BMW e36 Ignition Tumbler Removal (for pre-10/95 production BMWs)

[@HARVEYRODGERS530]

You are the best!!! I just spent an hour trying different videos and saw yours took me 5 seconds to get it out! Thank you 😊

[@WJeffCrawford]

Dear God... THANK YOU FOR THIS! Man, I tried EVERYTHING and this did the trick for my '94 318i I'm restoring! Super-awesome!

[@IIcrackerII]

Glad to hear it!

[@mikassomikelis]

THANK YOU a lot! Nothing worked until I watched this. It definitely applies to '93 325i

[@gpagnotti]

Thanks for the post. I am dealing with this issue right now. Before seeing your video I looked at the new tumbler to figure out how to disengage that latch and was sure I was in the right spot, but I had no idea there was a spring along the shaft. I think this is what's preventing me from pulling the tumbler out. Going outside now to see if I can get this thing going....thanks again.

[@IIcrackerII]

The two bolts are on either side of the steering column. To remove these i used a nice sharp chisel and carefully (but also with some force) chiseled the security screws in the counter clockwise, loosening direction (left, loosy). This gives you eas(ier) access to the tumbler. There's a way to use a thin piece of metal to (shaped like a popsicle stick) in between the inside of the ignition housing and the outside of the tumbler to reach the copper latch. That's option 1.

[@trulyalay4308]

Still a legend in 2020 ❕

[@theuniqueldy]

1st. my wheels locked & I couldn't drive. So I took housing off & drilled a hole in silver box thing and was able to drive in garage. I ordered a ignition lock cylinder and it came in yesterday. So, TY, this helped, after 1 more cup of coffee I am going to get to it before it gets hot (107 today in AZ.). TY again

[@IIcrackerII]

You'll have to use this piece of metal to essentially press the latch down. It's very difficult but with some wd-40 and a little "finagaling" you can get the copper latch down.Option 2 would be: with the ignition housing out you'll drill a small hole in the housing in the exact location of where the copper latch is on the inside. With this hole you can use a small nail to press the copper latch down and pull the tumbler out.

[@IIcrackerII]

pull the tumbler out, and get to the shaft. If you have the right drill and can get a good angle on the ignition housing, this above method can be accomplished while keeping the ignition housing mounted to the steering column. If you can't get a good angle, you'll have to remove the entire ignition housing. This involves removing the two saucer shaped security bolts underneath the ignition housing. I did this by using a chisel to chisel a notch in the bolt head used to unscrew the bolt.

[@IIcrackerII]

Option 3: Basically the same as option 2 but without removing the security bolts (which were a bear in my case). It's possible to get a small power drill on the back side of the ignition housing where the copper latch is located. You can then drill a hole in the exact location of the latch and like in option 2 use a nail to press down the copper latch. I'm not familiar with any other ways so if neither work let me know and I can see what I can come up with. Good luck.

[@IIcrackerII]

The switch will pull right out. You can put a screwdriver directly in the switch and turn it like a key and start your car (the steering wheel will still be locked). Look where you removed the switch and you'll see the end of the ignition shaft poking out. This shaft connects the tumbler to the ignition switch and the shaft locks and unlocks your steering wheel. Use pliers to carefully wiggle the shaft and if it's broken you should be able to tell.

[@loramattal7688]

Thank you so much for posting this. It is 100 percent on the mark. I am able to drive my car thanks to your help! YOU ROCK!!!

[@IIcrackerII]

. Remove the interior cover off the bottom of the steering column and then go to the side directly opposite the ignition tumbler. You should see a red circular switch with multiple colored wires going to it, this is your ignition switch. To remove there are two grub screws holding it in place that have red paint over them. Scratch off the paint and take out the screws.

[@IIcrackerII]

If you attempt this I recommend fully removing the ignition housing out of the car and doing is on a work bench as it is almost impossible to precisely drill the hole while it's in the car (trust me I trashed multiple housing at a junkyard before finally getting the tumbler out). To remove the housing there are two security bolts that require a chisel and a hammer to remove (not the easiest job).

