Removing the ignition lock barrel the easy way

[GOOBER]

I'm not taking credit for this amazing write up. I was directed to this web site called evansweb.info by another forum member and found it to be incredibly helpful. I followed the instructions and it worked flawlessly.

You might need to remove the lock barrel if you have a problem with it or you are changing your locks. If so, this is how you do it. I did this on a lock in a piece of steering column I got from a junkyard. You need to insert the key and turn it approx 55 to 60 degrees, I think this corresponds to position I (accessory). For safety it is probably better to disconnect the battery before you start.



Get a thin allen key or stiff piece of wire and insert it into the hole - the hole should now be “open” whereas it was closed in key position “0”. The depth of insertion is just about spot on 20mm.



As you can see from the picture, when the wire is inserted it retracts a small metal catch from the side of the barrel, enabling you to extract it by pulling on the key. You have to push the wire quite hard, and note that it goes in at a slight angle. You will see that I have taken the picture exactly edge-on to the key so you can see the shallow angle required.


MOD EDIT:

Snapshots from original site:

https://www.evansweb.info/2003/01/19/removing-the-ignition-lock-barrel/

[KillaCam]

Thank you!!!!!!!

[hyperE30]

nice.. nice

[erik325i]

Nice, Thanks for posting.

Erik

[GOOBER]

no problem guys, this helped me immensely when I needed it.

[Unearth078]

this is rad! i need to do this soon.

[Dissembler]

none of the ignition barrels that I have have the little hole in them, geuss I have to do it the old fashioned (hard, annoying, time consuming) way?

[greanthumb]

;)nice info.... thanx.

[sfinsf]

No disrespect to the OP, but you're doing it wrong. I tried your method and the main problem with it is the "tool" that you're using to release the tab on the cylinder body. It must have a pointed end. The nail that the E30zone.net suggests is exactly what was needed.
If you are struggling with extracting your old ignition tumbler, do this:
1. Insert key into ignition
2. Turn the key until it clicks at ‘position 1’ this is the point at which the steering lock is released
3. Insert a small brad/nail into the hole and carefully push it in as far as it will go, you will feel the lock pop out of its socket. The "tool" that you push into the hole must have a tapered end, a flat ended wire or pin will not work.
4. Remove the lock from the casting
5. To fit the lock insert the key into the lock and turn to ‘position 1’ and push it into the casting. There is no need to use the nail for this, the inside of the casting is tapered and will push the pin in for you as you push the lock in.

I wrestled with my very old tumbler for almost an hour and then tried the nail. It popped right out. The angle didnt matter only the position of the key and the point on the nail.

[318i Twins]

No disrespect to the OP, but you're doing it wrong. I tried your method and the main problem with it is the "tool" that you're using to release the tab on the cylinder body. It must have a pointed end. The nail that the E30zone.net suggests is exactly what was needed.
If you are struggling with extracting your old ignition tumbler, do this:
1. Insert key into ignition
2. Turn the key until it clicks at ‘position 1’ this is the point at which the steering lock is released
3. Insert a small brad/nail into the hole and carefully push it in as far as it will go, you will feel the lock pop out of its socket. The "tool" that you push into the hole must have a tapered end, a flat ended wire or pin will not work.
4. Remove the lock from the casting
5. To fit the lock insert the key into the lock and turn to ‘position 1’ and push it into the casting. There is no need to use the nail for this, the inside of the casting is tapered and will push the pin in for you as you push the lock in.

I wrestled with my very old tumbler for almost an hour and then tried the nail. It popped right out. The angle didnt matter only the position of the key and the point on the nail.

+1, I used my 1.2 mm precision (watchmaker's) screwdriver and when I twisted it it pulled the locking pin in and the lock barrel popped right out.

[Rev Run D]

I used a thicker paperclip. Couldn't get it to work, until I doubled it up on itself, and then it came right out!

[Panici]

Snapshots from original site:

https://www.evansweb.info/2003/01/19/removing-the-ignition-lock-barrel/