BMW X5 e53 Key Won't Go into Ignition, Steering Wheel Won't Lock

[Auto Parts Guy]

The covers were easy to take off but not really any access to the goods.

[andrewwynn]

Find a YouTube video how to.

[Auto Parts Guy]

I tried but the only one I found was the guy drilling out the steering wheel lock to disable it. I don't think that will work here. The other videos were key won't turn or a different symptom.

[EODguy]

I'd almost bet you have a code for the mechatronic L1-L4 (5088) as it has caused me similar problems.

Before going too far, get a read on your codes and see if transmission position matches actual reading.

470.00 USD new or 89.00-125.00 USD on fleabay

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

[Auto Parts Guy]

Thank you for that suggestion! I should have already done this, but having no lights on the dash and no other issues, I didn't expect to find much. Boy was I wrong.

Interestingly enough, no codes for the EGS, but I do have codes for the ABS module, steering angle sensor, which could very well be causing the problem. I will do a little searching on the net, and clear the codes and see what happens. Maybe my steering angle sensor is bad. Thanks again for the suggestion and I'll post back with what I find.

[EODguy]

Hope that works to let your key switch start moving again.

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

[andrewwynn]

You need to follow up on EWS of you are working on the *key*.

[aheckenast]

Okay whole lot of confusion in this thread. Not being able to insert the key in ignition cylinder is an issue with the ignition cylinder itself.

You can try spraying lubricant in to free it up and/or tapping it to try to shock the tumblers loose if they are sticking. If that doesn't work you're looking at lock cylinder replacement, unfortunately to do so you need to be able to insert the key & rotate + insert pin (paper clip like tool) in the release hole.

So you're left with drilling out the cylinder carefully without damaging the housing or purchasing a new ignition cylinder & housing from dealer. To order a new cylinder you will need to show vehicle registration & ID. It comes pre-key cut coded to your VIN.

Unfortunately these ignition cylinders are not re-buildable unlike many others. If you do replace the housing as well I recommend replacing the upper steering column bearing while you're in there. Fyi it is a pain trying to hold the column pulled up enough to remove/install snap ring that holds the column shaft in place through the housing. Without the special tool I threaded the steering wheel bolt in & firmly vice gripped the head of the bolt to be able to pull the shaft up. Had an assistant hold the vice grips while I put the snap ring back on.


Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

[andrewwynn]

Sounds like with enough fiddling the key will go in. I definitely would pull out the cylinder. I noticed the part on bmwmini was not terrible expensive

[Auto Parts Guy]

Sorry guys, i thought i already posted this video. This shows the symptom better. The key goes in no problem if the steering wheel locks. If not, the key will not go in. Now it pretty much does it every time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpXy624KxYs

And sorry for all the confusion in this thread. Not intentional. I couldn't find anything on the internet from the e39 or e53 with this issue. Weird issue too.
The key doesn't even make it to the tumblers. Watch the video. I don't think it's a tumbler issue. Thoughts?
Already sprayed some brake clean and lube in there, no difference.
How can it be an ignition cylinder issue if it only does this when the steering wheel doesn't lock? When the steering wheel locks, the key goes in like butter.
EWS code was cleared and has not come back, 4 drive cycles and about 25 miles driven.
No ABS codes came back either, even the steering angle sensor codes. And the steering angle sensor works, i can see the degree movement with my Foxwell tool.
Frustrating..
Thanks for all the suggestions so far. Still not solved.
I'm 100% convinced it's linked to the steering wheel lock now. Not sure what control module if any operates that lock. Is it solenoid activated or just spring activated?