[@IIcrackerII]

Should have mentioned that...In order to buy the shaft you actually have to buy the entire ignition lock assembly with everything (shaft included) already in place. I got my shaft from a "you pull it" junkyard nearby my house [I frequent this place all the time (for those in the DMV area it's called Crazy Rays)]. If you can find a junkyard similar to this, that's what I recommend, but if you can't let me know and I can see about running to my junkyard and getting one for you.

[@chemagb5559]

Hi! thank you for the excellent video. I have a question, in my case the white tab on the cylinder does not return to its position, so if it is pushed inwards it does not let me turn the key from position 2. should it return to its position? Thanks

[@IIcrackerII]

The easiest way to do it is to release the tumbler, and then you can pull the shaft out with needle nose pliers. You can get lucky at rays and find the keys in the car and use the method in the video to get the tumbler out. If there's no keys (most likely the case), you'll have to get the tumbler out a different way. I used a power drill to drill the back of the ignition housing in the location of the copper colored pin on the tumbler (in the video). i was then able to push the latch down,

[@erupert66]

Eliot - I live right by Rays. I just got a full housing there the other day. Several nice 325 just came in, anyway, I need to know how to extract the shaft, mine is broken, got the tumbler out of the donor unit and can fig out how to release the shaft.

[@gpagnotti]

Yes, I believe its a pre 10/95. Ive tried two types of bobbypins, a stiff paper clip, and just got some dental tools that might do the trick. Yes, there are several spots where the pin goes into the cylinder but Im not convinced they are the right spots. Going to try again tomorrow and hopefully this ends this issue.

[@anasgira6653]

Thank from Libya 10000 miles away it really helps on my 325i

[@enjtoool]

Possible see how open the lock in order to change the key the first new one ...... and how to change engrave Ida was Quff Astasa when Adoran ( thank)

[@IIcrackerII]

If you've gotten to here the tumbler's bad and there's a couple ways to get the tumbler out to verify. If you refer to the video where I demonstrate where the latch is on the tumbler, you could take a drill to the ignition housing and precisely drill a hole right where the latch is and then use a screw driver to push down the latch. Make sure to drill a hole smaller than the latch, or you will drill out the slot that the latch goes into and the tumbler won't stay in the housing.

[@fabrisandrea1854]

My e34 1994 has the same lock, i ordered 4 shafts just in case as i broke already one !!! i am going crazy trying to put it back , i can not put the tumbler in cause with new shaft it looks like it's out a quarter of turn and also as soon as i put the lock on the steering column it's goes out of whack !! any ideas ??

[@IIcrackerII]

I'm not sure i completely understand what you mean when you say "it looks like it's out a quarter of a turn." Can you explain more? And when you say "it's out of whack" what do you mean? Does the tumbler just spin? It sounds like you're very close. And good on you for buying extra shafts! It puzzles my why Valeo made these shafts with such a small diameter. Make sure you apply lithium grease to the shaft when you install it. The grease should go on the middle of the shaft where the shaft unlocks the steering column. This will prolong the life of your shaft.

[@fabrisandrea1854]

obviously shaft was broken, i put back altogether but something wrong , when i pull key out it does not clank the way should be, i assembled it with bearing grease I love my e34 but this really shit me

[@IIcrackerII]

@gpagnotti Sorry for the late response, but have you had any luck? It's very important you know if the car is pre 10/95 as I spent hours thinking I was attempting to remove the tumbler the right way when actually I was doing it completely wrong. On your drivers side door jam, there's two stickers, one with psi numbers, and the other with production information. On the lower sticker (production information) you should see a month and a year in the form xx/xx this is your production date

[@IIcrackerII]

Most likely your tumbler has failed and has seized up. I've had this same problem before in cold weather and took a lighter to my key for about 10 seconds and the ignition turned right over (This also works in door locks). Worth a shot, but i doubt it'll work. To be sure it's your tumbler that's failed, you can go in the back side of the ignition housing and see if the shaft is broken.

