Thanks for the vid! I replaced my ignition switch this week and now my electrical drain, errant seat belt lights, intermittent radio and seat warmer issues are all gone!

One of the most clear how-to's Ive ever watched 👍 helped a ton

This video, in conjunction with this one ( BMW Key Problem (Spinning Ignition) - MillerTimeBMW - DIY 5 ) shows exactly how to remove the key cylinder lock, if it doesn't spin. Thanks for posting!

i started having the same type of problems on my Bimmer 525 i/03, issues with the radio, steering wheel remote control for my radio, for my Phone, issues with the cruise control, etc...so, i decided to change the ignition switch following this recommendations posted here on that video, which are very clear and helpful, and everything worked out perfectly, i saved a decent amount of money the dealership was going to charge ( $230 ), so i only pay $70 for the device and that's it nice video tks.

2000 e39 I was able to remove the switch without removing the rear T30 by flexing that clip quite a bit, i was shocked at how easy the replacement went back into place. The little red screws only go into notches in the plastic and should only be removed about 3mm... go to far and pay a heavy price getting them back in!!!! I also had an odd block of rubber which was held in with the front T30, if your has it watch out as it caused me half of the time putting it back together. On the separation of the bottom clip to the leather mine had 5 rivets holding it, 2 on each side and 3 on the bottom, i used some of the interior tools i got from HF to get it loose then it almost fell out. VERY nice video!!!! and a great help.

Thanks for doing this, made it much easier than figuring it out on my own. I just replaced mine due to intermittent no start issue. Hopefully this was the problem, so far so good.

Thanks, the old man has a battery drain and was struggling. This saved us a headache! Ironically I was waiting for the new switch and removed out the old one before putting it back in. Checked drain with alarm on and have 0.05amp or 50mA. Maybe my Dad’s old switch was on its way out. New switch arrived and about to remove the old one. Also removed the radio switch which was also draining even though I have an aftermarket head unit fitted.

Nice video, Colt! Looking forward to many more!

great video and superb lighting. I will tackle this job over the weekend, assuming the parts come in on time.

Thanks for this video guys. My e39 540ia is stuck with the switch "on" so I think I need to replace just the switch not the tumbler. Thankfully it looks like a pretty straight forward job to complete!

The first time I got the trim off it was so tight, had to pry it off one area at a time on both sides whilst really pushing in and apart, but after that it feels really easy to get on and off again.

Thanks super helpful .... my 2000 BMW 528i was doing ignition roulette on me..... I am hoping this fixes the problem.... 19 later is it time to replace the ignition switch either way.

Black dash !! good for you and nice video

Great tips for fitting-thanks I fit my new one but the starter will not turn-the ignition works ok,everything comes on as it should but will not turn over Any advice on that?

Hey Ryan can you do another review on your m5 seeing how it changed so much?? thanks.

That was my original thought to wiggle the locked steering wheel but no success. I found a mod that I could drill under the ignition to remove a screw that releases the steering locking pin and it was very successful but the issue of the key being unable to turn is still an issue

As a side question I do I go about removing my car out of park and into neutral just in case I need to tow it?

I'm having a similar issue as VideoKunce. My ignition is stuck in the 'ON' position as well, but the key can be inserted/removed and the car will run when pop started (thank heavens for 540i/6). When I remove the switch, do I need to reorient the new on to the same 'ON' position again?

Great video. Thanks for the upload. Out of curiosity, what symptoms or problems were you experiencing that caused you to identify it as an ignition switch fault? Cheers.

@jason.arthur.taylor

4 жыл бұрын

current drain.

I've tried both my keys the valet and the main key. The car worked perfectly until I try to leave work and the key would not turn. It feels that something is binding it. If I take out the ignition switch and turn the switch with a screwdriver it should run so I can drive it home or do you think that the rod that comes into the ignition switch is stuck and if I turn it with pliers it might work. What do you think?

