E36 M3 Ignition key just spins around

[wazadaza]

Does anybody else's ignition key just spin around sometimes instead of engaging correctly? It seems that you have to really push it in to make it catch, I've had two Evo's before and this didn't happen on those. Any ideas or similar experiences? should I be worried?

[scott10005]

there's a small locating lug on the ignition barrel that snaps off,requires a new barrel to fix it,be careful when switching it off as its possible to get the barrel out of sync with the ignition switch,so the barrel will be in the off position but the engine will still be running.If the barrel keeps spinning when u try and start it wiggling the steering wheel to engage the steering lock seems to help it. If your not too heavy handed its a problem you can live with 80% of e36's seem to have the same fault

[wazadaza]

Cheers Scott that puts my mind at rest. Funny though the bloke I bought the car off said its an 'anti-hijack' feature LOL.

[dan101smith]

It's to stop wives/girlfriends borrowing it, then rubbing it against a bus.

[wazadaza]

Maria says 'you're a cheeky sod' but what a great feature if it were only true.

[dan101smith]

Have you stripped it yet?

[wazadaza]

Yep and I'll start on the car tomorrow

[andygtt]

wazadaza said:

Does anybody else's ignition key just spin around sometimes instead of engaging correctly? It seems that you have to really push it in to make it catch, I've had two Evo's before and this didn't happen on those. Any ideas or similar experiences? should I be worried?

Had my Evo 5 years and done 60k and its always done this.

[evobob]

theres a switch at the back of the lock barrel with 2 little grub screws holding it in place.. remove that and use some pliers at the back to free the lock mechanism up it will easily click back into place. done that loads of times on old e36s haha.

[kusee pee]

Mine does this. PITA but nothing to worry about.

[Cactussed]

Too much Kylie?

[scz4]

kusee pee said:

Mine does this. PITA but nothing to worry about.

Just wait until it fails completely... then you'll worry. I ordered a new one from BMW who had to match it to the chassis number, then had it fitted by a locksmith who specialise in vehicles. Cost around £100 in total.