1989 750iL Ignition Switch Replacement

[boisebadboy2001]

Just wondering some info on the replacement of the ignition cylinder. I went to start my baby this morning, and the switch felt stiff. So like a true American, I twisted harder (real damn stupid). I felt a crunch, and now the ignition turns over into the acc position, but no further to start the car. The shifter moves into all positions, and all acc turn on normally, the double lock works, and alarm arms and disarms normally.

I just got off the phone with my local repair shop (Hurless Bro's are awesome!). They confirmed the fact that there is no doubt that the ignition cylinder has broke. With 135k on this car I guess its about time. The local dealership has ordered me a switch (I have 6 days to figure out how to remove old switch), just looking for any info on procedure of replacement. I am a handy mechanic, and do ALL of the work on my E32 along with my other cars. Just looking for tips, and if there is any speciality tools I need to purchase or make to get this out.

Thanks in advance, and happy motoring to all of you BMW guys on here. They are fun as hell to drive, but I think the name stands for Bring Massive Wallet..... LOL..... Gotta love em though..... I have had nothing but fun with mine, stuff breaks, but it's all man made (made to break). As soon as God builds his first car I will be pre ordering one, until then, I will give my tools good use........

[Bear]

Email me: [email protected] and I will send a picture/text of how to do this.

[Bear]

Pending a email it is basically you remove the trim around the lock cvylinder, turn key 55-60 degrees toward on (should be the stop at position 1, or on, not start) and then taking a small tool, perhaps a paper clip or somethin a bit stronger, insert it horizonatlly in the hole above the key in the lock cylinder, and push and the retainer (foot) on the bottom of the cylinder will retract and keeping it retracted, pull the key and lock cylinder out. Re-installing is simply inserting the cylinder (with key in position 1) so that the foot is lined up to pop out of the hole on bottom of lock cylinder when installed. That should do it. As aprecaution I always disconnect negative battery cable (just cause I love to pull that seat cushion assembly).

The Bear
1988 750il