Here's an interesting one in the long plight of things that continue to go wrong with my '98 323is. Last night I pulled in to a parking spot, turned the key off and pulled it out and low and behold! The car was still running! Put the key back in and try to turn it, nothing - locked out. Now I can't do anything with it, the key won't operate (except for this weird mode it's always had where sometimes it just spins full circle freely, not engageing anything.) Any ideas? Am I going to the dealer for a new tumbler? Is there some super secret access pin hole somewhere that resets the tumbler or something? Has anyone had an ignition switch out? Is it difficult to do?
Key out, car running
- Thread starter dkrace67
- Start date
Actually had this same issue on a 79 Supra...somehow I doubt the technology used for both are the same...but here you go anyway. WIth that tumbler, if you removed the whole tumbler from the steering column, placed the key in the "on" position and closed the connection in the back, it would reset it. However, it sounds to me that you're problem is one of engagement, which would signify a defective part; mine would just keeping turning in circles.
Good luck. Sean
Good luck. Sean
Yeah, I'm not sure it's the same thing, cuz I can't even get mine to the "on" position. It's locked up solid like I'm trying to use the wrong key or something. The spinning thing appears to happen if I don't fully seat the key, and I'm talking the difference of less than a mm, like just barely pull the key out a tiny bit, then it rotates until it gets back to "home" and stops.
Same thing happened to me in my 95 E38 - I am not sure how it works, but this is how it was explained to me - There is a small pin that engages the ignition and if you don't keep the tumbler lubed (graphite), then the pin could stick and shear when you turn the ignition. I had to order a new tumber from the dealer..........
I don't think it was too expensive.
I don't think it was too expensive.
I'm sure the steering wheel is not locked because I push started the car and drove it home, no key required. The car thinks it's on, but the key won't turn the ignition (it act's like I'm useing the wrong key, and yes, I'm sure it's the right key, it's the only BMW I own). I ordered a new tumbler today, around $80. I had to give them my VIN, apparantly they match it to the car (which is sweet cuz my existing key will still work). I'll keep you posted on the outcome.