Ok, so this morning I dropped my laptop...so im really pissed...all my bmw software is now gone, everything on my laptop is gone...so next I go outside and my battery is drained....I got it charged...so I remove the ignition switch and I can turn it by hand to position 1, 2 and start the car and shut it off...great. I only need the key in to start it and then I can take the key out and it turns on and off etc until I set the alarm and then I need to put the key in for a second and presto...starts.

So my new problem....I can't move the steering wheel or take the shifter out of park....so what controls that? Is there a wire or something which controls it? I NEED HELP!!! I'LL BE FOREVER IN YOUR DEBT IF YOU KNOW!!!! :) I know in position 0 the steering wheel is locked ad in 1 it's disengaged.

Also, After I removed the ignition switch I can see a metal rod which I assume turns when the key turns...I tried turning that but it doesnt seem to want to turn and I didnt want to strip off the 3 tabs that are on it.

Also, there are 3 sets of wires in a row...do you know what they control....which is hot, igntion etc...? wiring diagram maybe? I don't remember exactly but it's lke 3 red in the middle 2 green and a yellow striped and purple color one...im frustrated I dont remember.

THANKS!!!!

What I circled in red is what I was referring to after I removed the switch with the 3 tabs that I can't turn.

Possible Ignition switch in the steering column is bad. Do a search for my DIY post. It is a simple fix. Good Luck.

Possible Ignition switch in the steering column is bad. Do a search for my DIY post. It is a simple fix. Good Luck.


I can't find it...I searched all threads started by you but I dont see anything related to this....maybe im not looking in the right place? Also, there is another ignition switch besides the one I already removed?

Not sure about the steering wheel movment...but did you press the brake before trying to move the gear shift lever?

And the ignition switch that is usually discussed as far as needing replacement when multiple electrical gremlins occur is located on the left rear side of the steering column. Here's a link to it's description and replacement write up found on e38.org: http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/244045

You can see DavidC working at getting to the ignition switch in the pic below...its the white thingy with the red & green wires running to it:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/davidc/IMG_2718.JPG

Thanks Q. I already took the ignition switch out this morning. I can start the car and turn it off but I need to figure out how to unlock the steering wheel. I believe the steering wheel mechanism is behind the steering wheel under the plate with the 2 screws that have to be chiseled out or cut a slit in them with a dremel.

My question is.....If the steering lock mechanism is removed will the steering wheel no longer be locked? I don't see what is causing the shifter to not move...Yes, stepped on the brake haha.

Also, behind the igntion switch is a metal rod with the 3 tabs...it turns when you turn the key...position 1,2,3....I think if I move that backwards it would go to position 1 or 2....but I can't move it back by hand or with pliers. I can see it move when I put the key in and turn it...but it only twitches...because the key cylinder is screwed.

My objective right now is to get the steering wheel to move and shifter to move out of park.

A bad steering lock (#1 in your picture) could cause the wheel problem. Does anyone know if it could also cause the shifter problem via the interlock cable?

That's what I was thinking also...I'll try and remove it tomorrow...but I was trying to find out if I remove the steering lock will that let the steering wheel move and will it solve the shifter problem.....hmmmm.

You could try removing the interlock cable from the steering lock and see if that allows you to move the shifter. I think it is a 13mm nut.