BMW Key Problem (Spinning Ignition) - FCP Euro - DIY 5

FCP's own Zach Miller teaches you how to fix BMW's notorious spinning lock problem.

BMW Bentley Repair Manual
http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-repair-manual-e36-bentley-b398

As always, send a message for any questions you may have. I strive to maintain a 100% success rate for helping enthusiasts solve their BMW problems.

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[marcoenlasvegas]

hi!!! what i need to do if my ignition is in on position,and key is spinning...............can u help me?

thanks

[millertimebmw]

@marcoenlasvegas You will need to remove the electrical connector on the back and rotate the shaft. If you have Skype or would like to send questions I can walk you through it.

good luck!

[gpagnotti]

Ok this video and the other video by ||cracker|| 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.

[millertimebmw]

@gpagnotti Try pushing the ignition "in to the column" then pin it and pull out kind of quick. It should "pop" out!

Good luck!

[Yotaman609]

Is it the same process if your key is locked in place?

[millertimebmw]

@Yotaman609

Yes, if you "dig" into the steering lock, you will see how to get the key out! Good Luck!!

[dooksization]

@hotmilk4001 the screw prevents the entire barrel from spinning ....mine has the same "issues" and from what I see on the net we are far from alone!! .....so to answer you are correct in your assumption that the key is in the "off" position ...as for a "new tumbler and key" have heard it would need to be "paired" to your ecu ......personally I will just use the screw ! ..hope that helps :) ....best to all

[dooksization]

useful video thanks for posting ....my e36 is just starting to have this issue so thought I would look this up prior to having "issues" lol ......very clear and will be useful insight !!

[hotmilk4001]

Hey, so my lock is starting to spin, but not all the time.

will just adding the screw in the bottom fix this? What is the screw doing that is letting the ignition catch when it was not before?

also, should the key be in the off position when i put the screw in? any special hints to this?

if all else fails, can i just use a ignition tumbler from a different car, stick it in and use the new key? (just transfer the EWSII to the new key)

thanks for the help man!

[MiltonCarlJacksonII]

Hey millertimebmw. So, I got my tumbler off and will be going to the dealership tomorrow to order the new one, but here's my worry... My steering wheel is now only locked from the left side, meaning I can spin the wheel just a bit, and the right side lock didn't engage. Do you think getting a new ignition tumbler fitted for my car unlock the steering wheel nicely like it should, or is there also a steering wheel lock mechanism problem too?

[MrMightyymikee]

Hey millertimebmw, so tonight my 328is ignition is locked in the acc position so my lights and dash lights are all staying on and i can slide the key in and out of the ignition. if i work the key just right i can get it to move freely and spin. could the tumbler be bad like you explained in the video? or am i looking at bigger problems? any help is really appreciated!

[blueeyedlion13]

@ticani2 Question, are you able to change the position of your key? I couldn't change the key position and realized I had to remove the ignition to switch to unjam it (there another video for doing that). Might be your problem.

[blueeyedlion13]

@millertimebmw I realized my problem wasn't just the tumbler when I couldn't turn the key to any other position (except I could get it to spin 360 degrees). I had to remove the ignition switch to unjam the rod before I was able to remove the tumbler. Reassembled original tumbler and my key ignition was able to cycle thru the positions. Unfortunately, engine won't turn now. Perhaps the key antennae? I had originally pried off the outer ring exposing wound wires. Any other things to look for?

[ticani2]

I am an ase master tech with 27 years experience working on cars.I just spent 1 1/2 hours

twisting a bobbypin in my cylinder and It wasn't even CLOSE to coming out. I have changed

many cylinders in american cars but like I said I'm not anywhere close to driving my car.Good luck people!

[mrk98]

@millertimebmw i have the same problem, so if my ignition is stuck in the on position, and the key came out. is this the same process?