DIY: BMW E39 Ignition Switch Replacement

[@JohnCalifornia]

This is a fabulous DIY video! It gives essential details about parts that need to come off and back on, that some parallel videos don't give. It's longer than others on the same subject, and the devilish details get addressed. Kudos!

[@4DIYers]

+John California Excellent to hear and thank you!

[@scotthilchey5842]

Thanks for the tutorial. Was able to replace ignition switch with your guidance!

[@MbongeniZuma]

Thanks a million,I'm also having ignition problems,the key won't shut down the engen,it stuck in on position,now I'm having difficulty in locating those small screws but thanks to you and this demonstration,I'm on to it now.

[@abro9598]

First time hearing a set screw referred to as a grub screw. Thanks for sharing as always. Would have been great to see you actually removing the parts and reinstalling them. Thx again!

[@madelinemontoya8064]

Sweet! Thank you so much for getting back with me!

[@4DIYers]

+Madeline Montoya No problem, glad to help out.

[@101skyjumper]

Thank you for this video was having problems on the reassemble watching this help me get everything back together. Thank you ....plus everything working fine.

[@4DIYers]

Happy to help and thank you for the feedback!

[@josanteb]

THANK YOU!!! Made what could have been a difficult job, at least for me, really rather easy. Very detailed, all the possible pitfalls are noted. 😁

[@4DIYers]

Thank you for the kind words and happy to help!

[@Meantime5]

Excellent video. Thanks

[@4DIYers]

+Meantime5 Thank you!

[@mariofelix3399]

Very nice video, thanks for posting, it was a great help.

[@4DIYers]

Excellent to hear and glad to help out!

[@Ryan_1997]

kinda lost...and ive checked forums. I replaced the ignition switch with one I ordered online. had to instert the bmw key into it first, (so the key can be read) before the ignition on steering wheel. but my brother did the opposite. so now the car doesnt start. what do I do? was told computer isnt reading and needs to be ''reset"BBC

[@victormnieves4261]

Excellent video, congratulations. I followed the video and replaced the ignition switch on my 540i 1998 as I was experiencing startup problems and battery drain. Every step was as explained in the video including the problem of limited space for the T30. Nevertheless, once installed, the key would not turn. Can you identify what I may have done wrong or if I skipped a step. Thanks Victor Nieves Aventura, Fl

[@4DIYers]

+Victor Nieves Ensure the switch is seated correctly to the shaft sticking out. Even if you remove it, try to turn the new ignition switch with it removed and the key cylinder as well to make sure everything is functioning correctly to be safe. And thank you for the feedback.

[@Workcom-sh4xd]

where is the fuel pump relay on this car ? i have a fuse box in the glove compartment and one in the trunk....its a 2003 BMW 525i ? it had great pressure and all of a sudden i have no fuel pump pressure at schrader valve.

[@jason.arthur.taylor]

Thanks. Took about two hours or so. Symptoms are no start no crank. Part from china was like $10. Tip: use an old laminated card to get off the back clams, pushing the top part inwards and the bottom outwards. I didn't break any tabs that I know of on the clams at least.

[@4DIYers]

No problem and thank you for sharing that tip as well!

[@madelinemontoya8064]

Do you need to get this switch from the dealer? Does it need to be programmed for the car? Or can you just order it from anywhere?

[@4DIYers]

+Madeline Montoya I purchased mine from the dealer as I needed it right away. But you can purchase it online or rebuild it yourself. I have a tutorial for the rebuilding process. And no it doesn't need to be programmed.

[@zuluroy2]

Thanks super helpful .... my 2000 BMW 528i was doing ignition roulette on me..... I am hoping this fixes the problem.... 19 later is it time to replace the ignition switch either way.

[@stevenburke5494]

Only video I could find with details on how that damn rubber steering damper was aligned. I found it on the floor as I was getting ready to reassemble the plastic housing and I was like where the heck did this come from

[@Hahatsu1]

can this part cause key recognition problems or not?

[@berndcassel2581]

No

[@dop3ship]

did this fix the battery drain ?

[@4DIYers]

dop3ship Yes it did.

[@dop3ship]

4DIYers how did you find out you fixed it ? also how do i troubleshoot and issue such as battery drain ? it could be multiple things caushing the problem. is there a way to find my drain without guessing and having to spend money and fix parts that aren't causing this issue. i have a 540i 2002 and my battery drains..... :(

[@4DIYers]

In order to find out if you fixed the issue, you would need to do a test with the multimeter and check the voltage across the switched circuit by back probing the ignition switch plug when it's connected in the vehicle. I actually have a tutorial for this which will be released in a few weeks. It's always best to do the free testing solutions first rather than replacing expensive parts to find out your back where you started. If you want to find a drain, that's a parasitic battery drain test. That can be done with a multimeter as well and you can do one over the whole vehicle which involves disconnecting the battery. How is the battery in the car as well??? I know if a BMW does have an aging better, it tends to get them better of them as well. There is a test for that too, which I have a video of.

[@ihahaoo]

can i start the car with a screwdriver if the key is in side the lock and switch separated?

[@4DIYers]

+Marko Keel You should be able to. As long as the key is in there for the transponder and you don't have the steering lock activated.

[@E39misfit420]

This is my next job to do I'm taking a trip but once I come home I got to deal with it

[@TheAtlasturco]

I repleced, but steel no working, any idea

[@4DIYers]

Did you test the ignition switch before replacement? I have a video on this.

[@gusto8069]

You skipped the most important part how to pry the top and bottom off?

[@stevenburke5494]

And oh yes my problem was NOT fixed. My left rear brake light is ALWAYS on even when the key is out of the ignition. Only way to get it out is to remove the bulb. Right brake light works as it is designed to do. And of course the ghost intermittent battery drain still occurs

[@keating15]

YOU HAVE AN ELEVEN PRONG IGNITION SWITCH ,,, THIS MEANS U HAVE A POST FACE LIFT E39 very lucky if u have a NINE PRONG ADAPTER U HAVE A PREFACE LIFT E39

[@keating15]

This information is extremely important when DIYERS GO TO AUTO-PARTS STORE COUNT HOW MANY PRONGS U HAVE !

[@mick78dom78]

hello I replaced my ignition switch yesterday only took 10 mins but it didn't solve any of my problems,but at least it's done and I can now try something else

[@4DIYers]

I actually have a video on how to test the ignition switch and another video on how to test a starter circuit. Should help solve your no start problem.

[@mick78dom78]

4DIYers my indicators aren't working in the car although they are on the outside,my stereo doesn't work and my auto lights are staying on permanently I've checked all fuses,going to put it into auto/elec on thurs

[@4DIYers]

You could be looking at a module issue, bad alternator, low battery voltage, or just a simple computer reset. Try a battery nap first, if the problem still persists, start with the easy or cheap tests first.

[@mick78dom78]

4DIYers when it 1st happened I unplugged battery overnight the next morning it all worked perfectly for about 2 minutes,now unplugging the battery makes no difference I have thought about the battery being low but it cranks over with ease,also I've only just had my waterpump replaced.

[@4DIYers]

To determine the condition of the battery, it's best to do a load test. It might be on it's way out, I have a video on the testing procedure too. Next would be testing the charging system.