Spinning ignition

[gianpietra16]

You guessed it, my E36’s ignition cylinder spins and spins and spins.
I read all the forums, I checked all the videos... the problem is, it engages in the first click, but I cannot turn it further. It stay in the first position and only turns when I spin it backwards. It spins and spins backwards and every rotation it resettles into position, then I turn it the right way and the key gets stuck in first position.

Atm, I took the ignition switch appart and can start the car with a screw driver... but my steering is locked and I cant put it in drive. I tried the bobby-pin trick and it just wont budge. After 3 hours of pulling and playing in the cylinder I am defeated.

im dreading to call the dealer... but I really see no other option. Please Help


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xxxxxxx]

See if this helps

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...bler-on-an-E36

[gianpietra16]

See if this helps

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...bler-on-an-E36

You might be of big help! I’ll try this tomorrow with the correct measurements and technique. Thanks a lot in advance


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[gianpietra16]

Update: after letting the car rest, the next day I put the key in and turned it... to my surprise the key engaged and the car started. This is not the first time this happens to me but surely the last. I’ll go to the dealer and order a new ignition cylinder. I’ll make sure to be extra careful when turning the key from now on just in case...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JDStrickland]

Take the covers off of the steering column to gain access to the ignition lockset and switch. You ought to be able to observe the problem area. As I recall, when the covers are off, you insert the key and put a small screwdriver (ice pick, something like that) into a hole on the underside of the lock and you can take it out.