Doesn't recognize the key the first time

[jaimerod]

Hey all,

I am trying to figure out what's wrong with the ignition on my car. I have to turn the key twice. The first time, nothing happens. No lights, not cranking, absolutely nothing. If it turn it back to the 1st position and then it works normally and starts perfectly. If I turn it once, and pull the key out, the process resets and I need to turn it again twice. It's very strange and I cannot figure out why this is happening.

I was thinking it was something to do with the EMS, but it "feels" like something mechanical when I turn the key the first time.

I'm worried the car is going to leave me stranded one day.

Here is a video of it happening:

* https://photos.app.goo.gl/WLZb1Khkc54mJS2cA

Thanks for the help!

[Braymond141]

It's your ignition tumbler, not the EWS.

Look it up on realoem using your VIN.

[jaimerod]

Thanks for the reply! I appreciate your expertise on this issue, because I'm stumped!

Are you talking about the lock itself, #5 on this chart:

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...27#61328360925

The key seems to be working correctly, no jiggling needed and the assembly as a whole isn't rotating (I saw this is a common problem where everything rotates). What is happening in the tumbler that is making it do this? Is it something that is repairable? or it must be replaced?

[Braymond141]

#5, yes.

You could try removing yours and greasing it but I’m unsure what causes the barrel spin in the first place.

[jaimerod]

Thanks! I'll pull it out and see what I can find. If it is barrel spin, I saw a video where they drilled a hole into the metal housing and used a screw to hold the barrel in place.

[bmwstephen]

old but good info video on how to remove the igntion tumbler BMW Key Problem (Spinning Ignition) - MillerTimeBMW - DIY 5 - YouTube