1995 BMW 325i - IGNITION LOCKED UP WITH CAR RUNNING!

[neikoh]

My ignition key just spins and when it does engage, it wont move at all. I got home tonite and couldn't shut the car off! I had to remove the fuel pump fuse and disconnect the battery. What do I need to know about fixing this? I cannot remove the lock cylinder, because the switch is in the #2 (on) position. Am I looking at removing the shear bolts and replacing the steering lock and lock cylinder w/keys? PLEASE ADVISE!!!

[Manolito]

If you can get the key out, flip it over, or try a different key.

Most of us end up removing the whole housing because getting the lock cylinder out of the housing when it is 15 years old is nearly impossible.

A dremel tool works well to cut slots in the security bolts. Then a short straight blade screwdriver bit turned with a small ratcheting box end wrench is the easiest way to unscrew them.

You will probably want a new key to go with your new lock because the key is probably pretty worn as well.

When you pull off your steering wheel, be careful not to damage the clock spring connection for the air bag, and note carefully the orientation and position of the two bushings. They are easy to put back wrong and if you do, the steering wheel will rub.

Be sure to lube your steering shaft bearings while you have the housing off.

A short piece of 3/4" PVC pipe pressed down by the steering shaft nut is the best way to put the snap ring back in its notch in the steering shaft

This is a big bucks repair. Many of us have felt your pain. I have done one of my e36s and the other will probably need it some day soon.

[Mainthing]

The job is a real pain, buy some Advil because you are going to need it. You will need a new key and tumbler from the dealer but there is also a video someone posted where you can use a bobby pin and stick it in the small hole on the tumbler cover and remove it without taking the dash apart and replacing those awful sheer bolts. I watched it and it took me an hour to find the exact position to release the tumbler then you put the new one in and your done. It takes a sensitive touch but it can be done if you are patient.

[neikoh]

Can you tell me where the video is posted?

[Manolito]

Congratulations to Mainthing on getting his lock cylinder out of the housing, but if you can't get it out, don't think you are doing something wrong. Almost everyone who drives and e36 long enough replaces an ignition lock, and Mainthing may be the second person I have heard of who successfully got an old lock out.

I watched the video, and read the procedure in the service manual, and after working on it for a couple of hours, I took the housing off the steering column and took it in to the dealer. A very kind mechanic spent about 15 minutes working at it on his bench and he could not get it out either (he did not charge me for his time).

I took the new lock cylinder that I bought and snapped it into the new housing, put in my new key and then took my big paper clip and popped it right back out with no problem, so my technique was not bad.

[neikoh]

OKAY FOLKS, HERE IT WHAT YOU DO:

After removing the plastic covers from the steering column, you need to remove the plastic switch (Brown in color) by loosening the "Grub screws." Then, you use a pair of pliers to turn the pin that is exposed clockwise to reset the ignition. You will know that you have done it right when it pops back into the housing. (Then you can use the "Paperclip" method to remove the ignition cylinder if you like but it is not neccessary!) Carefully remove the "Antenna" halo. Using a small drill bit, carefully drill a hole underneath the keyhole; close to the keyhole and directly in the middle, between the flanges of the housing unit. Screw a 1/4 inch flat-head screw into the hole and tighten enough to secure the spinning cylinder without inhibiting it. Replace the "antenna" halo, turn the key to the appropriate position to mate up with the brown switch and tighten the "Grub screws." Put the plastic covers back on and get back to enjoying your Beemer! You can see the video on YouTube by searching for BMW 325i ignition cylinder. DYI BMW #5 is the video to watch.