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

[aheckenast]

The steering lock is part of the housing itself, just a spring with a piece that pushes up against the turn turn between the ignition switch side & the lock cylinder side. It's possible that the shaft mechanism is starting to bind from wear etc. Preventing key rotation at times.

If I was at work today I could take a pic of my old for you I saved. I'm not back until tomorrow unfortunately.

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[Auto Parts Guy]

That would be helpful for sure. If you don't mind, please do!
Seems that somehow the steering wheel lock also operates this little piece just inside the ignition, and that little piece is what prevents the key from going in. I'll post some pics of what I'm talking about in a few. Somehow the 2 things are linked. Look inside your own X5 ignition when you have a chance and you'll better see what I mean.

Originally Posted by aheckenast

The steering lock is part of the housing itself, just a spring with a piece that pushes up against the turn turn between the ignition switch side & the lock cylinder side. It's possible that the shaft mechanism is starting to bind from wear etc. Preventing key rotation at times.

If I was at work today I could take a pic of my old for you I saved. I'm not back until tomorrow unfortunately.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

[aheckenast]

Originally Posted by Auto Parts Guy

That would be helpful for sure. If you don't mind, please do!

Seems that somehow the steering wheel lock also operates this little piece just inside the ignition, and that little piece is what prevents the key from going in. I'll post some pics of what I'm talking about in a few. Somehow the 2 things are linked. Look inside your own X5 ignition when you have a chance and you'll better see what I mean.

Looks like I remembered it a bit incorrectly. The mechanism rotating shaft that links to the steering lock is within the housing. The spring part pushes the center piece up against the steering shaft to lock. Eitherway it sounds like you need a new housing.

Here is a pic of one off ebay that you can see it:

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[Auto Parts Guy]

The piece with the red arrow is what prevents the key from going in.

Second pic is same pic but without arrow. Key will not go in. Must lock steering wheel to release that piece.

Third pic, the piece isn't all the way out, key can still be inserted if you jiggle it in, even if steering wheel doesn't lock.

But.. If the piece is blocking the ignition like the second pic, you MUST wiggle the steering wheel until it locks (sometimes 10-15 min) in order to get the key in. I hope that explanation makes sense.

That 15 minutes with a wife and 2 kids in the car trying to explain to her what's wrong is not a pleasant situation. Take my word for it.

[Auto Parts Guy]

Very interesting. I guess I would need new keys if I replace that housing? Probably have to remove the column too?

Originally Posted by aheckenast

Looks like I remembered it a bit incorrectly. The mechanism rotating shaft that links to the steering lock is within the housing. The spring part pushes the center piece up against the steering shaft to lock. Eitherway it sounds like you need a new housing.

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[aheckenast]

Originally Posted by Auto Parts Guy

Very interesting. I guess I would need new keys if I replace that housing? Probably have to remove the column too?

Hard to tell without seeing the cylinder & housing seperated but one or the other is causing that piece in the keyhole to stick. Best bet is a new housing(steering lock) & ignition cylinder. The lock cylinder if ordered from dealer will already be coded to your keys cut pattern based off the VIN so you shouldn't need new keys or anything programming. I did this job myself on my e53 3.0i two years ago for a different issue.

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[Auto Parts Guy]

I see what you're saying, and makes sense to me. I think it's this part, I'll find out from the local dealer here. Hope it can be removed without having to remove the whole column. And where does that cable go, the other end of the lock?

[Auto Parts Guy]

FCP has it too.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...x5-32321095824

[80stech]

I think the cable goes to the shifter and might very well be part of the problem.

[aheckenast]

Originally Posted by 80stech

I think the cable goes to the shifter and might very well be part of the problem.

Good point. I didn't think of park interlock system, might be related to this issue. My X5 is a standard trans so I didn't have to deal with that.

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