starter / electrical fault 97 316i

I have an intermitant electrical fault starting the car, when turning the ignition key the dash lights go out briefly and the car wont start but when releasing the key the starter turns a couple of times, similar symtons to flat battery / dead starter motor.
Ive checked the starter cables theyre OK but I have noticed the ignition barrel core has a bit of slack / loose.
I also keep having the speedo / dash stop working whilst driving !

anyone experinced this or has any ideas what it could be.??????

many thanks

Sounds like ignition switch.