Re: Replacing ignition lock/cylinder, doors as well

[chazeo]

OK, I'll start with the story. My ignition is very difficult to get to turn. Sometimes it tkaes me successive attempts to turn, even after jiggling wheel and key to make sure wheel lock isn;t engaged. I need to have this replaced.

I just got a used ignition assembly. My question is as follows:

Q: Would a locksmith or a mechanic be the person to go about this? Obviously I would prefer and hope that I can only replace the cylinder, not the whole ignition (I know that would likely be a job for a mechanic).

Could you all share your experiences relating to a repair like this.

Thanks in advance for your help! You guys have been awesome at providing information

[esty]

the ignition switch assy is easy to replace...there is a pin that'll need to be drilled out, then it's simply pulling it out and dropping the new one in...secure the new one with a small sheet metal screw thru the same hold where you drilled the pin

[ceylove]

Thanks-about to do the same thing on mine, plus changing both door handle locks as I got a complete set. Are door handles and locks just as easy?>

Anyone have pics of the pin location that needs drilling on ignition or is it evident once inside? Thanks

[esty]

Thanks-about to do the same thing on mine, plus changing both door handle locks as I got a complete set. Are door handles and locks just as easy?>

Anyone have pics of the pin location that needs drilling on ignition or is it evident once inside? Thanks

once the door panel is off, door handles are a cinch

you'll need to remove the top and bottom trim pieces behind the steering wheel...the lower piece is what has the hole in it for you ignition...the pin is...iirc at about the 4-5 o'clock position...if i'm wrong, you won't miss it...it'll be in your face when you're down there looking up at the ignition

[Mike Self]

make careful sketches (or snap pix) of how everything fits together. There are several wrong ways that look right until you try 'em, but only one right way that will work. And since the handles are handed (left and right) you can't use the left one as a guide for reassembling the right one.

I did a column a few years ago on how to remove and repair a bad ignition lock and how to R&R the door lock cylinders; drop me an e-mail after V@V and I'll send you a copy.

Cheers

mike

[TobyB]

...and once the handles are off, take them to a decent locksmith.

They can re- key them to work with your new ignition key.

The squad up the street did mine for less than $100, and

they work really well. Apparently the VW wafers work in the

BMW cylinders.

t

[im3crazy]

Here's a great site that provides good examples of how to do the doors. I've rekeyed a number of these using the "trim down" method, and it works well and is easy to do.

http://www.zeebuck.com/bimmers/tech/doorlocks/doorlocks.html

Dave

[Guest Anonymous]

mike can i get that article you wrote on the ignition?

rovertmehp@yahoo.com

Thanks!