key wont turn in ignition, steering lock on

[nomadx]

mate has a e30 touring, 1991. The key wont turn at all in ignition, feels like the mech and lock are stuck on. Any ideas?

[Rav335uk]

Try to "Wiggle" the steering wheel while turning the key, sounds to me like the key might be worn and not making the tumblers engage properly

[nomadx]

tried for ages to "wibble" the wheel, but wont budge at all. Also have 2 keys for the car and both doing same thing, so i suspect keys aint the prob

[BigBroom]

Wrong keys

[nomadx]

lol, they are not the wrong keys, started car this morning, didnt this afternoon

[gareth]

This is a relatively common BMW fault.

E34's and E36's are more prone to it according to my local BMW specialist.

Does the key turn at all? If you're lucky, it will turn partly and enable the steering wheel to be removed to attack the steering lock / ignition barrel. The steering lock is good in that it locks the steering wheel in position - not so good when this happens though.

When my E34 did this, i loosened the steering wheel, turned the key as far as it would go and then a bit of brutality got the wheel off. Then the steering lock pin can be chiselled off and the igntion switch removed and operated with a screwdriver. that will get you mobile again - though insecure!!!

you'll need to source a replacement upper steering column / lock with key. drill / chisel the shear bolts off and swap it all over.

once it's working again, you can get a new ignition barrel from BMW (£50ish last time i tried for a E34) and if the key will turn, it can be swapped over so your keys match.

that's all because you need the right / working key to remove the barrel...