[@IIcrackerII]

@gpagnotti First, are you dealing with a pre 10/95 production bmw? Have you tried something other than a bobby pin to disengage the latch? When I actually removed the tumbler from my car I used a wire with a thickness that just barely fit into the hole. If you don't have wire that is strong enough try unroll a keychain ring and use that, this worked great for me. Also you said you can't find the right most edge of the tab, is there any position where you can get a bobby pin or wire in?

[@hoodmeister]

Awesome video. I'd be curious to know if anyone knows a source for just that broken shaft. Looks like BMW only sells the housing and shaft as an assembly for at least $120.

[@IIcrackerII]

I just recently moved from the area so i don't frequent the place as much. I'll definitely be back there in the near future, but probably not until it warms up around here. How urgent is your need? If you can wait a couple months I can probably help you, if not I'd recommend looking into a different option.

[@hoodmeister]

@corriemichele. No, ended up getting it from a "you pull it" junk yard. Destroyed a few BMW ignition assemblies in the process!

[@gpagnotti]

Ok this video and the other video by millertimebmw have been a lot of help. Here's the issue Im running into. The metal tab that can be seen inside the small hole where the bobbypin rotates with the key. You can never get to the rightmost edge of the tab to insert the pin. Even when I put the bobbypin into the ignition and it goes in about 2/3 its length, the latch on the counterside of the igntion (the one we are tryign to disengage) still will not let the ignition be released. Need help.

[@IIcrackerII]

Unfortunately you're in for some trouble. I wouldn't say it's impossible, but you'll have to either remove the entire ignition housing or drill a hole in the ignition housing to be able to push down the copper colored latch in the video. To remove the ignition housing you'll have to remove all the plastic components under the steering column to exposed the ignition switch (blood orange color) and the bottom of the ignition housing. There's two security bolts that have dish/ufo like heads.

[@nextphase7481]

Thanks for the post Eliot. Could you tell me what the function is of that white plastic tab in the barrel? Is it supposed to be spring-loaded? My key only turns to the accessory position and can go no further (so no start for my 89 535i). After removing the cylinder, if I pull the white tab out, then the key fully turns. Everything else seems good. Thanks for any guidance you can offer.

[@chemagb5559]

@nextphase7481 I have exactly the same problem. Did you manage to solve it?

[@nextphase7481]

@@chemagb5559 I ended up just replacing that whole ignition tumbler with a new one. The shaft it contacts was okay. I removed the old cylinder/tumbler using the BMW tool (nothing special, just has a bent pin, you can do it with a bent paper clip). A bit tricky as was apparent in the video, I played around with it for about 10-15 minutes. Once the pin and tumbler are both in the right place it just comes right out with finger pressure and a slight pull. The replacement tumbler comes with a different key so you will end up having two keys, your original master for the door locks, etc. and the new one for the ignition (no big deal for me). You could change out the dozen or so individual "key pieces" (there is a BMW repair kit for this) inside the tumbler but I didn't bother. It's more of the pain in the neck than replacing the ignition cylinder! If you have the same issue I described I would suggest the easiest solution is to replace the ignition cylinder. Good Luck!

[@IIcrackerII]

If you still cannot turn or wiggle the shaft, it is good and the tumbler is broken.

[@johnkyle9387]

Elliot hi there Hopefully you can help, My problem my 94 BMW 325IS 5 speed just wont crank, I turn the key to start and nothing, luckily its a manual, I live on a hill and kick start everyday. So it runs that way but I'm frustrated I turn the key everything comes like it should radio,lights,etc but it just don't turn over it's just nothing... Eliot would that be something you might have information on please....

