Ignition - BMW Forum

aheath · 02-02-2006, 09:22 AM

1996 328is

Last night when I tried to turn off my car it wouldn't. If I jiggle the key a little it'll either turn half way or do a complete 360. Thinking it might be my key I tried my spare to no avail.

So I blocked the intake to kill the car and I see a check engine light on (I'm assuming this came on because I blocked the intake). Than I disconnected the negative since I can't turn off the ignition.

After researching online seems like the problem is the tumbler or the ignition box (multiple names came up for the same item). Can anyone verify this for me? how much it's going to cost me? and is it a simple DIY?

Thanks!

aheath · 02-02-2006, 11:45 AM

bump.....

After doing a little research I'm guessing it's the ignition switch. Can someone tell me from experience? Key would spin forward but not backwards and it appears to be in the "on" position.

Anyone ever replace this themselves?

aheath · 02-02-2006, 01:31 PM

Wow the stealership is saying they have to break the coded cylinder to replace my ignition switch apparently its $140(us) for ignition switch and $90(us) for tumbler and $450(us) for labor. Before I robbed can someone PLEASE tell me where I can find a DIY for this?

SpeedInfusion · 02-02-2006, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aheath

Wow the stealership is saying they have to break the coded cylinder to replace my ignition switch apparently its $140(us) for ignition switch and $90(us) for tumbler and $450(us) for labor. Before I robbed can someone PLEASE tell me where I can find a DIY for this?

have u downloaded the bentley manual?

aheath · 02-02-2006, 03:02 PM

No can you tell me where I can get that?

Thanks!

SpeedInfusion · 02-02-2006, 03:22 PM

sticky on top of the e36 section

aheath · 02-02-2006, 05:13 PM

THANK YOU!

I have been reading several forums and the information doesn't seem consistent.

Does the tumbler have to specially ordered?

Is it the tumbler or the ignition switch that recognizes the key?

And if the ignition is stuck in the "on" position and the key spins somewhat would you think it's the tumbler or the ignition?

Sorry for all the questions. I just spent $1700-$1800 to have my water pump, radiator, tires/alignment done. And now my ignition went. And I just paid for moving expenses to move to Seattle and I work 45 minutes away from Seattle. So if you catch drift I'm a little cash strapped.

SpeedInfusion · 02-02-2006, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aheath

THANK YOU!

I have been reading several forums and the information doesn't seem consistent.

Does the tumbler have to specially ordered?

Is it the tumbler or the ignition switch that recognizes the key?

And if the ignition is stuck in the "on" position and the key spins somewhat would you think it's the tumbler or the ignition?

Sorry for all the questions. I just spent $1700-$1800 to have my water pump, radiator, tires/alignment done. And now my ignition went. And I just paid for moving expenses to move to Seattle and I work 45 minutes away from Seattle. So if you catch drift I'm a little cash strapped.

1700 - 1800 for water pump radiator and alighnment?????? HOLY CRAP!!!

lets assume the worst case scenerio for parts n labor
radiator - 200
water pump - 75
alignment - 75
labor - 200
tires - ??

wat kind of tires did u get...thats assuming u still got kind of ripped off...shouldnt have been more than 500 bux for all that...even with super awsome tires no more than 1000$ MAX....omg...wow...i think its the ignition swithc that controls the key...check page ELE-63 in the bentley manual all the way in the back of the book in the Electrical Wiring Diagram Section...

aheath · 02-02-2006, 10:15 PM

Radiator install was around $560
Water pump installed was around $550
Tires were about $500
Life-time alignment was $125

So I did give a little on the high end of the total. But you get my drift moving isn't cheap and labor is bs.

1 last thing I noticed on the ignition. I can turn the key and pull it out. I'm leaning towards the tumbler.

SpeedInfusion · 02-03-2006, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aheath

Radiator install was around $560
Water pump installed was around $550
Tires were about $500
Life-time alignment was $125

So I did give a little on the high end of the total. But you get my drift moving isn't cheap and labor is bs.

1 last thing I noticed on the ignition. I can turn the key and pull it out. I'm leaning towards the tumbler.

i hope it was a fluidyne radiator....

as for the water pump u got ripped...

and if ur key DOES come out its probably the tumbler..

aheath · 02-03-2006, 12:21 PM

Speedfusion I'm sure I got the high end prices especially when I wasn't able to shop around for prices at the time. For a while I was working 30 mins away so I *needed* my car asap and ended up taking it to the closest place.

I'll try the tumbler. I hear it takes a week just to get it..........

I haven't had the chance to review the Bentley hopefully removing the tumbler is easy.

*Edit: Speed thanks for your help. *

aheath · 02-03-2006, 01:13 PM

Is there a way to remove the tumbler without having to break the housing?

aheath · 02-03-2006, 02:06 PM

Here's a useful link I found...
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...=379874&page=2

I apologize to mods if this is inappropriate.

polaris448 · 02-03-2006, 10:24 PM

this is kind of dumb but, did you ever think of the ignition key delete mod? you would have push button start... and flip switch ignition, if i remember the mod correctly. and on the plus side the mod seems really cheap to do. i know thats what i would do if they told me that it would cost $680. plus, i think it would be kind of cool. on the down side, i think you would have to lock your car at all times because of having no ignition key. just a different option.

aheath · 02-06-2006, 09:21 AM

I don't want a push-start button for my car. I'm going to guess it's the tumbler and order it tomorrow. Can anyone tell me their experience replacing a tumbler?