Key wouldn't come out - United Bimmer Community

**CAPiTUL** · 04-27-2006, 04:30 PM

So I'm shutting my car off. Go to take the key out and the key wouldn't turn back into the lock position all the way so I could get it out. It kind of froze. Turned it back fwd to start the car, then tried shutting it off again. Same thing. After 2 tries the key finally came out. What ya think?

**Cellardoor** · 04-27-2006, 04:35 PM

was the wheel cut really hard to one direction? because i know sometimes if the wheel is cut hard to eather side it locks the wheel and the key wont turn all they way, could b the same problem, if it happens again try to turn the wheel more straight and try the key again. Good luck.

-Hutch-

**xsperf** · 04-27-2006, 07:33 PM

sounds like it was a bit sticky, maybe some WD40 on the key and insert in in there?(dont take my word for it)

**CAPiTUL** · 04-27-2006, 07:42 PM

I'll try the wd40 for good measure. actually, the steering column wasn't locked. it was turned slightly. . . only slightly. . . it was weird, i say.

Storamin · 04-28-2006, 10:04 AM

There's something in there that just lets go after time. A lot of people on bimmerforums have had the problem but their key normally won't even move enough to turn the key off.

**CAPiTUL** · 04-28-2006, 10:57 PM

well then, I suppose I'll ask this question:

Sometimes, as I'm going to start the car, the key turns and keeps turning. It usually takes me by surprise. I think it does it when the key isn't in quite all the way, but i'm not sure as every time it happens it takes me by surprise and I am usually in a rush (so, I never think of stopping to see where the key is positioned). Is that normal?????????

Storamin · 04-29-2006, 07:19 AM

I would say search bimmerforums. There were a few people with that problem. I think it's the lock cyllinder that needs to be replaced?

**Antiburn** · 04-30-2006, 06:25 PM

From you saying that your key turns all the way around sometimes thats an obivious giv away that your lock cylinder needs to be replaced.
I actually just ran into the same problem as yours at work on fri. Cust. stats they sometimes cant get the key out of the ignition.
It ended up being a bunch of spilt change in the gear shifter (this car was a E46 with an auto) and the car wasnt going fully into park.

**BMWLotAttendant** · 04-30-2006, 07:05 PM

Put the car in park.

Twist the key.

Remove key.

**94bmw325i** · 04-30-2006, 07:20 PM

yeah the lock cylinder seems to be a common issue my mechanic was telling me. Mine was starting to go a while ago, and was super stiff, but if I didn't replace it, it would have just spun around in circles.

Storamin · 04-30-2006, 09:22 PM

So my assumption looks to be correct.

**kestrel325is** · 05-01-2006, 01:23 PM

Just posted this on another topic, but how worn is your key?
My Fiance's car started doing the same thing, but her key was totally worn. Used the spare key, and it works perfectly. Somewhat of a cheaper fix, too.

**CAPiTUL** · 05-01-2006, 06:10 PM

I'll try using the spare and see if it ever happens. If so, then I'll look into the cylinder. Thanks gang.