HELP! Key spins. Car stuck on!
 

Earlier today i got back and turned off my car. the key came out but... the car was still running. so i stick the key back in but it wont turn off or even move in either direction. so in order to shut off the engine i simply snubbed it out. So i researched the problem as much as i could and found out about the bobby pin and key to get the key out. upon trying this i realize the key wont turn or move to get it into position. it is stuck in the "ON" position. If i jiggle it a lot i can ocassionally get it to spin backwards one revolution until it gets stuck again. when i get it into the correct position i still cant get the bobby pin to enter all the way.

Please any help for another solution! Even if its just how to start it without using the key!:frown::frown::frown:

well i took off the bottom cover and removed the unit at the end of the tumbler column and i can start it with a screwdriver now. but naturally this is temporary. does anyone know of another way to remove the center tumbler column?(without using the pin in the small removal hole)

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=637372

Also, at the end of the video, he demo's how to drill a set point into the tumbler...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tETEtb5Yr_o

Hope this helps!

So what do you do if the switch is locked and you can't turn it to use the pin method to pull the cylinder out?

I remember swapping out my cylinder at one point and having alot of trouble getting it out. I don't think the paperclip trick was working for me. I might have some pics of the process in one of my laptops. I'll try to find it.

I tried using a hair clip like the video suggested, but I can't turn the ignition to the position he referred to. I need to fix this for my son, it's his daily driver so I need to fix it quick. Any help is greatly appreciated.

heres a thread that might help...?

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=8540&page=5

Platanos thank you! That thread you linked to was exactly what I needed. Ignition is fixed and working perfectly. You guys here are always a great help.

Glad we could help:2pistole:

I had this same problem a long time ago. For the life of me I couldn't get the cylinder out of the tumbler using a paperclip, bobby pin, hair pin, or whatever. I ended up wiring a push button start instead of buying a new assembly!

thanks for the tip about turning the end of the tumbler assembly. ive had that cap off and simply used a screwdriver to turn it. but after using ur advice i have it fixed good enough.