Ignition/column lock problem

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Jonco
Joined: Sat 04 Jun, 2011 07:24
Posts: 402

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Ignition/column lock problem

Post by Jonco »

Happy New Year but unhappy new problem.

Arrived home last night and put zed into garage, but when I went to switch off the key was just turning through 360' in ignition lock - there was no resistance and key could be removed with engine still running :!:

Had to stop the engine by pulling a few plug leads off and disconnecting battery - couldn't find a suitable fuse in the dark and as it's an auto so couldn't manually stall it.

So far have only found this in forums http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... olumn+lock and there were no responses.

Haynes manual covers lock cylinder removal but under lock assembly it reverts to `should be entrusted to a BMW dealer'. :roll:

Any suggestions/ideas welcome please.
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: Ignition/column lock problem

Post by Southernboy »

Hi...my lock does that sometimes...What I do is slightly turn the steering from side to side with the key in the ignition and turn the key back and forth too...it then engages correctly. Seems to be something to do with age and the lock / steering column position. Give that a try and hopefully it'll sort it out. :wink:
"Normal is overrated"
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BonBon
Joined: Tue 08 Jan, 2008 21:10
Posts: 1227

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Ignition/column lock problem

Post by BonBon »

Had the same problem a few years ago. Get it replaced while the ignition still works and you can drive to the indie. :drive
Jonco
Joined: Sat 04 Jun, 2011 07:24
Posts: 402

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Ignition/column lock problem

Post by Jonco »

Southernboy wrote:Hi...my lock does that sometimes...What I do is slightly turn the steering from side to side with the key in the ignition and turn the key back and forth too...it then engages correctly. Seems to be something to do with age and the lock / steering column position. Give that a try and hopefully it'll sort it out. :wink:
Thanks Barry - I have previously had the symptoms you describe when trying to start the car and as you say it does engage. However, have never had this when trying to stop it. Puzzling thing was I could actually remove the key with engine running. Will have another try though.
Cheers
Colin
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: Ignition/column lock problem

Post by Southernboy »

Try turning the steering wheel with the key removed...it should engage the steering lock at the appropriate position ??
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Jonco
Joined: Sat 04 Jun, 2011 07:24
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  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Ignition/column lock problem

Post by Jonco »

BonBon wrote:Had the same problem a few years ago. Get it replaced while the ignition still works and you can drive to the indie. :drive
Thanks BonBon - can you remember if it was the lock cylinder or complete lock assembly? Problem may now be I cannot restart the car unless it engages - see Southernboy's comments above.
Jonco
Joined: Sat 04 Jun, 2011 07:24
Posts: 402

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Ignition/column lock problem

Post by Jonco »

Southernboy wrote:Try turning the steering wheel with the key removed...it should engage the steering lock at the appropriate position ??
Will try later - Cheers
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: Ignition/column lock problem

Post by Southernboy »

Colin
I had a really good look at the lock some while back when my lock did the same thing... I removed the cowling, and basically tried to get the lock off the column - without success. However, in the process, I did discover some little "cogs" which seemed to be the culprits...somehow they had moved out of position / sync and it was fairly simple to "click" them back into place. I must add, this was some 2 years ago, and I have very scant recollection...But it hasn't done it since to the same degree that the key can be removed as it did then, and which yours has done now.
I somehow seem to recall that the "fault" was at the end where the wires attach to the switch...but I may be mistaken. Perhaps that's why they suggest a BMW "expert" to handle it...
Also, I seem to recall that the actual lock / switch unit can be rotated on the column once something was loosened, and that movement had the desired effect of correcting the issue...perhaps the rotational movement caused the lock to move out of position relative to the steering column in the first place...Damn! wish I could recall it...
Remove the cowl, and gently try to rotate the switch / lock around the steering shaft...it may just be that...if it is you will then need to tighten up whatever is required to prevent it turning out of position again. Sorry, that's about the best I can do without stripping my car and checking on my lock... :wink:
Last edited by Southernboy on Thu 02 Jan, 2014 10:48, edited 1 time in total.
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BonBon
Joined: Tue 08 Jan, 2008 21:10
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  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Ignition/column lock problem

