Ignition Problem: Is it the Key?

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ironhide0427

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I just bought a 1993 BMW 318i. The problem I have with it is that sometimes, when I put the key into the ignition and then I turn to start, it only goes to where you can turn on your radio. I can't turn it to start. This happens every once in a while. I will have to reinsert the key a lot of times to get it to turn to start the car.

There are times I would stay inside trying for like 30 miuntes, it's frustrating.

The key that the dealer gave me looks like a copy since it does not have the black plastic head, instead it is just all metal. It may the wallet key though. Could this be the reason? Should I order an original key from the dealer?

Help Please! Thank you!
 
N

nadroj

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are you sure the steering wheel isnt up against the wheel lock causing it to be impossable to turn the key and only being able to turn it to the radio. try moving the steering wheel a lil bit
 
selavia

selavia

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Also, look at the key and see how worn it is. THe master key I received with my car was so literally 1-2 millimeters thinner in thickness in certain areas (toward the point of the key). All the other keys worked in ignition fine. Only discrepancy with your problem and mine was that it would not even turn to the radio, just would not move.

Good Luck.

Sean
 
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Cracky

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That didn't work...I took apart the ignition switch part of it the best I could. So far what I've figured out is when the key turns a sort of rod thing presses against a plastic piece. Now this plastic piece is in the center of a thing that looks like this...

_
_| |_
|____|​

Now don't get me wrong, my model isn't exact, but I think you guys get the idea of things. Anyways, the metal rod too looks like this, so they fit into eachother nicely. When the plastic piece in the center of my model is pushed outward, it moves a kinda metal piece. I'm not sure what this does, or what its supposed to do or even if its supposed to move it, so I'm stuck there. But I did notice that it didnt seem like the metal rod shaped like my model moved all the way out, or in.


Now, when the key is turned toward the start position the rod moves outward, doing what I described above. When the key is turned toward the off position, where your able to take out the key, the rod moves inward. To me, it doesnt seem like the rod moves all the way into the cylinder which could be the cause of the car staying running. It also doesnt seem like the rod goes all the way out, which could be the cause of it not starting.


I'm really not sure what I should replace in order to fix the problem, but I'm still workin on taking it apart so I can get a deeper look on whats inside. I think it may be just a spring or something to that effect, but I cant tell. I already ordered a new ignition cylinder and it should be here in a few days.


Oh and for some reason, my steering wheel is half locked. I can turn right, but I cant turn left. We were trying to tow it home but we really didnt get far. I actually took all this apart in the middle of an Albertsons parking lot. Its amazing how many people dont care about a teenager taking apart the steering column of a BMW.


Heres a diagram of the steering lock/ignition switch setup just to help everyone picture what I was talking about.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CB33&mospid=47498&btnr=32_0909&hg=32&fg=30
 
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Cracky

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I found the pin that locks the steering wheel...its not locking it. Something else is preventing my wheel from turning. Blah! I wish I had a manual.
 
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Cracky

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Checked: $153.54



And I am 100% sure this is the problem.

This is your steering column.



This is the inside of your steering lock housing.



This is the piece thats supposed to be inside that steering lock housing.



So to answer the question in the first post, no it is not your key.
 
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