325e Steering wheel locked, key doesnt turn..

[itweaq]

so when I purchased my 85 325e for a project car, I was able to attempt to turn the car over, steering wheel was working fine to push it in and out of the garage. One night a couple months ago it just all of the sudden locked up. I believe the key was stuck in it but I could be wrong but it did pull out when I messed with it recently.

Currently the wheel is locked at about a 45 degree angle. The key doesn’t turn at all. Not even to 1. I’ve read some posts online about the steering wheel locking but majority of people were able to turn the key at least one position. Of course I can’t take the steering wheel off without the key being at 1. The plastic housing can’t come off without the steering wheel off. I’ve seen the videos about drilling the pin out but I’m not even sure what’s wrong here. Is the whole tumbler steering assembly F’d or is their a solution? I’ve tried all 3 keys I have, ive turned the wheel as far left and right and tried turning it.

The battery has to be jumped any time I want some power. Last time it worked was after installing all new spark plug wires, coil and spark plugs. The car has never ran since I’ve owned it but that was the last time the steering wheel worked. Was trying to get it started that night. All the sudden it didn’t turn anymore that night and the wheel locked up lol.

Any help is appreciated. At this point I’m just waiting to drill out the lock on the wheel and remove the wheel.

[Satan]

Wiggle the key and steering wheel at the same time, if that doesn't work then you will need to remove the lock barrel.

[itweaq]

Wiggle the key and steering wheel at the same time, if that doesn't work then you will need to remove the lock barrel.

To do this i am going to have to break the plastic pieces that cover it all huh?

Best advice to removing the barrel in my situation?

Thank you for your help

[Satan]

There are guides on Youtube, the plastic bits are removable.

[Speedtouch]

Wiggle the key and steering wheel at the same time, if that doesn't work then you will need to remove the lock barrel.

To do this i am going to have to break the plastic pieces that cover it all huh?

Best advice to removing the barrel in my situation?

Thank you for your help

No, just insert the key and wiggle both steering wheel and key simultaneously - the steering lock is on, and you need to turn the steering wheel by a certain angle to free it off, as with many modern cars. Sometimes, quite a heave is required!

Perhaps you may also need to squirt some WD40 or similar in the lock if it's been sitting for ages...

You could also try jacking it up at the front, to release the weight off the front wheels, which should make things easier.

[itweaq]

Wiggle the key and steering wheel at the same time, if that doesn't work then you will need to remove the lock barrel.

To do this i am going to have to break the plastic pieces that cover it all huh?

Best advice to removing the barrel in my situation?

Thank you for your help

No, just insert the key and wiggle both steering wheel and key simultaneously - the steering lock is on, and you need to turn the steering wheel by a certain angle to free it off, as with many modern cars. Sometimes, quite a heave is required!

Perhaps you may also need to squirt some WD40 or similar in the lock if it's been sitting for ages...

You could also try jacking it up at the front, to release the weight off the front wheels, which should make things easier.

I had been wiggling and turning at same time for a few days now. Just walking by the car and give it a try but never spent in depth time trying to unlock it. Today i was having no success again with the same thing. I should have known that WD-40 and duct tape fixes everything. I little spray of wd-40 in the ignition, turned instantly lol. Im face palming myself pretty hard right now.

Thank you guys. Now back to testing for spark and fuel..

[Speedtouch]

Good to hear you cracked it in the end.