Steering colum ?

[0000000000]

I have a 89 325IS and i need a steering colum... just wondering what kind of e30's i can pull the steering colum off of so that it would work for my car...
thanks

[O 16581 72452 5]

Or if anyone can help him with his problem, that'd be cool.

We were adjusting his headlights, went to turn they key to the start position and it forced his hand backwards and wouldn't operate properly. It would barely turn the car on and forget trying to make the car start, it just hit a wall.

He's kind of torn up the cylinder by now trying to break it just so he can roll it over with the key, but any input as to why this happened would be appreciated.

[0000000000]

yeah thanks...

[porsche gt1]

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe you can pull it from any E30 as long as it is not an IX. I also hear you can get it from a Z3.

[AdamF 88iS]

Airbag and non-airbag columns are different. Other than that you can take pretty much anything you find.

[O 16581 72452 5]

His is non airbag, sounds cool, grab that column up from the body shop near my house with the one that caught fire.

[0000000000]

cool....thanks guys

[StereoInstaller1]

OK, so it sounds like you have the classic "Thing-between-the-lock-cylinder-and-the-ignition-switch failure".

Basically, the aluminum block that holds the ignition switch and is the housing for the center support bearing has failed. There is some kind of mechanism that connects the ignition lock to the ignition switch. Something wears out in these and will not allow the key to turn.

Usually, with the most inopportune timing.

On my car it went quite suddenly, forcing me to hotwire my car in the local Safeway parking lot. Quite embarassing when the security guard stopped by...

Anyway, the repair is actually quite simple. Basic hand tools, a dremel and a paperclip!

That '89 should have the "paperclip hole" in the face of the ignition cylinder. Stuff a paperclip in it, rotate and it will release. To remove the center support-lock thingie you will need to remove the wheel, a couple of bolts (all basic shit) and then the annoying one; the bolt with the twist off head.

How to deal with that is to use a dremel (or die grinder) with a a cutting wheel. Cut a slot in the head of the bolt. Use a screwdriver and remove it! It really is that simple. I suppose you cold cut a slot witha chunk of hacksaw blade and a pair of visegrips...but far more annoying.

If you decide to change the column, there are 4 of the same type of bolts attaching it, and you really will have a hard time doing it without removing the entire dash skin, but I suppose it could be done.

Anyway guys, good luck. It only took me about half an hour to do this...but Jordan's little brother Nathan was there to guide me. Everyone who owns an E30 should part one out. It really helps in knowing what and where stupid shit is, and how it got there.

GL, HTH.

Luke

[0000000000]

SO what your saying is that i have to take the cylinder lock out of the column

[O 16581 72452 5]

If you didn't break the cylinder too much, i think i got what he said, we can try it.

[StereoInstaller1]

SO what your saying is that i have to take the cylinder lock out of the column

Ummmm, no. More like you have to take the column off of the cylinder.

Read my description again.

If you didn't break the cylinder too much, i think i got what he said, we can try it.

It really is a pain in the ass, but you will get through it. I think that part that screws up is l;ikely the steering wheel lock mechanism. I dunno, but mine has worked great since I changed it.

Luke

[O 16581 72452 5]

I think it's the safety mechanism that keeps you from starting the car after it's already been started. Try starting the car after the car has been started, key won't budge.

I think one thing you're talking about is the steering lock mechanism? We had it apart last week, I'm not sure what bolt "with the twist off head" you're refering to, but this steering lock appeared to be the problem, we ground it off with an angle grinder and no dice.

He started going at it with a flat head screw driver and pliers. XD

[StereoInstaller1]

I think it's the safety mechanism that keeps you from starting the car after it's already been started. Try starting the car after the car has been started, key won't budge.

You know, I bet you are right. That makes more sense than the steering lock.

I think one thing you're talking about is the steering lock mechanism? We had it apart last week, I'm not sure what bolt "with the twist off head" you're refering to, but this steering lock appeared to be the problem, we ground it off with an angle grinder and no dice.

He started going at it with a flat head screw driver and pliers. XD

No, the headless bolt I am referring to is directly under the column. It looks like a carriage bolt. The metal is soft enough to have the head twist off during assembly. That is the one you have to get out to change the block that the cylinder mounts in.

Good luck!
Luke

[O 16581 72452 5]

Ohhhh, i see, we'll check it out on Thursday.