picked up a LeMans blue from auction..

[itscoo2pyopants]

Took the key to the dealer to see if they can read the VIN, they said key has no info on it. Said I need to put it in the ignition and turn it on to get coded. Key works in the door, locks and unlocks the doors. Opens and closes windows. So I think it is the right key for the car.

Seem to be having some issue with the steering lock. Sprayed some wd40 in the cylinder. Jiggled the wheel / key, gave it force, did it nicely. Messed with it for a couple hours. Stopped before I broke something. Shouldn’t be this hard to unlock it. Going to take it apart the next couple days and see if there is an issue with the steering lock or ignition cylinder.

[itscoo2pyopants]

Drilled out the steering lock to rule it out for being the issue. Steering wheel spins freely now, but ignition is still locked up. I won’t be able to remove the ignition cylinder without putting it in the 1st position. Thinking about ordering a new steering lock, ignition cylinder, and new key. That way everything to do with ignition will be fresh and I can start from known good parts.

What do you guys think?

[RocketyMan]

I wonder if your ignition issues has something to do with how the car was stolen. Hmm...

[itscoo2pyopants]

Didn’t think you can steal these vehicles without the key.

Ignition looks original.

[ripvanos]

At least there's a car thief out there with some taste! Perfect drug dealer car.

Looks insanely clean for that mileage, and I hardly see LCI models with the sport cloth interior.

[itscoo2pyopants]

Originally Posted by itscoo2pyopants

Drilled out the steering lock to rule it out for being the issue. Steering wheel spins freely now, but ignition is still locked up. I won’t be able to remove the ignition cylinder without putting it in the 1st position. Thinking about ordering a new steering lock, ignition cylinder, and new key. That way everything to do with ignition will be fresh and I can start from known good parts.

What do you guys think?

dealer said they cannot order another key or ignition cylinder until the vehicle is registered in my name.

dmv said i cannot register car until it passes state patrol inspection.

next trying to get a hold of a locksmith to see if they can assist.

if the key works in the drivers door, and ignition appears to be original, shouldnt the key at least turn the ignition cylinder?

[itscoo2pyopants]

looks like i found everything i need on ebay. from a 4.8is, seems to be plug and play if all items from same vehicle. ordered parts, ready to make some progress on this thing.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by itscoo2pyopants

dmv said i cannot register car until it passes state patrol inspection.

I'm going through that same catch 22 with my newly purchased E30.

You going to use WinKFP or PAsoft to change the VIN on the EWS and DME? That's something I've been wanting to learn how to do.

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

I'm going through that same catch 22 with my newly purchased E30.

Wait. What's that again?

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by PropellerHead

Wait. What's that again?

Yeah. DMV wants an inspection before they will give me my registration and plates. Can't drive it "legally" to the inspection until I have plates/registration. Could get a temp paper plate... but come on really? Just going to drive it to the local BMW Center and get it inspected. Has no cats on it and there is an exhaust leak currently though, so need to fix that first.

M52 swapped 1991 318i