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Thread: Ignition Switch

  1. #1
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    Ignition Switch

    So my ignition switch is failing as in it stays locked sometimes and I have to continually jiggle it till it gives way. Is this and relatively easy DIY and what are some of the tools that I might not have that I'm going to need to swap this out? Also, are there any decent aftermarket ignition switches for these m62 E39s? TIA

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  2. #2
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    Do you jiggle the steering wheel to release? I always make sure that the wheel is not jammed up on the wheel lock before trying to turn the switch.

    If other, there have been a couple of cases of lock failure. You should Google them and compare your symptoms.


    Ed in San Jose '97 540i 6 speed aspensilber over aubergine leather. Build date 3/97. Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA Nr 62319.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by edjack View Post
    Do you jiggle the steering wheel to release? I always make sure that the wheel is not jammed up on the wheel lock before trying to turn the switch.

    If other, there have been a couple of cases of lock failure. You should Google them and compare your symptoms.
    So when you shut it off and turn the key to towards you to release the key out at locks. When I go to start it, if I can get the key out which is intermittent, I have to shake it and shake it and shake it and then sometimes the car is steerable. So I either can't start the car, until I shake it a bunch and all this is sometimes, or I have to leave the key in the number one position? (first position going forward) but not be able to release the key and take it out of the car so that when I get in, I can start the car. Is the lock mechanism going?

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  4. #4
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    Maybe.


    Ed in San Jose '97 540i 6 speed aspensilber over aubergine leather. Build date 3/97. Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA Nr 62319.

  5. #5
    geargrinder's Avatar
    geargrinder is offline Having No Trouble Here BMW CCA Member
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    When the key gets real worn it does that. Mine does it sometimes and its also temp-dependent, which I think means maybe either some old grease gets sticky in cold weather or some kind of temp warp/creep is making the other problem (the key being worn and not matching tumblers exactly) even worse.

    I'll agree with you, turning the wheel doesn't seem to do much - its not 'binding on the column lock' like you find with many cars, its some kind of different sticky issue.

    What I do find helps is push key straight in while giving a wiggle. When it 'goes' you can hear the loud 'click' which is the column lock engaging which also is what releases the key.

    One of my keys is really worn and does this more and more, I do have a new ebay blade ready to go but have to go get it cut...

    ('shake it'? shake and bake? )

    2003 M3CicM6 TiAg
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    2008 Audi A3 2.0T DSG (the daily beater)
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    Former:

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  6. #6
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    5 E39s, 15 years and six ignition switches later. I agree with what others have already mentioned..

    I would start with a new (read: another) key and a new ignition switch (61326901961). I would test the mechanical side for binding with this new key and the electrical switch disconnected prior to replacing said switch.
    As these switches wear out they do a lot or things. Binding against the mechanical side of the ignition key is just one of them.

  7. #7
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    Looks like no one has tried a shot of TRI-FLOW.


    Ed in San Jose '97 540i 6 speed aspensilber over aubergine leather. Build date 3/97. Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA Nr 62319.

  8. #8
    geargrinder's Avatar
    geargrinder is offline Having No Trouble Here BMW CCA Member
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    I have. That might slightly help with worn keys. But you can’t get any lube to the actual column lock without disassembly. So if that’s what’s sticky it’s a lot more work to try to even get juice near the critical bit.
    2003 M3CicM6 TiAg
    2002 540iT Sport Vortech S/C 6MT LSD TiAg
    2008 Audi A3 2.0T DSG (the daily beater)
    2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i (wifemobile)

    Former:

    1985 MB Euro graymarket 300SL
    1995.5 Audi S6 Avant (utility/winter billetturbobattlewagen)


  9. #9
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    the local farm store sells graphite in quart sized squeeze bottles. $5, life time supply..
    Last edited by juststeve; 11-19-2018 at 12:39 PM.

  10. #10
    geargrinder's Avatar
    geargrinder is offline Having No Trouble Here BMW CCA Member
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    I don’t believe in graphite anymore. It’s just been a mess in most of what I have used it in. TriFlo like Ed suggested is better call. Screw graphite (and white lithium stuff).
    2003 M3CicM6 TiAg
    2002 540iT Sport Vortech S/C 6MT LSD TiAg
    2008 Audi A3 2.0T DSG (the daily beater)
    2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i (wifemobile)

    Former:

    1985 MB Euro graymarket 300SL
    1995.5 Audi S6 Avant (utility/winter billetturbobattlewagen)


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