Post by BonBon »

Good question. Thinking about it (and at 55 the grey matter is really grey) it may not be the exact same problem.
I think my problem was that the steering column lock would not disengage when coming to start the car - and as I have the original key - I suspect that they just changed the column locking mechanism (not the key barrel).
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Brian H
Joined: Tue 16 Dec, 2008 19:55
Posts: 2505

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Ignition/column lock problem

Post by Brian H »

Seems quite a common problem unfortunately, the real fix is a replacement barrel, spurs fan in a coupe is breaking a z and he would maybe have the parts available. Some DIY fixes seem to have to drill and pin the barrel in a certain spot.
Jonco
Joined: Sat 04 Jun, 2011 07:24
Posts: 402

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Ignition/column lock problem

Post by Jonco »

Thanks for the input guys.
I have had a quick look this afternoon. When I re-connect the battery the ignition is clearly still in the `on' position which probably why steering lock is not operating. When I turn the key, in either direction, some very slight resistance can be felt but clearly insufficient to do anything.

I will have a go tomorrow based on Southernboy's comments but suspect that Brian H will be right in the end.

I had a look through the paperwork inherited from previous owner and found an invoice dated 04/2008 from a `German Car Specialist' for renewing the ignition lock! No lifetime guarantee there then :!:
Jonco
Joined: Sat 04 Jun, 2011 07:24
Posts: 402

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Ignition/column lock problem

Post by Jonco »

:head: :head:

Unable to get lock barrel out - as i) no grip on key, ii) ident will not move and iii) having to guess where correct position is for rod insert (key removed for photo)

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Looks like I'll have to remove whole assembly. Currently at this stage
Image

Anybody got a `How to' :rtm: from from this point please.
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Ignition/column lock problem

Post by Del »

Not sure if this helps Jonco - given that your key is rotating 360 degrees, but Bentleys instruction is as follows:-

IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING
Insert key into lock cylinder and turn 60 degrees to ACCESSORY position.
Insert BMW special tool 3 2 3110 or equivalent stiff piece of wire into opening in lock cylinder.
Pull out lock cylinder. If necessary rotate tool and key slightly from side to side.
Use the valet key during this procedure for better access to the lock opening.
Installation is reverse of removal. :D
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Ignition/column lock problem

Post by Del »

This seems to offer a cure for your problem - looks a bit like cracking a safe. :D Just need to find a friendly female from the US who can explain what a "booby pin" is. :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tETEtb5Yr_o
Jonco
Joined: Sat 04 Jun, 2011 07:24
Posts: 402

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Ignition/column lock problem

Post by Jonco »

Thanks Del,

Haynes manual says virtually the same as No 1 - but problem is you cannot pull it out as key is not gripping on anything.

YouTube one looks good - will google US Hot Women for booby pin info. :wink:
Jonco
Joined: Sat 04 Jun, 2011 07:24
Posts: 402

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Ignition/column lock problem

Post by Jonco »

Del wrote:This seems to offer a cure for your problem - looks a bit like cracking a safe. :D Just need to find a friendly female from the US who can explain what a "booby pin" is. :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tETEtb5Yr_o
First disappointment is that "booby pin" is a bobby pin aka a hair grip :(

Second is it is like cracking a safe. Initially unable to get pin in as guesswork as to right ignition key position. Removed switch from end of barrel and and as expected noted barrel was not moving even though key end was rotating 360'. Applied a square socket to end of barrel and hey presto it clicked back in and engaged with key end. Key and column lock now operating correctly.
Put key in correct position and pin could be inserted as per video but spring action very erratic and unable to extract barrel :head: Suspect whatever has broken off is fouling it - about to put it all back together and try it but suspect it will fail again eventually -probably will have to buy new lock and drill old one out :head:

Edit - all put back together and working OK ............at the moment
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