HELP! Very aggravating problem... easy fix?

[krasomil]

so here is what happened today, not 20 minutes ago to my 1995 BWM 325i

1. i pull into my driveway and turn my key to turn my car off and pull the key out
2. the car is still on!
3. i attempt to put the key back in but it wont turn either way
4. i stall the car to turn it off
5. the car still acts like it is on... the radio stays on, the little computer stays on, the e-brake light and everything are still on but the engine is off
6. i try for repeatedly to get the key to turn, i try twisting the wheel while i turn (it does not lock, and the wheels turn all the way, albeit without power steering). i try tapping the key in with a screwdriver. none of this works.

what should i do next? should i unhook the battery and hook it back up? help! please!

[discnik]

Sounds like you ignition key cyclinder is history.
Have you been having any problems with it before, i.e. hard to turn to the "Run" position or any other position for that matter ?
Hard to get the steering wheel lock to unlock, etc. ?

[krasomil]

come to think of it, my ignition had acted froggy since the day i bought the car. sometimes i would have to spin the key around in circles and jiggle the wheel in order to engage the key and actually start the car. it hadn't happened in a while so i had forgot this. i'm coming to the realization that i will probably have to take the car to a mechanic and just get a new igntion/lock. thanks!

[mimi1phd]

please advise why batterykeeps dying (new + new alternator) 1986 bmw e series 80K orig. mi. car starts instantly after 4hr charge but won't start after 24hrs w/o driving. also idle is very irratic when it is running. anyone with experience on the very irritating situation? thanksinadvance.