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Thread: E34 Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Boston & Attleboro MA
    Posts
    727

    Default E34 Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement?

    So my ignition cylinder has been slowly lockin up more and more from it collapsing internally... So I finally ordered a new one from the Stealer to match my keys (Only $71) to replace it before I can not start my car.

    Has anyone done this procedure before? Tough/Easy? Amount of time to do?

    Thanks
    Current
    2008 M5 6 Spd
    2000 Z3 2.8 5 Spd MSport
    2012 X5 35d Sport
    1995 540i 6 Spd
    1992 535i 5 Spd

    Former
    1995 530iA
    1986 635CSI 5 Spd
    2011 X3 2.8 MSport

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Cleveland, OH
    Posts
    1,279

    Default

    "Should" be easy...

    I believe you turn the key to the radio position and then stick a pin up the hole next to the key, I have found hex wrenches work good on the other cars I have done (don't ask). (rant) Farking Local Stealership told me you couldn't just get the tumblers and had to replace the entire thing at the cost of about 1500 bucks... watch out for Davis Auto Group in Solon Ohio (/rant)

    However... I do have some cool ass switchs to start the car now....

    -Charles

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Posts
    136

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by DaCan23
    So my ignition cylinder has been slowly lockin up more and more from it collapsing internally... So I finally ordered a new one from the Stealer to match my keys (Only $71) to replace it before I can not start my car.

    Has anyone done this procedure before? Tough/Easy? Amount of time to do?

    Thanks
    I just went through this on my E30 M3 on Saturday. The repair CD shows this process being the same on the E34. Turn the key to the first accessory position (60 degrees)- use a LARGE paper clip in the tiny hole on the key cylinder. Give it a few wiggles & it will pull right out. Make sure to use a large paper clip as I was using a small one & it did not work! (dumb @$$ me...)!!

    HTH!
    Don
    Don McAdams
    McAdams AutoSport
    www.McAdamsAutoSport.com
    '95 E34 525iT
    '88 E30 ///M3
    '85 E30 325e
    Vero Beach, FL

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Boston & Attleboro MA
    Posts
    727

    Default

    Ah cool thanks for the replies... I thought it wasnt too bad a procedure, read similar write up in a Roundel issue once. But I thought there was a "special tool" needed to jam in that hole, parts guy didnt know (weekend parts guy only does 1 Saturday a month at the stealer so he wasnt too familiar) but I asked the service mgr who I know well and he said I didnt need a special tool for that.

    Should have the cylinder Wed/Thurs so will do this weekend and let ya know how it goes.
    Current
    2008 M5 6 Spd
    2000 Z3 2.8 5 Spd MSport
    2012 X5 35d Sport
    1995 540i 6 Spd
    1992 535i 5 Spd

    Former
    1995 530iA
    1986 635CSI 5 Spd
    2011 X3 2.8 MSport

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Posts
    485

    Default

    BMA (Patrick) sells these lock cylinders already pre-set to your car key, for $58. You'll need to supply them with VIN, as I recall.

    Best removal tool is a heavy duty paper clip, with ~1.5" straightened and then bent ~20 degrees about 1/8" from the tip. Stick it in til it bottoms out, then rotate so the bent tip acts cam-like to retract the latch. Assy. then slides right out.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Boston & Attleboro MA
    Posts
    727

    Default

    Also, might be a dumb question, but do I leave the battery connected when doing this work?
    Current
    2008 M5 6 Spd
    2000 Z3 2.8 5 Spd MSport
    2012 X5 35d Sport
    1995 540i 6 Spd
    1992 535i 5 Spd

    Former
    1995 530iA
    1986 635CSI 5 Spd
    2011 X3 2.8 MSport

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Japan
    Posts
    9,249

    Default

    For safety it is probably better to disconnect the battery before you start.
    http://evansweb.info/article.php?sto...30119001513995

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Boston & Attleboro MA
    Posts
    727

    Default

    Shogun Master of Weblinks... Perfect little write up Thanks!
    Current
    2008 M5 6 Spd
    2000 Z3 2.8 5 Spd MSport
    2012 X5 35d Sport
    1995 540i 6 Spd
    1992 535i 5 Spd

    Former
    1995 530iA
    1986 635CSI 5 Spd
    2011 X3 2.8 MSport

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