1990, 525, 147K miles:
The key would not turn much past the steering lock, so my indi replaced steering lock assembly ($80), tumbler ($52), and sheer bolt ($3) with a whole lot of labor charge. It appears a hacksaw was required in the disassembly. They said they see about one a month. (I think he is good, but oh so expensive!)

This brings my 10 month repair total up to $4,275, not counting two tow truck rides, and leaves me wondering when one pulls the plug on an older car? After having repaired nearly everything the indi suggests, surely there can't be much else likely to go wrong with it?

BTW, Mark's chip is a nice improvement: Whereas the car used to make you think "sluggish" around town, it now moves quite effortlessly (just like a BMW should). Thank you, Mark.