Ignition Issue

I have a 1995 525i BMW and my ignition does not engage. The problem: I put the key in and it will turn all the way to the start position but I do not feel the tumbler engage anything as I turn it. The Electrical doesn't come on, the steering doesn't unlock, and I cannot change my gear from Park to Neutral. It acts as if there isn't a key in the ignition but when I remove the key and open my door I get the "Key in Ignition" warning. My question is: Do I need to just simply replace the ignition barrel and or do I need to remove the entire assembly and replace it? Or is there a whole other problem I'm not seeing? Help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

Is this an EWSII related issue ? Please google that for more info, or maybe someone else will confirm. If it is, then you'll find the fix right here :

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=536505

Originally Posted by NorthWest85

I have a 1995 525i BMW and my ignition does not engage. The problem: I put the key in and it will turn all the way to the start position but I do not feel the tumbler engage anything as I turn it. The Electrical doesn't come on, the steering doesn't unlock, and I cannot change my gear from Park to Neutral. It acts as if there isn't a key in the ignition but when I remove the key and open my door I get the "Key in Ignition" warning. My question is: Do I need to just simply replace the ignition barrel and or do I need to remove the entire assembly and replace it? Or is there a whole other problem I'm not seeing? Help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

I just did this and mine turned out to be the ignition housing itself , it has sheared off and not engaging the ignition switch and lock . You can find the procedure in YouTube its simple just time consuming . The guy in YouTube was working on a e36 and its the same as our e34 . Goodluck . One thing for sure is diconect your battery before you take the airbag off , so it doesn't trigger a fault on the dash

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I agree with Noel (Supertech777). I don't think that it is an EWS II issue.

Originally Posted by BMR_LVR

I agree with Noel (Supertech777). I don't think that it is an EWS II issue.

And by the way Steve thanks for walking me through my darn ignition tumbler ! Couldn't have done it without your help

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Originally Posted by supertech777

And by the way Steve thanks for walking me through my darn ignition tumbler ! Couldn't have done it without your help

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Ummmm ....... Was that me ??? I'd love to take the credit for helping you on that, but I only remember helping you with the EWS issue (of course my rapidly advancing age is taking its toll on my memory ). Unfortunately, I only know how to replace the tumbler, not the ignition housing.

Hope NorthWest85 gets it figured out. He does have to remember to mind the EWS system and the antenna ring in particular.