



7. Clean out and grease the interior of the ignition switch.



8. A little more on the tumbler can't hurt.


9. Slide the new tumbler into the ignition switch.

10. Replace ignition bezel and lower panels (possibly some paint?).

[g323]

Very well done! Can I change the electronic switch with this method?

[1979BMW]

I believe you would need to slot the column bolts and remove the upper cover to do so.

[lightsmith]

Very cool. Ordering tomorrow.

[epmedia]

Friggin "A" Bubba - you did it !!!

G323 - the electric switch is secured by a "tiny" screw on the lock mechanism. You do not have to dremel the dome bolts to get it out. Just follow the previous thread about dropping/flexing the column if needed... I forget the process...sorry .
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1290067

[fo0manchu]

sweet! good to know and perfect timing!

[nickylemns]

i have been having problems with my ignition as you have to put some muscle into the last position to start the car and the turn it back slightly to keep the starter motor from continuing to turn. i tried this method by drilling he hole and have had no luck. the cylinder is in there solid as a rock. after removing the entire panel out and toying with it the key now does not want to turn past position 1. not to mention the cap on the back of the cylinder with the springs and grounds came apart. anyone have any idea how it goes back together, and any remedies for my now jacked up cylinder? im curently soaking it with some seafoam

[Tom D]

the problem appears to be the electrical switch not the lock. now that the switch has been disassembled, you'll have to piece it back together. might be easier to get a new one or from a wreaking yard.

i took mine apart for repair, but did not take pictures. there should be (i believe) 3 springs and a floating contact.

[tomscat1]

Nice work, 1979BMW! These two pics are great in that they show pretty clearly exactly what you did: the first one shows the spring retaining clip that needs to be pressed in by your bicycle spoke; the second shows the tip of the spoke protruding into the cylinder where it can contact and depress that spring. When the retaining spring is depressed, it allows the tumbler to be pulled out by the key. Great job!

[ialbrecht]

Now we just need a write up on how to change the pins inside to fit the same key as my locks.

[nickylemns]

yea its definitely the switch, just thought it would be easier to remove the cylinder, and clean it out then reconnect. not an option now, i have to try to remember how to put the switch back together as when it came out the contacts and springs fell out. once i figure how it goes back together ill post pics for anyone who needs them. wish me luck

[E21fun]

Why didn't I see this when I did my ignition woulda saved me alot of headaches

[gusm325]

I just wanted the newbies to know:

It took me longer to get the kick panel, out than to do this

Key feels great now!

Saved $$$ hundreds?

This should be in the DIY

Thank you!!

I love this forum

[BMWonly]

This is an excellent write-up. Needed it yesterday, when I wasn't able to turn the key in my Alpina. It worked just as explained. New tumbler is on its way.
Thanks for having such a great bunch of people in this forum.
Dieter

[chiodeguate]

I bought a new tumbler with a set of keys from ebay (possibly a member) for $25. With the help of this write-up, the whole swap took about 10mins. The most time consuming portion was finding a tool, with the right angle, to depress the spring. Thanks for the write-up, worked like a charm.

[81/320i dave]

I have probably stupid ? I just replaced Ignition switch and tumbler along with steering lock. All wire hooke up except I cannot figure out where the two wires go that were pictured above the steering lock

[jtgeiger]

I got tumbler out and pin at key end of sleeve but still cannot get the tumbler sleeve out to replace electrical switch element. I can only move the sleeve about 1/8 inch in and out. I tried tapping back of electrical switch but no help. Something else seems to be holding it in place. What do I do next to release sleeve?

[epmedia]

I got tumbler out and pin at key end of sleeve but still cannot get the tumbler sleeve out to replace electrical switch element. I can only move the sleeve about 1/8 inch in and out. I tried tapping back of electrical switch but no help. Something else seems to be holding it in place. What do I do next to release sleeve?

Please review this other thread too for a possible remedy.
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...on-switch-lock