[@sparklast4651]

is your key sloppy feeling? If so, you probably broke the shaft that this guy broke that I also broke. If it runs fine on a push start, it's probably your starter. Very unlikely but it's happened to me before in another vehicle (not a BMW), but my ignition switch went out. Accessory and run worked, but the start position didn't do anything. I'd check starter first. It's easy to check, connect up a trigger starter (connects to the starter terminals and you just have a trigger so you can turn the engine over without it starting. Very commonly used by OHV guys to adjust rocker arms), if it cranks then your starter is good.

[@stevengrande2364]

I have a 1994 325i the key will go in the ignition ok..but I can Not turn it even 1 click..any ideas

[@Nightcoon85]

Where did you get your ignition shaft from? I cant find them anywhere.

[@dantepantuso3937]

this is a serious question I need help removing the tumbler with the key its a 325i 93 I getting ready to call bmw. my mother lost my key while my leg was broken

[@tommyvvirs1731]

I'm having the same issue with my 1995 325i, but the key tumbler just spins and spins I cant seem to find the off position or the other two positions. there's a slight bump when turned around slowly which looks like it should be the off position, and I try to turn it to the accessory position or guess where it is cause there's no clicks, but cant seem to get the bobby pin to work. I took the ignition switch off where the wiring is connected, I can use a screw driver to turn the switch and start the car, but the transmission wont move out of Park, does the Key Tumbler have to work properly to release the shift lever?

[@dvnvein]

same year and same issue as you, did you find a fix?

[@michaelg4258]

okay so i got tumbler out and my shaft was broken i just don thow to remove the other piece is there a way to remove the shaft ? please help

[@IIcrackerII]

The other end of the shaft goes into the ignition switch. Follow the shaft to the other side of the steering column and you will see it. It is an orange circular shaped switch. There are two screws that hold it on and they are covered with a wax so you cannot see the top of the screws. Remove the wax with a razor blade and take out the two screws. Now you can pull off the ignition switch. This should give you access to remove the shaft. I used needle nosed pliers to get it out. When you put the new shaft in be sure to apply lithium grease to it to ensure its longevity.

[@michaelg4258]

yes i have removed the red/orange cylinder but the shaft that is broken and it still wont come out something is holding it in. my steering wheel is also locked i can not steer it, maybe thats why it wont come out?

[@cezarcajita1071]

@@IIcrackerII ;pp

[@shorn77777]

will we need to use two keys

[@wwilll]

Its called tumbler in all the youtube video's so I was confused until I realised its a tumbler / barrel assembly, so there are no vid's of the assembly stripped down, to cure the key no turn fault. Still I do know how to get the tumblet barrel assembly out now.

[@NiGHTMARE_NiCk]

my 85 e30 doesnt have the release slot for the barrel

[@aleexrigorr]

still seeing these messages? i need help, please. i tried everything. i have two housings. one is the one that broke ( the shaft broke) and another one that i picked up for nothing. the one with the broken shaft gave me no truble. i released the tumbler in 2 minutes. but the other one..oh my god, its damned. can u please help me?

[@IIcrackerII]

Sorry to post multiple comments, I just wanted to post for all to see.

[@e36sam]

What the hell is that rattling noise? Good guide.

[@IIcrackerII]

Removing the housing seems like a lot of works, but once you get it out you can get the job done right and it'll be a lot easier. Let me know if any of this does/doesn't work.

[@MrByootox]

Very helpful video thanks

[@IIcrackerII]

Unfortunately I've never found a part number for the 'ignition shaft' because I believe is it considered part of the ignition housing and therefore the shaft falls under the part number of the entire housing or: 32321161551. I found this information at: (see link in description). The best ways I've seen this part purchased is by people on forums with surplus parts or at "you-pull-it" junkyards. Try a post on a popular bmw forum, someone may have an extra part laying around for you.

[@millertimebmw]

Great Video!

[@MarkduPreez]

Thank you!

[@adrian9643]

Thank you! :D