E36 Ignition Cylinder Lock Issue

[kc5]

Hello - new to this site.. Daughter borrowed car and key locked in the off position but the car was still running. Before I could get home to pull the fuel pump fuse to kill the car, the car had overheated blowing the radiator tank gasket, obvious sensor issue. Don't want to spend the money on the ignition yet, if I now have a damaged engine.

Anyway, the key wont turn at all to get in the acc position to remove the cylinder lock. Read a thread where someone had used a screwdriver to force into this position, and then remove the cylinder lock. Well, it's free spinning now and I can't get out.

Would like to look into installing a pushbutton start, but am concerned about the steering locking up or not being able to shift the transmission since the cylinder lock is obviously fubar'd. Should this be a concern and / or any suggestions?

[dudehog]

you could replace the whole barrel and casing. i did it all through bmw and it cost me £135. that was the barrel, case, snap rings and spacers. it's a safer option than adding more ''gimmicky'' things that the car doesn't really benefit from.
the job itself took me 3 hours ish. the only real problem was using the edge of a long but narrow chisel to undo the break bolts (two dark bolts that hold the two sides of the casing together). thats the option i'd take , and did. if you do, don't forget to undo the battery first , you don't accidentally want an airbag blowing up in your face.

[kc5]

Dudehog - thanks for the reply. I agree safest and best solution.