My key won't turn

[SilverFive]

Brand new (to me) 1990 525i, works great, but yesterday could not get key out of position 1. It won't turn. Has this happened to anyone else.....it seems as if the cylinder is stripped.

Yes I have tried turning the steering wheel, and it unlocks, but still no luck turning the key....I have a blister on my right forefinger from attempting so hard.

I have the greatest mechanic, but lawdy, he's pricey, and before I file bankruptcy again , I was hoping that someone may have heard or (unfortunately) encountered this before and could lend advice.....

Thanks in advance

 

[Wadula]

sorrz, i have no clue. congrats to the car btw

 

[MrElussive]

Okay, I know this sounds stupid, but I am sure you are desparate at this point...are you sure you were turning the wheel while turning the key? I know for my Shitta (I mean Jetta), if my steering wheel lock is on, I have to wiggle the wheel a bit while turning the key and then it will work. Of course, I'm sorry if this is stupid advice, but it may just work...

 

[SilverFive]

Thanks.....
and no advice is stupid advice. I thought the very same thing at first, that I obviously was not turning the steering wheel hard or often enough but that doesn't do the trick either. At this point, I think I have no other choice than to have it towed to the dealer. YUCK!!!!!

 

[MrElussive]

Have you tried speaking with a BMW dealership mechanic before towing it to them? Maybe there is some little trick you can do to make it work??

 

[SilverFive]

I've spoken to a dealer right around the corner, but, as per usual, they want to look at it first. They're like doctors, you know, not wanting to give out a diagnosis without seeing the patient.

I've gotten a few suggestions so I will try:

1) using vise grips with the risk of breaking the key in the ignition
2) using a smaller key to see if I can wiggle loose a jam in the cylinder

Pray for me.......

I'll try anything because I know this is going to end up being costly otherwise.

 

[Dinan55]

Maybe you have to push it in?

 

[jimmyk]

The same thing just happened to me.

What did you do to fix it?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

that happened to our 5 once...AAA came and got it working...then they towed it anyway cuz my mom didn't know and we had to pay BMW for it on their lot...some AAA can get it wokring

 

[BMWlover]

Brand new (to me) 1990 525i, works great, but yesterday could not get key out of position 1. It won't turn. Has this happened to anyone else.....it seems as if the cylinder is stripped.

Yes I have tried turning the steering wheel, and it unlocks, but still no luck turning the key....I have a blister on my right forefinger from attempting so hard.

I have the greatest mechanic, but lawdy, he's pricey, and before I file bankruptcy again , I was hoping that someone may have heard or (unfortunately) encountered this before and could lend advice.....

Thanks in advance

I got the similar problem two years ago. Mine - 95 525i. You need to change the ignition block of your car. I bought it from BMW dealer and I changed by myself with the aid of my friend. The key block cost roughly 200 bucks I guess. However, if you are a kind of novice, I don't recommend you to change it by yourself. It is rather tough. I couldn't make it unless my car mechanic friend helped me. Hope this can help you.

 

[SilverFive]

Hey.

Actually I did the "unthinkable". I took a smaller size key, a large paper clip, and a set of pliers and prayed.

At first I used the paper clip to see if perhaps a piece to the cylinder would unstick, just keep pushing and pulling, then I took the smaller key and inserted it and with the pliers with as much pressure as possible kept turning the ignition, you have to wiggle the steering wheel too.......It took about 10 mins, mostly because of nerves...but it worked. I think the cylinders get metal dust/shavings and gets stuck. As I was told....DO NOT USE WD40

Amazingly enough, I have not had a problem since. For the first few weeks, the steering wheel didn't lock, but everything works fine now without a hint of any problem. Try it, it's worth it. I've had a new key made since then, but $50 as opposed to $500........well you know! Good Luck. Let me know.