@E39Source

7 жыл бұрын

Colton made this video for us years ago. I personally have experience with the ignition switch. I would consult an independent shop for further troubleshooting. Using a screwdriver or pliers sounds like a bad idea to me. Make sure you wiggle the steering wheel while trying to turn the key, it could be locked up on that.

I have a 97 540i or e39. I have found that tapping the steering column where the ignition switch is fixes this problem at least is a temporary fix. It seems that there is a contact issue before buying a new one and this tapping works I suggest using contact cleaner and re-seating the the switch. I have just gave it a tap until the steering lights come on in-which all other functions work especially the horn, radio volume, and changing stations work as well. Please let me know if just cleaning works and I will do the same.

Hey I have issue. My car won't do anything after put key on position 1,2 ,3 nothing happen. but my dash and odometer is on even i remove the key. Do you think that is bad ignition switch? thank you

@E39Source

6 жыл бұрын

That definitely sounds like it could be a bad ignition switch.

I have a e39 540 1996. The cruise control will only work sometimes, my central locking wont be programed and the fuel consumption goes to Max as soon as I press the gas. Sometimes ny car wont start when i turn the key, and then when i turn it again it starts. could this be the issue? I have checked every fuse and wires look good to Everything. Thank you - Frederik

@E39Source

6 ай бұрын

This could be an ignition, though you could have other module/component issues as well. I'd need to see the car in my shop to diagnose exactly what is wrong.

Good morning. I have a start sequence problem on my BMW E46. On stage 1, all the lights on the dashboard light up as if we were in stage 2. And in stage 2 it remains the same. Then in step 3 it starts normally. So, I would like to fix the problem from step 1 and step 2. If you have any idea. Thanks in advance.

@E39Source

2 жыл бұрын

This sounds like an ignition switch to me!

I currently have this problem on my e90 335i. But my problem is that I don't have a turn key ignition switch but the key fob docking kind. Will replacing it help with my problem as well?

@BobbyOHearn

9 жыл бұрын

+Erik Alvarez It may. I don't know a lot about the E90's electronics.

@erikalvarez4516

9 жыл бұрын

Ok thanks, Ima give it a shot.

I have an E39 530I manual transmission. Car won't start when I depress the clutch, no clicking, turning, nothing. Sometimes when I play around with it, it will start. Replaced the Neutral switch did not fix the problem. Ignition switch, maybe?

@E39Source

5 жыл бұрын

That sounds like a clutch switch to me. I would try coding it out altogether, or just jump the pins on the connector if you don't have access to the software to disable it altogether. Google around for more info.

My key goes in fine but won't turn could the ignition switch be the issue?

@E39Source

7 жыл бұрын

It could certainly be the ignition switch- but also the key. As these keys get this old, they get duller and don't depress the tumblers as they should. Try another key, or examine your key to see if the edges look worn down.

I have a question will the ignition switch going out make the car not want to start at times?

@E39Source

4 жыл бұрын

Yes

@brandonbusby8382

4 жыл бұрын

@@E39Source awesomesauce sounds like I'm ordering that part now! Thanks. I've had some trouble with the key fob and now the ignition. Lol. It wouldn't engage the starter randomly one day so I replaced the starter. That didn't work. So I replaced the battery in my remote and she fired up😁😁 but now it's acting funny again and not wanting to engage the starter

@E39Source

4 жыл бұрын

@@brandonbusby8382 I hope this fixes your problem!

@brandonbusby8382

4 жыл бұрын

@@E39Source thanks! I hope so too. I don't think I could survive another couple months without my beammer lol

@brandonbusby8382

4 жыл бұрын

@@E39Source put the new one in. We will see if it acts up again lol

My 1999 e39 won't start no crank litteraly nothing no sounds, lights anybody have any idea what it may be on this car the battery is new and charged connections all good as well

@Juul380

3 жыл бұрын

Did you fix this problem? I got the same :(

does new one need to be programed?

@E39Source

2 жыл бұрын

No