Ignition switch problem

[Guinn]

Okay, this happened to me once before , whete I insert the key everything lights up, turn the keyband nothing


I found the plastic covercaround the key slot was almost off, pushed it back in and the car started right up. Today, same pronlem but the plastic piece is properly in place. Everything was fine yesterday when I parked in for the night. I twisted, pushed, and tapped on that plastic ring to no avail. Someone here told me that you have to push in when you turn the key so it is recognized as the right key. Theft prevention lockout? Anyway, I think the whole thing is ridiculous, and Inwonder if there is a way to get rid of this ignition switch and replace it with a simple old fashioned ignition. I'm sure my " authorized bmw repair shop " will.be happy to repair or replece this one...for 5 or 600 bucks!

 

[Pond]

Sounds like your EWS (immobiliser) ring is playing up, or come adrift. There is a coil around the ignition barrel behind the outer plastic shroud with two green wires on it. This is the immobiliser so the car can't be started without the correct key in the ignition.
I don't know if anyone has deleted the EWS, but it will be complex if you wanted to. Insurance could be a problem aswell.

I have a different ignition switch now but kept the EWS (so I need two keys to start the car) as it was such a PITA to remove it.

 

[Guinn]

Thanks! iss the " good old days" when things were simpler to fix!