Ignition key will not go into tumbler

[Bluemach1]

How did you get the lock out without being able to get the key into the ignition? Replacing the tumbler / barrel / lock, whatever you want to call it, is something that I thought of as well but there is no way to get it out if you can not get the key in to rotate the cylinder.

[whizzkid23]

I already adviced 2 option to get this done:

1. Removing the pin that not allows the key to go in with the use of a dremel / drill. Once removed, you'll be able to get the key in.
2. Removing the steering lock housing and unstuck the mechanism that keeps the pin in the tumbler in place, even if you are already set to P.

When going for step one, you still run the risk that the problem is not the tumbler but the lock housing.... after having fixed ours, I would say rarely the problem will be just the tumbler when you don't get the key in.

Removing the whole steering lock housing will be possible even with the car steering locked, so no problem on that. Once you have it out, you should be able to free the "broken" mechanism in the housing, that prevents the pin in the tumbler from retracting.This way you finally can insert the key and rotate the cylinder, so you can get the tumbler replaced.

Let's pretend for a second there is no way you're able to get the key in and rotate it to replace the tumbler. Just replace both at the same time: Lock housing and tumbler. Job done!

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=32_1190

Parts involved in your case would be 1 + 6 in the worst case scenario, but as said, you should get away with 1!

[Bluemach1]

Dealership quoted exactly as whizzkid23 suggested. Replace ignition lock cylinder housing and ignition lock tumbler. Charging 2x for the parts than what you can get them for from FCPEuro or ECS Tuning. Quoted 4 hours labor. FYI, labor rate here is $240/hr. I am sure I could have easily done this. The only thing I am not sure about, looking at the tumbler from FCP or ECS, etc, is that the part is noted as "with Key Code". So does this mean a code for cutting a new key or does this mean that the ignition has to be coded to the existing key or DME or what?

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by Bluemach1

Dealership quoted exactly as whizzkid23 suggested. Replace ignition lock cylinder housing and ignition lock tumbler. Charging 2x for the parts than what you can get them for from FCPEuro or ECS Tuning. Quoted 4 hours labor. FYI, labor rate here is $240/hr. I am sure I could have easily done this. The only thing I am not sure about, looking at the tumbler from FCP or ECS, etc, is that the part is noted as "with Key Code". So does this mean a code for cutting a new key or does this mean that the ignition has to be coded to the existing key or DME or what?

The key code means that the barrel is done according to VIN to match the original mechanical key when left the factory.

[whizzkid23]

Originally Posted by Bluemach1

Dealership quoted exactly as whizzkid23 suggested. Replace ignition lock cylinder housing and ignition lock tumbler. Charging 2x for the parts than what you can get them for from FCPEuro or ECS Tuning. Quoted 4 hours labor. FYI, labor rate here is $240/hr. I am sure I could have easily done this. The only thing I am not sure about, looking at the tumbler from FCP or ECS, etc, is that the part is noted as "with Key Code". So does this mean a code for cutting a new key or does this mean that the ignition has to be coded to the existing key or DME or what?

A nightmare of a quote🤦*♂️ Clavurion is right, it’s just about being able to keep the keys that you already have.

At least you made my day telling how much I saved doing it by myself😂 Thanks for that

[Bluemach1]

Ya, it is tough to take. I never take my stuff to the dealer. This just reaffirms the reason to to keep on wrenching...