Can't turn ignition switch to on position, can't start car

[e30newbie]

Hi guys,

Urgent help needed please !!

I can't turn the ignition switch to on position to start the car. It can be turned to the acc position.

This car is driving me nuts.

There were no sign of anything getting stuck, it just doesn't turn when I went to the car this morning.

[mark_i]

if you can turn the key to ACC, then you should be able to remove the ignition lock.

insert a thin nail or allen key into the hole below the slot and the lock will pull away from the
steering column.

Either clean the lock or order a new kew key from BMW

With the lock out you can temporarily start with a flat bladed screwdriver in the slot of the ignition switch

[e30newbie]

I inserted a thin allen key into the hole but the lock will not pull away.

[blingsta]

there is a plasic part behind the barrell which is probably worn and not catching when the key is turned.. needs to be replaced !...

[e30newbie]

The problem is that I can't remove the lock barrel.

[e30newbie]

Yes the steering lock does disengage when its on the acc position. Bloody hell... I got so pissed off... I just smashed the side window. How do I remove the top cover of the steering column ?

Now I need to replace the front window as well.

[e30newbie]

Remove the ignition switch from the rear of the lock (it clips off), then while pushing the pin underneath in, tap the bit sticking through the holder with a small hammer, it should help free it.

Is the steering lock disengaging when switched to accessory btw?

I have removed the ignition switch from the rear of the lock.

Now for some strange, crazy, weird, stupid reason, the lock cylinder is stuck on the acc position but it will turn to on position so I can at least start the car lol

Is it ok to leave the key in the acc position or should I disconnect the battery ?

Willnz, what do you mean by pushing the pin underneath in and tap the bit sticking through the holder with a small hammer ????

[e30newbie]

Hi Willnz,

The steering lock doesn't have a hole like the one you showed in the pic. LOL after tapping the thing for a bit, now the key can be turned to the off and acc position but not start so I am back to square one lol.

[e30newbie]

Thanks for the advice.

Finally I have managed to remove the ignition lock cylinder then the internal parts from the steering lock shot out.

Hopefully I can put it back in.



It seems like when I am about to fix one thing then something else pops up. I guess it is a good learning experience.

Cheers

[e30newbie]

Hi guys,

I just want to make sure it is the lock causing the problem and not something else. The white plastic part in the lock is suppose to pop out when you turn the key
correct ?

When I turn the key, it will get stuck when it reaches the white plastic part. However if I pull the white plastic part out then the key will turn all the way.

[mark_i]

The part you circled is the starter position interlock.

The bit that you are interested in is in the left hand picture, the square peg halfway down the barrel.
When you turn the key to ACC and insert your pin, the peg retracts and the barrel can be removed from the column.

PM me if you are in Sydney, I got a complete lock, key and release pin

[e30newbie]

The part you circled is the starter position interlock.

The bit that you are interested in is in the left hand picture, the square peg halfway down the barrel.
When you turn the key to ACC and insert your pin, the peg retracts and the barrel can be removed from the column.

PM me if you are in Sydney, I got a complete lock, key and release pin

I am in Melbourne. I've ordered a new lock from BMAparts in USA.

[e30newbie]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I will see how things go when the new lock arrive. For now, a screwdriver is the key lol