Ignition key occasionally won't turn on.

[texasbmw530i]

I've checked the past posts on this subject but nothing really matches my problem.

2002 530i with 126K.

Every once in a while my ignition key will not turn on when I insert it. I had this problem in the past and I used the trick of drilling a hole in the lock assembly and removing the spring that locks the steering wheel. This was many months ago and everything was fine but now I'm having the "stuck key" issue once again. But since I've disabled the steering wheel lock it must be something else now.

The key slides in the tumbler but will not turn. Sliding it in and out and jiggling it eventual lets me turn it on but it's happening now with more frequency.

Any way to determine if it's the key or the tumbler? And where would I go from there?

[ColtonBH]

Does this happen when parked with the wheels at an angle, on a hill, etc? Jiggle the steering wheel a bit while turning the key

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[texasbmw530i]

No, usually wheels just straight ahead. I thought when I removed the spring in the lock mechanism that this disabled the steering wheel lock/key interface.

[Uturn540]

Very possibly a worn out lock cylinder. I have replaced three of these for other people in the last two years, although not in BMW's. Two Fords and a Honda. Here is the part number
32321095822

[ColtonBH]

I was mistaken, I thought you were going to remove steering lock, not that you already did

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[texasbmw530i]

It looks like I'll need to replace the ignition cylinder barrel. Looks straightforward enough, lots of "how to" on the net.

One question, the cylinders run about $100 and it says they are coded? What does that mean and how does it relate to my existing key?

[JimLev]

Not really coded in the sense of it needs to be programmed.
However you need to get it from BMW and don't forget to being your title and other documentation with you to prove you own the car. Call the dealer first to make sure you bring what they want.
It will come from BMW Germany, took 3 days when I needed to get one.
It will work with your original keys.

[Qsilver7]

...One question, the cylinders run about $100 and it says they are coded? What does that mean and how does it relate to my existing key?

In this case...it means that the part can be ordered requiring your VIN...and the "barrel will come ready to install and already fit the "cut" of your existing keys. BMW keeps this info in their database.

The exterior door lock cylinders, glovebox, trunk, and ignition barrels are all "coded"...and replacements can be ordered directly from your local BMW's parts dept using the last 7 digits of your VIN and proof of ownership (as mentioned in reply above). Which is cheaper than having to purchase a brand new set of keys and lock cylinders or having to have mismatched keys if something was to go wrong and one or more lock cylinders needed to be replaced.

[texasbmw530i]

Thank you for that info.

So I would imagine that if I purchase it from a parts supplier rather than BMW they actually buy it through the dealer (at a huge discount from what I would pay I'm sure) have it coded and then sell it to me cheaper then the dealer, and they still make money !

[JimLev]

Thank you for that info.

So I would imagine that if I purchase it from a parts supplier rather than BMW they actually buy it through the dealer (at a huge discount from what I would pay I'm sure) have it coded and then sell it to me cheaper then the dealer, and they still make money !

Good luck on the huge discount, I doubt it.

[texasbmw530i]

Well actually I meant that the large auto parts retailers probably get a huge discount on items they purchase from BMW. I base this "huge discount" on the difference between what they would pay and what BMW would charge me.

That the auto parts retailers can then turn around and sell me the part for less than BMW ... and still make a profit ... tells you how much the BMW has jacked up the prices.

[Qsilver7]

Have you communicated with your local BMW's parts department yet as to the cost? If not, you may be surprised that they may be competitive...and may price match the online or auto parts retailier is selling it for if you can bring proof of purchase price.

Your local BMW parts department can sometimes be very different (friendly) than the service department. And if you get to know them and develope a friendly consumer relationship...you may be able to get discounts or price matching....which can save you money by just having to pay local taxes versus addition shipping and handling costs. You'll also know that you're getting the correct part because they are using your VIN to verify that the part you're wanting is for your car's build date/VIN etc.

[Corellian Corve]

+ 1 on a good BMW dealer. Prices from my local dealer are very competitive with the online shops, AND I don't have to pay shipping on large items. I do pay sales tax, but having 7 BMW's means it's a good relationship to keep going. Love my BMW parts counter guys.

[geargrinder]

Yeah. I can guarantee the wholesale discount is far from "huge". The cheapest innerwebz parts guys for dealer parts are either actually large / wholesaling bmw dealers themselves, or, willing to get by on really slim margins just to have all your business (ex: ECS or FCP).

I was also under understaunding also that "security " related parts like that were real dealer only. Like maybe you can order the PN from an internet dealer but itll be a new set, and not cylinder matched , and if you want that it has to be direct from a dealer who certifies your docs.

[texasbmw530i]

Alright .....

Average cost online for a coded ignition lock cylinder for my 2002 530i runs right around $100 with free shipping.

My BMW dealer wants $150 (before taxes). That's a 50% markup. I'm headed over there after lunch to order it and good luck on me getting them to lower the price !!

So if these big reputable parts suppliers can purchase it from BMW (since BMW is the only one who can code these things) and still sell it to me for $100 somebody is getting a HUGE discount.

[Corellian Corve]

All depends on the dealer. Some of them charge full retail, perhaps yours is. YMMV, so not to say you can't get it cheaper but I've consistently found my local dealer prices to be inline with the online shops.

[texasbmw530i]

Finally received my $150 "coded" ignition cylinder lock from the dealer. Ordered it on Monday and it arrived at the dealers (now why couldn't they just have sent it directly to me?) on Friday.

First thing that surprised me was that it didn't look like the old one. This was because my old one had a plastic trim piece around it that is actually a transponder with an electrical connection. This has to be carefully pried off the old one and snaps on to the new lock. I must have watched 4 or 5 videos online about removing the lock cylinder and NONE of them had that plastic trim ring on them.

The suggestions of using a bent hair pin to release the lock barrel were right on, although it does take a bit of fiddling. Then you have to disconnect the electrical connection to the transponder ring. To do this I had to unscrew the upper trim piece that surrounds the steering wheel. Once you have the lock barrel and attached trim piece out of the car you can carefully remove the trim ring. This again takes a bit of finesse because you don't want to break this transponder ring.

Now you can simply insert your new ignition barrel, ....not so fast ! It took me about an hour to get the darn thing to line up and finally snap in. Finally you can plug the transponder ring back in and snap it onto your new lock cylinder.

But all's well that ends well and I now have a new ignition that the key will always turn !

[Uturn540]

It gets complicated sometimes.

[geargrinder]

Yep. The paper clip thing is a PITA. I keep a one that I bent to just the right length in my 'special tools' drawer. And yeah, the "ring antenna" is not part of the lock so no you'd not expect it to come with. Easy swap.

[Rfeeder]

I have a 02 530i, my key first stopped working in my trunk now does not work in my ignition. Does work in door and glove box. I ordered a new key from BMW and it doesn’t work, any suggestions? Also doesn’t the key have to be in “on” position to replace the lock cylinder if that’s what’s needed? How do I get around that problem if my key doesn’t work?