E39 Ignition - Broken:-(

[DuncanThomas]

After having a nightmare of stopping my 523 Auto as the key in the barrel just goes round and round and actually can be removed.

I guess I need a new barrel for the ignition.

Questions

CAn this be brought seperatly?
Can this be brought from anywhere else other than BMW parts
Is it fairly easy to fix?

I am quite happy to have a key for the ignition and a key for the doors / remote to try and keep costs to a minimum

Thanks for any advice

[///Matt]

I would be curious if it is just the ignition switch itself is broken. It can be bought seperately and is a pretty easy fix. I did it myself on a 97 540i in about an hour. I needed torx drivers and a socket wrench. I dont know anywhere else but the dealer to get it, i remember it running about $60 USD.

[RSK2831]

Originally Posted by DuncanThomas

After having a nightmare of stopping my 523 Auto as the key in the barrel just goes round and round and actually can be removed.

I guess I need a new barrel for the ignition.

Questions

CAn this be brought seperatly?
Can this be brought from anywhere else other than BMW parts
Is it fairly easy to fix?

I am quite happy to have a key for the ignition and a key for the doors / remote to try and keep costs to a minimum

Thanks for any advice

Hi,
I had the same problem on my last Beemer, 96 525tds. The whole thing came out in my hand one day, attached to the key. Apparently the barrel can only come from Germany. It is linked to the engine or VIN number. Had to show id, proof of ownership and all that at the dealership cost €75 + VAT. Put in temporary fix of a starter button, which did the job until the part arrived. There is a tiny screw at the base of the barrel which can come loose and show the same symptom. Just needs a quick turn and it should fire.