If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above.
You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed.
To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
3-Series (E36)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1992-1999. Autodoodad
Specific models include: BMW 316i, BMW 318i, BMW 318iS/ti, BMW 320, BMW 323, BMW 320, BMW 324, BMW 325, BMW 328.
last week I was driving my car (I have a 95 325i manual conv.) and i pulled into a gas station.... and i could not turn the car off!!! the key would not turn either way... I finally stalled it out just to turn the motor off, but the radio and a/c still worked...... my uncle came and push started the car for me and I drove it (with him following) to my granfather's house (he used to be a mechanic)... he mumbled something about the ignition switch being burned out, but when I called the mechanic that I like, he said that it would take a week to get the part I need b/c BWM is so funny about the keys for their 92 and up cars... some anti theft thing... but my car is the only car my boyfriend and I have right now (he blew a head gasket on his a few months ago and hasn't bought a new car yet) and I dont want to go a week without a car... can antyone tell me what my problem ACTUALLY is and if I can get the part I need faster than by next monday??? ghead
Your mech is right...the only thing you can do yourself and quickly is convert the car to a push-button igntion with the keyless option. Instrcutions are in my sig. I also offer kits, which I could ship out tomorrow if you need.
__________________ <span style='color:gray'><span style='font-family:Courier'>1995 e36 3 Series RIP
1999 e46 3 Series BURN IN HELL
2000 MR-S Roadster= Current</span></span>
Your mech is right...the only thing you can do yourself and quickly is convert the car to a push-button igntion with the keyless option. Instrcutions are in my sig. I also offer kits, which I could ship out tomorrow if you need.
sounds interesting.. I looked at your DIY thread... I'm confused... can I actually install that with the key not working at all? the mech said it was a mechanical problem... will that affect the starter? how do I keep my car safe if it is keyless?
not sh*t sherlock... lol... I mean its easy to cut open a convertible top... it happened to my ex's convertible.. he had a bunch of cds and his stereo stolen... with a starter like that, they could take the car too... that just worries me.. not that it would happen.. I am just paranoid, I guess...
I'd put the bottom... some where... like... inside of the glove box.... because you can lock the glove box with your door key..... how about that idea... is that better for ya?
much better... lol... can you do that? would I be able to do that? my b/f is mechanically retarded... i guess his dad could do it.. he works on motercycles, though... I guess with instructions he would be the best one to do it..
It might be tricky.. but you can take the glove box off... with just a few screws... on the bottom and behind the door that folds down when you open it.... then figure out how to drill some holes... and then follow the instructions for the push button start... that is the safest way I can think of... GOOD LUCK!
I dont have a push start ignition... I have a battery disable switch.... haha... sorry.. I dont use it.. cause I have no use for it.. and I have never installed one. But... I'm sure El Presidente might be able to answer your question. PM him.. or just wait untill he responds cause I know he reads posts.
If you were to install the switch and button anywhere that's not obvious, you should be OK. You could also run a kill switch in-line with the switch that gives you juice and hide just that. Think about it: only a few people have a push button starter so I don't think a thief would be inclined to look for one. They need to get in and out in a short amount of time. If it's not obvious, they're going to go for your ignition and see that it's frozen (I assumer yours is frozen) and say WTF??!!
Buy one of Prez' kits - as long as someone you know is somewhat mechanically inclined and has a few tools, you'll be all set. He's got good directions and his kitss cheap. By the time I went out and bought some the tools and equipment I needed to make all the parts, I probably ended up spending 2x what he's charging, plus time to put it all together - BMW wanted about $600 to fix mine, so for less than $50 and probably a 1/2 hour for installation, you'll have your problem solved.
Second thought - do you know if you have a coded key (EWS)? I think they started in mid 95, so you might want to check that. If it is, then you have no worries.
AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned
enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share
experiences and opinions as a community.
and i could not turn the car off!!! 
the key would not turn either way... I finally stalled it out just to turn the motor off, but the radio and a/c still worked...... 
my uncle came and push started the car for me and I drove it (with him following) to my granfather's house (he used to be a mechanic)... he mumbled something about the ignition switch being burned out, but when I called the mechanic that I like, he said that it would take a week to get the part I need b/c BWM is so funny about the keys for their 92 and up cars... some anti theft thing... but my car is the only car my boyfriend and I have right now (he blew a head gasket on his a few months ago and hasn't bought a new car yet) and I dont want to go a week without a car... can antyone tell me what my problem ACTUALLY is and if I can get the part I need faster than by next monday??? 
ghead 
Linear Mode
