WANAM5 5 Report post Posted October 25, 2017 HI Guys/Gals My Trusty little E46 328i has developed a frustrating issue. "Sometimes" the key gets stuck in the ignition AND "sometimes" its just jammed and won't even turn forward?? Im guessing its the ignition barrel? but then after a few searches on the net i apparently have to get one from BMW? as its specific to my car only?? (sounds expensive) I thought it may be the switch on the auto shifter which disengages the key so it can come out in Park but why would that stop it from turning to the on position? I've jiggled the steering wheel etc and its just potluck if it comes out? and/or turns forward to start the car. Any suggestions please? can i just buy a second hand ignition barrel? Help!! sucks going anywhere and hoping the key comes out or hoping the damn thing will turn to the on position!! Cheers everyone Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hotwire 352 Report post Posted October 25, 2017 How worn is the key? You should have a spare, if so - have you tried that? Otherwise spray some CRC into the barrel & see if that helps. Failing that - get it checked by a locksmith Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WANAM5 5 Report post Posted October 26, 2017 20 hours ago, hotwire said: How worn is the key? You should have a spare, if so - have you tried that? Otherwise spray some CRC into the barrel & see if that helps. Failing that - get it checked by a locksmith HI Grant no i lost the spare ages ago, Yes ill try some CRC see how that goes. is it as simple as getting another ket cut off the existing one OR do i have to go BMW? etc etc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hotwire 352 Report post Posted October 26, 2017 No point in cutting a key off the original - you are simply copying a worn key. Some specialist Auto Locksmiths can produce the key & code it, otherwise via BMW You really ought to have a spare - it becomes a pain in the arse when the only coded key is lost. I strike this quite regularly on AA call outs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kwhelan 241 Report post Posted October 26, 2017 had the same issue with e36, started with doors then ignition exactly same as yours, a decent locksmith looked at it and managed to copy and recreate with a bit of guesswork a new key from the totally mangled one we had and it fixed everything perfectly. the locks have been fine since also be vary careful with the ignition, if you try to force the key eventually barrel will spin and then your up for a pin repair in the column which the locksmith can do. get the key done ASAP it will be the key they seem to be made of very soft material Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eliongater 718 Report post Posted October 27, 2017 Also, I'd hesitate to spray CRC into the ignition barrel, I'd try some powdered graphite first. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WANAM5 5 Report post Posted October 27, 2017 Thanks everyone jesus gone are the days of just simply getting another key cut huh? Guess ill be ringing around locksmiths who specialise in BMW keys. Sounds expensive.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aja540i 1906 Report post Posted October 27, 2017 6 minutes ago, WANAM5 said: Thanks everyone jesus gone are the days of just simply getting another ankey cut huh? Guess ill be ringing around locksmiths who specialise in BMW keys. Sounds expensive.... Yeah, also gone are the days when any thieving muppet could have your car on a saturday night with an old screwdriver!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hotwire 352 Report post Posted October 27, 2017 4 hours ago, eliongater said: Also, I'd hesitate to spray CRC into the ignition barrel, I'd try some powdered graphite first. No problem with a minimal amount of CRC in the lock, I have fixed multiple locks with it. There is also a specific lock lubricant (like CRC) that can be had. Yes I agree with graphite as an option but most people don't have direct access to it & it can be messy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
