E30 ignition problems

[park123xyz]

When I was trying to start my car the other day for some reason i couldnt turn my key past the accessory position 1 (lights dont turn on but steering wheel unlocks) I thought that There was problems with the tumbler / key so i bought a new one off bav auto. I just took the old one out and the key now moves freely in all positions... Does that mean the tumbler is not the problem? Any help is appreciated thanks!


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[park123xyz]

Also, should I be able to turn this with a screw driver and it will start? Because if so I cant turn it any farther than i could with the key...


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[park123xyz]

anyone?


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[TobyB]

I had this happen once- just pulling it and reinstalling it fixed it.
There was a bunch of crud in there...

t

[park123xyz]

I had this happen once- just pulling it and reinstalling it fixed it.
There was a bunch of crud in there...

t

I noticed that too! Cleaned it off but i cant get it back in... Is there a write up on that?


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[park123xyz]

ok i got it back in but its still stuck at position 1. I have no idea what to do now


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[IceWhite]

Don't seem that your tumbler is the problem since it turns all the way when removed. It could be the harness that is faulty.

[park123xyz]

Don't seem that your tumbler is the problem since it turns all the way when removed. It could be the harness that is faulty.

is this what you mean?

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-steering-column-ignition-lock-e30-32321156446?gclid=CjwKEAjw2ImsBRCnjq70n_amv14SJAChXijNaxr_60Mj11tnoLStJEhBEUfopgXh-j0JswRekozb_RoCY63w_wcB

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[IceWhite]

Yup!!!
In the pic, The round Brown Part where the wires attach, it is spring loaded inside, that is what is common to get messed up.

[park123xyz]

Yup!!!
In the pic, The round Brown Part where the wires attach, it is spring loaded inside, that is what is common to get messed up.

so you think i can just get that brown part? (ignition switch)


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[spdracrm3]

pull the ignition switch (brown electrical part.held on with two screws or clips )off the lock assembly and see if you can now turn the part down inside with the tumbler removed, if it now turns problem is inside switch ,if not problem is in lock assembly

[IceWhite]

so you think i can just get that brown part? (ignition switch)


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Yup.
Part number: 61321377069 (If yours is airbag model. Not sure this exact part number is for your vehicle.), but you get the idea.

But before you buy anything do as spdracrm3 above suggests, it may be that brown part or the lock assembly housing.
Or you can get both for cheaper than buying any one of them separately. Just like in the attachment that you posted.

[park123xyz]

Yup.
Part number: 61321377069 (If yours is airbag model. Not sure this exact part number is for your vehicle.), but you get the idea.

But before you buy anything do as spdracrm3 above suggests, it may be that brown part or the lock assembly housing.
Or you can get both for cheaper than buying any one of them separately. Just like in the attachment that you posted.

Thanks man. I tried taking it apart before I went to work and I couldnt get the steering column bolts off.. i think i might just drill them out and get normal bolts


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[IceWhite]

That is a pita!! Those bolts are called "Shear Bolts". Their function is for the Hex/Torx or whatever head supposed to be there, to shear clean off when max. tightening is achieved. It is more of a safety thing so the car cannot be stolen easily.

[IceWhite]

Check this out.

http://www.howstuffinmycarworks.com/Ignition_switch_BMW_325.html

Hope it helps.