Ignition Key Tumbler Sticks

[ChiefRider]

I know that on my older M-B's a sticking ignition tumbler is an impending disaster. What about the E53?

My ignition switch frequently needs some real fiddling to get it to rotate, and not related to steering wheel position. Is this something I need to tackle immediately before I get screwed with an expensive situation? Simply a tumbler, or is there more to it?

thanks

[ChiefRider]

Any insite? I find plenty of info on the ignition switch, but not so much on the tumbler. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

[wpoll]

Have you tried some CRC Lock Lube?

Lock Lube and De-Icer, 1.5 Wt Oz - 03119

[ChiefRider]

I have not- That sort of treatment is verbotten on my R107 M-B's. I did not want to assume it would be ok on the BMW- Is it?

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by ChiefRider

I have not- That sort of treatment is verbotten on my R107 M-B's. I did not want to assume it would be ok on the BMW- Is it?

Not sure - it's not my normal go-to repair for expensive car locks! Just curious to know if you had tried it.

The lock is mechanical and usually requires some form of lubrication. It's a bad idea to spray the *wrong* kind of lube in there, as it makes the lock worse (attracting dirt etc.) but if it's already jamming, what have you got to loose?

[wpoll]

I've used this on some mechanisms with success - not tried it on locks though..

https://www.electrolube.com/products...ts_and_grease/

[ChiefRider]

So another plea- Has anyone had experience with this? I have to oscillate the key around until the tumbler is willing to turn. I notice the black "collar" around the tumbler seems a bit loose. I get the impression im only a time or two away from it failing completely, unable to turn.

Any insight before I take it to the dealer would really help.

Thanks

[williamx5]

Good day!!

Well, I just so happen to have done door lock maintenance on my new-to-me 2004 (that I will be posting info about in another thread)... If your key looks like mine, it has a channel down the center of the flats... This channel moves the tumblers until the key is all the way in... Once in, it should have all the tumblers even with the barrel... Thus being able to turn it... There are springs that keep the tumblers at the extreme limit (and will force the tumbler out if not assembled in the lock barrel)... You might have some broken springs, damaged lock tumblers, or worn out key...

This is my door lock tumbler, but it probably has the same set-up for the ignition... Which would also indicate it is the ignition lock if you don't have any issues getting into the car with the key... It's the key if the door lock has the same issue...



This also has a grease type stuff on it... So, I don't think any kind of grease you use would be wrong...

Good luck!!

Cheers!!

[ChiefRider]

So it appears I am somewhat screwed at the moment.

Have watched the youtube videos on tumbler removal, but I am at the point where it is virtually impossible to get the tumbler to turn. I have used contact cleaner in an attempt to free things up, hoping it could have been some hardened lubricant, but that does not appear to be the case.

[ChiefRider]

Several youtube videos, and researched threads later....

I liberally used electric contact cleaner/lube to "wash" the tumbler. I have 2 keys for the car; I appears to have been the frequently used key, the other virtually new. The "new" key seems to work marginally better. It requires a little finesse to initiate rotation but once past this it works fine. The tumbler still needs to come out- Current function is unacceptable.

I tried to proceed with removing the tumbler, but cannot remove the bottom cover of the steering column, in order to remove the chip antennae. If anyone knows how to do this, please let me know.

I have extended the column fully forward, removed the screw, and tried to apply pressure on the housing and pull down as seen on a video, but it ain't coming off. Any greater effort along this path will lead to something breaking. If I can get this off, I think I should be able to proceed.