Ignition Barrel / shaft problem 1990 318is

[Millsand]

Hi, hoping someone can assist with some advice on which part needs changing/ adjusting.

When I turn the key to start I get dash lights and the starter moves to the start position but the starter does not engage. I wiggle the key and push it up and in and around and it then engages the starter intermittently. Sometimes is takes five mins to get it to start. When it does engage it starts strong.

When I remove the ignition barrel and put pliers into the shaft and turn it starts first time every time.

I tried another barrel from another e30 and the same problem occurred.

So is this a problem with the barrel or the shaft and how do I fix it?

Thanks for all help in advance.

Andrew

[Satan]

It could be the the connection the end of the barrel fits in, can you remove the rear section at all to check/test, I had this issue on an E36 where the barrel failed but never on an E30.

[Millsand]

Thanks Satan, I had a good look at the connection the end of the barrel fits in and I shoved a bit of tape in there to see it a firmer connection with the barrel would help. Miraculously it did. It now starts perfect every time thanks to a 1cm square bit of tape.




Thanks for your help.

[Satan]

Keep an eye on it, it must of come loose at some stage and wore away a bit.