Ignition cylinder problem

[m3f_Z Driver]

I was driving my car tonight and got back to my place. I went to turn off the car and the key would just spin around. I decided to play with it a little more to see what was wrong and the key just came out of the cylinder with the car running. I stalled the car to kill the engine and tried to put the key back in to get the car out of ACC so the lights would go out.



I put the key back into the ignition cylinder and now I cannot turn the key in any direction. I tried every key that came with the car including the plastic one and nothing worked. There is currently no steering lock either. I disconnected the battery to solve the light problem for now.



Has this happened to anybody? I cannot get the ignition cylinder to turn at all after all it did was spin before I the key came out accidently while running. I did a search and found something similar but not the same. I'm trying to get some answers since I need to drive the car tomorrow 200 miles.

[m3f_salty]

My key will spin every now and then, but seems to work properly if I try again. One day it will no doubt fail on me. (SUnday evening 200 miles from home most likely)

[m3f_Z Driver]

My key will spin every now and then, but seems to work properly if I try again. One day it will no doubt fail on me. (SUnday evening 200 miles from home most likely)

Yeah, mine used to do that, which I think as normal as an anti-theft measure. My problem now is the key came out before it was in the correct position and I cannot get the lock cylinder to move for anything.

[m3f_bigneil]

I just wiggle my steering wheel when that happens (once a reason for alarm such as you are experiencing), and if the key itself is free spinning, try to give it a little angle as you turn it so it catches.

[m3f_comarro]

It is a anti theft feature, a small shear tab will break off and cause the cylinder to spin incase someone tries to jam a srew driver in the lock cylinder.

If it will not spin a new lock cylinder and housing will be needed.

[m3f_hellrot m3]

I had the exact same problem. This was the solution http://www.hotbimmer.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14358. DO NOT BUY A NEW TUMBLER!

[m3f_Z Driver]

I had the exact same problem. This was the solution http://www.hotbimmer.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14358. DO NOT BUY A NEW TUMBLER!

Thank you so much! This worked perfectly. I'm just about to hit the road now. I'll try to a write up when I get to my destination so m3forum.net has some reference on it.

[m3f_bigneil]

I just wiggle my steering wheel when that happens (once a reason for alarm such as you are experiencing), and if the key itself is free spinning, try to give it a little angle as you turn it so it catches.

Never quoted myself before, but the little angle I spoke of was the play introduced with my cylindar wearing out. Now with a new one I still have free spin if the steering wheel lock is not set, but it's much tighter.

[m3f_badgtho]

good pointer!

[m3f_yinyang]

awsome!!!!!!!!that was a big money saver!!!!!!!I called bmw they said $275 for cylinder lock.I called a lock smith they said whole colum had to be done 1,000 .I did what you said was easy and worked only problem i had was you said crank it twords car.If you are at side and twist it twords front car its wrong way or cunfused me.best way would be to say clock ways also need to put key in and twist to line up the ignition switch.thank you so much

[m3f_twinhairdryers]

tumblers and housings, and such. I read a DIY on replacing these, and they are NOT trivial if you are not highly mechanically inclined.



Just checking if this simple procedure keeps on working, or if I have to look into replacing parts and lining up labor. thanks

[m3f_Z Driver]

tumblers and housings, and such. I read a DIY on replacing these, and they are NOT trivial if you are not highly mechanically inclined.



Just checking if this simple procedure keeps on working, or if I have to look into replacing parts and lining up labor. thanks

Still no problems nine months later after the fix.

[m3f_bitchincamaro]

I had this problem - took it apart according to the DIY and got the power shut off...



Now i can turn the key normally, but it doesnt start the car. Any ideas? It doesnt even try to turn over. Garr!



Thanks.

[m3f_comarro]

It the plastic ring w/ 2 wires connected to it place the key in it then try.

[m3f_bitchincamaro]

It the plastic ring w/ 2 wires connected to it place the key in it then try.

Sorry but is that even a complete sentence? Thanks for trying to help.