BMW M5 Forum and M6 Forums banner

Ignition Switch or Lock

9K views 19 replies 3 participants last post by  Blitzkrieg Bob 
#1 ·
I had a strange experiance with the ignition lock.

Car started and everything was fine, park, go shopping and come back to start the car and the key would only turn enough to unlock the steering wheel, but no further the start and run the car.

Sat there for 15 minutes trying every wiggle, jiggle and Dirk diggler move withthe key and lock trying to get it to fully turn...then all of a sudden it turns and off I go. Get home and try to see if it would do it again and its all fine now.

Anyone ever have ithis happen... What is failing? the tumbler of the switch?
 
#2 ·
We've had exactly the same with Sebring Sienna Bob ........... It will only get worse .

You need to replace the actual alloy section that goes around the steering column and connects to the red plastic section of the switch , as this has become worn .

D
 
#3 ·
Thanks,

this is that collar assembly with the share bolts and steering wheel lock ...Hmmm, wonder if it's easier to swap the column and lock tumbler
 
#4 ·
Yeah, you need to replace the steering lock before it gets worse and breaks leaving you stranded. Because when it breaks you won't be able to unlock the steering wheel or start the car.

It's pretty easy to replace. Only thing that's no fun is the retaining ring. Easy enough to pull off, no fun to put back on. I'd recommend a set or retaining ring pliers (not snap ring pliers) to do that with. And you also need to cut a slot in the anti-tamper bolts on the top of the steering lock housing on the top of the column.

Getting the tumbler out of the steering lock is a ***** if you do it like you're supposed to w/the pin in the tumbler hole method. But in your new steering lock you can look inside where the tumbler inserts into the steering lock and see the indent in the side wall of the housing. There's a tab on the tumbler that fits in that indent. Cut a slot in the top of the steering lock housing where that indent is and use a small slotted screwdriver to push down on the tab through the slot you just cut in the steering lock housing. Them with the tab depressed you can then pull your tumbler out of your old steering lock.

I also cut a slot in my new steering lock housing when I did this just in case I had to pull the tumbler again. Forget why but I actually had to pull my tumbler out of my new steering lock and that slot made it so easy...
 
#6 ·
Thanks for all the help on this.

Mine is a 7/90 build date.. I have the early style lock system that locks the wheel with the spline in the rear of the hub.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Ordered just the assembly and the fracture bolt. The plastic bushing was not gonna make it here overnight, so I'll save that for another day.
 
#12 ·
You probably don't even need the plastic bushings. I just replaced 'em cause I was in there and they were cheap. Mine weren't showing any issues before I replaced them. But now I've got new bushings, lock, ignition switch, & tumbler (replaced switch & tumbler before I figured out it was the lock that was the problem) so my steering column should be good for a while...
 
#13 ·
The new lock assembly... If anyone ever has to replace early style assembly, the bushing comes with the new one.
 

Attachments

#15 · (Edited)
Actually this seems to be one of those BMW parts that you'd think would more pricey, but I got it here overnight through a local parts place for $130 and the bolt for $6. All which seems to be about what the online parts retailers charge as well.
 
  • Like
Reactions: davidoli
#16 ·
Okay here we go with another pictorial.... There's a pop quiz this time. Can anyone identify what part I used as a pin to release the lock tumbler? Winner gets a Mai Tai with a slice of pineapple and a little umbrella.

This was not as easy as it looked...I think BMW had intended me to pull the whole column assembly, but I was not gonna do that! I lust pulled some bolts and let the column hang to gain access to the fracture bolt.
 

Attachments

#18 ·
Is it a piece of the wire that connects to the air direction controls for the heaters ?

D
Yay! We have a winner!

I nipped them off a parts car, it's the perfect size to release the tumbler
 
#20 · (Edited)
  • Like
Reactions: davidoli
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top