I'm having difficulty removing the ignition lock mechanism of a '92 325i inaccordance with the instructions provided in the service manual. The ignition lock mechanism, which is broken on the inside, does not release when a stiff wire is inserted into the lock bore on the side of the cylinder at any key position. Please advise if there is another trick, and if not, please advise on how to take the entire ignition switch assembly apart. Thank you and best regards. Phil
Oooh, that is a pisser. Make sure you have the largest diameter wire that fits in the hole. You know you can only pull the cylinder when it is in the on position, right? This means that the car actually has to turn on when you turn the key on, not just the tumbler turning which is the most common failure mode. Now, you may actually have a bad ignition lock assembly and not a bad tumbler. Removing this without pulling the tumbler is a PITA! I have had to do this for customers in the parking lot. You have to pull the wheel, drop the steering column, drill the steering lock assembly right where the lock tab springs out (that thing you are trying to get to retract with the stiff wire.) If you do not have the new tumbler in your hand, go buy one. Your 92 does not have EWS so you can buy a tumbler with key without having to order it from Germany, so you can get one from alloembmwparts.com or any other aftermarket place (if you don't mind having 2 keys.) If you think you are in over your head, have the car towed. This really is a pain in the butt if you can't get the tumbler out. Seriously. I know what I am doing and it still takes hours to remove the lock assembly, especially if you have to resort to removing the steering column whole and cutting it off on the bench. Also, remember if you have to pull the wheel to follow the procedures or risk ruining your airbag clock spring or worse, setting the damn thing off in your face.
