Key Wont Turn All The Way

[AndrewBird]

DarkWing, you ever get yours fixed?

[SmogSUX]

I have the same problem right now and my E30 hasn't moved in a month...someone explain and put up pictures or something?!

[DarkWing6]

come on guys. i can't get this freaking thing to come out. what comes first paper clip, key, key then turn then paper clip? what order? i need some help

[DarkWing6]

I think I may be in the same boat or something.....

I got the paperclip in the little hole under the key hole and had the key turned in the ignition. I cannot pull the tumbler out. What am I doing wrong? Do I just need to fiddle with it for a while and sooner or later it will come?

James, Parker, get out here and gelp me or something. I want to drive my e30.

[H&Re30]

haha, i dont really no, i didnt have time to do it myself, so i brought it in the Hurless Brothers (well known BMW repairmen) and they took care of it...

but it was a big 350 bucks in labor...

thats becuase my tumbler was so fucked up, they had to drill it out or somthing...lol

[DarkWing6]

yeah, my car was doing that same damn thing...it was my ignition tumbler...is was all nice and jacked up..

but i could barely get mine to acc. so it was pretty messed up...

it sure does sound like the tumbler tho

Chris

So do I need to take out the tumbler and have it rebuilt? Is this something I can do myself? I would like to keep the keys all the same.

Andrew, this is the original key, so I don't think it is gonna be that.

I have been slammed at work all week (inlcuding right now) so I should be able to work on this tonight. *fingers crossed*

[AndrewBird]

I had a similar problem in my MG. Basically the key had been copied so many times that it was too narrow to fit the lock correctly. Locksmith cut a new key, but spaced it out when he cut it so it was wider. This was 3+ years ago. Still works fine. Might try that first as it is a lot less trouble.

[H&Re30]

So what parts do I need to fix this?

I have been putting this off cause I have luckily had another car to drive.

yeah, my car was doing that same damn thing...it was my ignition tumbler...is was all nice and jacked up..

but i could barely get mine to acc. so it was pretty messed up...

it sure does sound like the tumbler tho

Chris

[ANDRÜ]

Mine does this sometimes b/c i slightly bent the key when unlocking the car.

[Jparkr]

sorry i cant tell you what parts you need... i still think the tumbler broke free on one side and is giving you enough levrage to turn the car on, but not turn over the starter. I had the same problem with the shitbox.
you need a BRA... oh wait you have mine. where have you been? i still owe you $20...

[DarkWing6]

So what parts do I need to fix this?

I have been putting this off cause I have luckily had another car to drive.

[erik325i]

D, my car did the same thing. Turns out was the part of the steering column between the ignition switch and the tumbler.

Jordans little bro Nathan came down to my work and bailed my ass out. He brought me the parts, we put them in in like half an hour.

There is one of those nasty little "breakoff" screws that hold it in, so you have to cut a slot in it with a dremel or something like it. Easily unscrews after the "mod".

You will also have to remove the steering wheel, since this part is beneath that.

GL, HTH!
Luke

I agree with Luke. Same thing happened to me.

-Erik

[mattdk318i]

Also happens if the key gets twisted or really worn. I had to get my key remade. But afterwards it worked like a charm

[KenC]

wiggle the steering wheel while you're turning

[StereoInstaller1]

D, my car did the same thing. Turns out was the part of the steering column between the ignition switch and the tumbler.

Jordans little bro Nathan came down to my work and bailed my ass out. He brought me the parts, we put them in in like half an hour.

There is one of those nasty little "breakoff" screws that hold it in, so you have to cut a slot in it with a dremel or something like it. Easily unscrews after the "mod".

You will also have to remove the steering wheel, since this part is beneath that.

GL, HTH!
Luke