X5 3.0D 2004 ignition key does not turn

[brassi]

My ignition key goes in and comes out, but does not turn. Remote lock/unlock works.

Charged battery. No help

Problem appeared after a failed effort to cold start the car. Then connected to block heater and later came back for a new attempt. Since then key just wont budge. Moving steerring wheel back and forth (locked) does not help

Any ideas what to do?

[Helmuth]

Sure that you are in the "N" position with the gear stick?

[brassi]

Gear is in Park position, and does not budge from that position

[Gregory891]

3.0 d in the US (2004), must be a grey market car. I have a 2002 3.0 d. I would guess that you don't need to step on the brake pedal to start the car or move out of Park.

So you can't rotate the ignition cylinder with the key? Unlikely to help but did you try a different key? Did you try a gentle rocking / wiggle (back & forth) of the steeering wheel to try to loosen it as you try to turn the ignition key?

Sounds like a possible mechanical failure of the ignition lock cylinder rather than something more "sophisticated".

[brassi]

My X5 is European, and I am now on European side of the pond. Need to press brake to release from Park.

Yes, tried the other key as well. Did try to rock to wiggle the steering to loosen.

Now I have the negative battery cable out, see if that does the trick.

And waiting for milder weather, and will try some deicing lubricant also.

Next thing will probably be to choose a right size hammer?
Anyway, this is a nuisance.

[brassi]

That did it?
Got the battery cable back.

Tight grip from the wheel, instead of a wiggle, a heavy handed jerk as I turned the key

And voila, key turned!

I am inclined to think that it was mechanical, maybe connected with the cold spell.

[duboy]

This sounds more like the steering column lock than anything else. we generally don't engage ours, but when we do it's not just a slight wiggle to get it unlocked either.

yes it's mechanical of course, but it's not a faulty system.

glad you got it unstuck

Originally Posted by brassi

That did it?
Got the battery cable back.

Tight grip from the wheel, instead of a wiggle, a heavy handed jerk as I turned the key

And voila, key turned!

I am inclined to think that it was mechanical, maybe connected with the cold spell.

[brassi]

In hindsight, most likely so.

Thank you all!

[X5SND]

If you park with the wheels turned and the column locks it can require a good amount of effort to turn the wheel enough to get it to unlock. A simple wiggle will not cut it.