E30 Zone

Hi,

My ignition barrel seized a while back and the AA ended up coming out to save the day as I had no idea what was going on and no tools.

Basically the brown plastic ignition part that slots in the back of the barrel got taken out and I now just turn the key in that to start the car and then put the key back in the barrel to take the steering lock off which all turns fine.

I was a bit worse for wear at a wedding (mrs driving) when he sorted it out so am not sure which part I need to get.

If both parts work Im not sure I understand which bit is seized.

Any help appreciated, thanks.

Quite likely the brown plastic has worn so that the barrel doesn't engage with it properly.

So you need a new brown plastic bit.

Ben

Chances are that the barrel hasn't seized as such, but is just failing to unlock occasionally, because of worn tumblers in the lock and/or a worn key. Order up a new key from BMW and see if that solves the problem.
The slot in the plastic switch can wear, but with it already off, you should be able to see if it needs replacing.

Hi guys sorry not on a computer much. yes the key was quite warn and I do have a new one but the ignition barrel worked fine with the old key still once it didn't have the brown plastic bit in. the plastic bit is a bit worn so I guess I should get another one of these and put it back together and see what happens.

Where can I find the part number for this part and can you still get them new from bmw?

diable wrote:If you place the key in to the barrel does it turn and do you need to insert the key to disengage the steering lock?

yes the key has to be in for the steering lock. that bit works fine.

Thanks Brian that's great! cheers.