325e steering wheel locked, key doesn’t turn

[Yayrea]

Hey Rev, so when I purchased my 85 325e for a project car, I was able to attempt to turn the car over, steering wheel was working fine to push it in and out of the garage. One night a couple months ago it just all of the sudden locked up. I believe the key was stuck in it but I could be wrong but it did pull out when I messed with it recently.

Currently the wheel is locked at about a 45 degree angle. The key doesn’t turn at all. Not even to 1. I’ve read some posts online about the steering wheel locking but majority of people were able to turn the key at least one position. Of course I can’t take the steering wheel off without the key being at 1. The plastic housing can’t come off without the steering wheel off. I’ve seen the videos about drilling the pin out but I’m not even sure what’s wrong here. Is the whole tumbler steering assembly F’d or is their a solution? I’ve tried all 3 keys I have, ive turned the wheel as far left and right and tried turning it.

The battery has to be jumped any time I want some power. Last time it worked was after installing all new spark plug wires, coil and spark plugs. The car ha Denver ran since I’ve owned it but that was the last time the steering wheel worked. Was trying to get it started that night. All the sudden it didn’t turn anymore that night and the wheel locked up lol.

Any help is appreciated. At this point I’m just waiting to drill out the lock on the wheel and remove the wheel.

[ForcedFirebird]

Did you try wiggling the steering wheel while trying to turn the key? Sometimes it will be jammed enough at an angle that the pressure of the steering wheel being turned after key was pulled, that it won't allow the key to turn.

[Yayrea]

Did you try wiggling the steering wheel while trying to turn the key? Sometimes it will be jammed enough at an angle that the pressure of the steering wheel being turned after key was pulled, that it won't allow the key to turn.

Its funny i have been trying to get it to turn by wiggling both at the same time for a few days now whenever i was bored or walking by the car. Never spent too much time trying but ive given it a few tries. Ive spent more time reading about the problem than i did tryin to fix it. I just sprayed a little spray of wd-40 and boom, turned instantly. Now back to the fun stuff, testing for spark and fuel..

Thank you!

[jeffnhiscars]

WD is very short term and is actually not a lubricant. The "locksmiths best friend" is Houdini Oil. Cheap and VERY effective

[Andre3127]

WD is very short term and is actually not a lubricant. The "locksmiths best friend" is Houdini Oil. Cheap and VERY effective

It is solvent based however, which helps flush out dirt and dried schmoo that could cause the lock to stick. I used it in my lock barrel and it has been better ever since. WD40 has, or at least to have wax in suspension. The kerosene would evaporate, leaving a thin film of wax, and whatever other secret stuff is in there.

[jeffnhiscars]

It is solvent based however, which helps flush out dirt and dried schmoo that could cause the lock to stick. I used it in my lock barrel and it has been better ever since. WD40 has, or at least to have wax in suspension. The kerosene would evaporate, leaving a thin film of wax, and whatever other secret stuff is in there.

Schmoo sticks to wax and forms guck which will jam up your lock.