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Trouble with ignition lock cylinder?

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    #1

    Trouble with ignition lock cylinder?

    I'm hoping someone can help pin down what the issue is with my ignition lock cylinder. I suspect it is worn out, but I have no idea what exactly is worn and how/what to replace.

    If I don't insert the key at just the right angle, the key won't go in. Very annoying. Even then, the key doesn't go in nicely.

    For lack of a better explanation, when I turn the key to any of the various positions, there is a complete lack of "crispness" or nice clicking in each position.

    Worst is that when I turn the key from ON, to ACC, to OFF, there are no detents at all. Nothing clicks and the key is very hard to turn, almost seems like it will flat out refuse to turn one of these times.

    Any suggestions or advice? I'm not familiar with the lock cylinders/steering lock setups in these cars.

    Thanks.
    '89 BMW 325is Zinnoberrot / '88 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW GTI 16v Bright Blue Metallic / '91 BMW 325i Black / '91 BMW 325i Sport Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Montana Green / '01 Audi A4 Avant TQM Silver Metallic / '01 VW Jetta GLX VR6 Black
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    #2
    There are two possibilities here. The key may be worn, or cut from a worn key, or the lock cylinder may be worn. The first thing to try is a new key from your dealer. If that doesn't help get a new cylinder from your dealer. But don't put this off, the key/cylinder can get to the point where the ignition can't be turned at all and that becomes an ugly repair job.
    The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
    Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

    Comment

      #3
      Yes, I'm afraid of this becoming ugly! haha

      The only key I have for the car (still, long story) is an original BMW key that I believe is original to the car. It does appear worn.

      What do I need to do to obtain the proper key from the dealer? Can they do it on the spot and what does it cost?

      What about the lock cylinder? I assume they need to custom make that for the car.
      '89 BMW 325is Zinnoberrot / '88 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW GTI 16v Bright Blue Metallic / '91 BMW 325i Black / '91 BMW 325i Sport Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Montana Green / '01 Audi A4 Avant TQM Silver Metallic / '01 VW Jetta GLX VR6 Black

      Comment

        #4
        They will have to order the key and you will need to show ID and proof of ownership and give then the VIN of the car. The same is true for the lock cylinder. Personally, I'd make one trip/order and get a new cylinder and two new keys.
        The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
        Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

        Comment

          #5
          Originally posted by jlevie View Post
          Personally, I'd make one trip/order and get a new cylinder and two new keys.
          Sounds smart. Any idea on what that might cost? Figure it could be a perfect scenario for them to stick it to me b/c they're my only option.
          '89 BMW 325is Zinnoberrot / '88 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW GTI 16v Bright Blue Metallic / '91 BMW 325i Black / '91 BMW 325i Sport Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Montana Green / '01 Audi A4 Avant TQM Silver Metallic / '01 VW Jetta GLX VR6 Black

          Comment

            #6
            Not optimal solution, but cheaper than dealer...

            Amazon.com
            http://www.amazon.com/Ignition-Lock-Tumbler-cylinder-Keys/dp/B00AJF622Q


            Just a moment...
            http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1988/bmw/325i/steering/ignition_lock_cylinder.html


            You still need the original key to open the doors and trunk.

            Comment

              #7
              Originally posted by dnguyen1963 View Post
              Not optimal solution, but cheaper than dealer...

              Amazon.com
              http://www.amazon.com/Ignition-Lock-Tumbler-cylinder-Keys/dp/B00AJF622Q


              Just a moment...
              http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1988/bmw/325i/steering/ignition_lock_cylinder.html


              You still need the original key to open the doors and trunk.
              Interesting, $50. I think having two keys would drive me nuts though.
              '89 BMW 325is Zinnoberrot / '88 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW GTI 16v Bright Blue Metallic / '91 BMW 325i Black / '91 BMW 325i Sport Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Montana Green / '01 Audi A4 Avant TQM Silver Metallic / '01 VW Jetta GLX VR6 Black

              Comment

                #8
                Originally posted by ranxerox
                Have you tried getting a new key cut from the existing key at a local locksmith or hardware store? A good practice in general. Even if they are using the old worn one as atemplate the new one might be better enough to operate the switch a little smoother. It would be a cheap experiment that might buy you a little time until you replace the ignition cylinder. You can use another used ignition cylinder with a good key and fairly easily change the other locks in the car to match the ignition key. The ignition cylinder is very hard to retumble if thats the right word for it.
                I've tried, but I can't find any places around here that carry the proper blank and when I bought a real BMW key blank to a few different places (including two legitimate locksmiths) nobody would touch it because it is a steel key. They only cut brass. Or so they tell me.

                Would you explain how to change the other locks to match the new key?
                '89 BMW 325is Zinnoberrot / '88 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW GTI 16v Bright Blue Metallic / '91 BMW 325i Black / '91 BMW 325i Sport Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Montana Green / '01 Audi A4 Avant TQM Silver Metallic / '01 VW Jetta GLX VR6 Black

                Comment

                  #9
                  Originally posted by Cinnabar325is View Post
                  I've tried, but I can't find any places around here that carry the proper blank and when I bought a real BMW key blank to a few different places (including two legitimate locksmiths) nobody would touch it because it is a steel key. They only cut brass. Or so they tell me.

                  Would you explain how to change the other locks to match the new key?
                  It is not hard to do once you remove the lock cylinder from the car. However, removal the lock cylinders can take some time and efforts. You can buy lock cylinder rebuild kit fairly cheap with clear instructions. It is easier to carry two keys, IMO.

                  Comment

                    #10
                    I just got off the phone with my local dealer. I gave them my VIN and they said they can order me a new lock cylinder to match the rest of my car for $55. I just have to order and prepay in person. He also said they could cut me keys to match.

                    That almost seems to good to be true. If it is true, it absolutely seems the way to go.
                    '89 BMW 325is Zinnoberrot / '88 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW GTI 16v Bright Blue Metallic / '91 BMW 325i Black / '91 BMW 325i Sport Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Montana Green / '01 Audi A4 Avant TQM Silver Metallic / '01 VW Jetta GLX VR6 Black

                    Comment

                      #11
                      Hey Cinnabar.....how did this story turn-out for you??

                      Comment

                        #12
                        I'm sorry to say I haven't made it to the dealer yet. Every week I tell myself I'm going to take off after work and make the drive to dealer, but I haven't done it yet.

                        My old one is still holding on, luckily.
                        '89 BMW 325is Zinnoberrot / '88 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW GTI 16v Bright Blue Metallic / '91 BMW 325i Black / '91 BMW 325i Sport Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Montana Green / '01 Audi A4 Avant TQM Silver Metallic / '01 VW Jetta GLX VR6 Black

                        Comment

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