Ignition key will not go into tumbler
 

I’ve seen other posts on this but not any real resolution. I’ve seen some posts that say they’ve had success dousing it with wd40, wiggle and blow it out. That is not working for me.

I’ve considered changing the tumbler out but how would I do that if I can not rotate the cylinder?

Also, if I can change the cylinder somehow, is there any coding required or does my old key work as it is programmed to the car?


I’m really lost on this one. Don’t know what to do.


Help!

If you have tried all other steps to unlock it before (wiggling steering wheel ecc...) I guess you have 2 Options.

1. Removing the pin that not allows the key to go in with the use of a dremel
2. Removing the steering lock housing and unstuck the mechanism that keeps the pin in place.

When going for step one, you still run the risk that the problem is not the tumbler but the steering 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.

You said "after having ours fixed". Did you have this same problem? How did you get it fixed? Was it mechanical or electronic? I am having the same issue as shown in this video except that my steering wheel is in the normal locked position. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpXy624KxYs

I called my local Indy and they said that it is the lockout system? They wont be able to fix it and that it needs to go to dealership. I absolutely HATE the idea of taking this to the dealer for repair.

Did you see anything on Youtube?
I had the problem on an e30 and between Youtube and Bentley, I was able to fix the issue.

I've scoured YT. I see lots of info about removing the ignition barrel and replacing the ignition switch but nothing about the key being locked out of the barrel / tumbler.


I can't even remove the tumbler if I can not get the key in to it.


Some have posted getting lucky with solvent and wd40 but that hasn't worked for me.


I am convinced that this is a mechanical issue and not an electronic issue as my local indy stated. But I do not know that for a fact. It would be awesome if someone knew for sure.

Pretty sure this is going to be a mechanical issue - there is no electrical lockout or system that will prevent the key from sliding into the tumbler.

There is an interlock connected to the gear selector, preventing the key from being removed when the vehicle is not in park. I'm guessing this interlock would also prevent the key from being inserted if the vehicle is not in park - i.e. if the interlock cable between the gear selector and the ignition lock has failed in some way, you won't be able to insert the key.

I like your logic. I am with you. That is one of the things that I tried to evaluate by manually getting out of park and into neutral as well as a run through the gears. However, if there is a cable or some other method that it uses to determine that it in gear, if that mechanism is broken, my test would not have produced any different result as it thinks it is already in gear... I guess a way to test this theory is to have someone with another X or same vintage BMW try to reinsert a key while in gear... except, I dont think you can remove the key with the car in gear. I've never tried to do that. I am not sure how else to test this theory.


On the recommendation of my independent shop, I had the X5 towed to the dealership. I am fully expecting to get bullsh***ed and scammed. I hardly ever use the indy and I NEVER use the dealer. Without knowing what this is exactly, they could sell me almost any bull****.

I had the same problem as you. Occasionally it was not possible to get the key in the tumbler. Only really hard wiggling on the steering wheel freed the tumbler.

Absolutely Nothing electric involved in the key system, just mechanical parts.

I replaced the lock housing. A few hours of work, not that hard of a job. Problem fixed… There is also another topic on xoutpost were this is already discussed!

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.

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!