First off... great forum site!Glad i found it!!
Hello,i just got hold off a BMW M535i/E28/1985 uk spec.NOT 100% In the cosmetic deptment,but damm she drives 110%!!!
I have gone out this morning to start her and the key would not turn all the way to start!took the key out..then put it back in...key would not turn at all!!!+The steering lock is on. I need the car everyday to get to work.so im REALY STUCK!!I dont know if its down to my keys or the tumbler/barrel?I only have one set of keys but no key numbers!The keys are fine in all other locks!
Am i other looking something?
The tumbler looks like a B%*CH to remove!
How do i do it?Im not worried about the steering lock as i have more alarms..etc..than fort knox.
So how can i get back on the road quickly???
Thank you in advance!!!
Ben,cambridge,uk.

the steering lock is know to get strange and turning the wheel left and right while turning the key should free it up.

If it needs a tumbler it is a big deal since there are nonremovable shear bolts that require cutting to remove.

The electrical side of the switch is a 10 minute job.

Later,

All i have been able to do is remove the electric "switch on the rear of the barrel" to keep her running and not let the battery get out of trim.
If a whole lot of chiseling is needed will that remove the barrel/tumber and the housing?What about the steering lock will i be able to remove that with the tumbler?I am panicing at the moment as im not getting much feed back from anyone!!
Thanks for your info...its all welcome!!!

Ben.

Hi, Ben!
Feedback is in short supply around here.
When I have the difficulty you describe, I apply a small amount of force to the steering wheel and try to turn the key. It works every time.
Good luck with your new baby. I'm already jealous, because the US version of the same car has less horsepower and a compression ratio of 8 to 1 vs. your Eurospec version of 10 to 1.
Just because we have under-achieving petrol (91 octane is tops in New Mexico, 93 in Texas), we always get the lamer, tamer engines.
Welcome!
Flunky
PS-I hope you've bought a Bentley manual, unless you're obscenely wealthy and can afford to hire someone to do repairs and maintenance...besides, you'll need that money for fuel!

Removed steering coloumn and removed the tumbler and steering lock,so at least on the road going to replace the whole upper column next weekend.about 45 mins time to do.