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Starting - Ignition Key Will Not Turn From OFF Position

84bmw03

Group 32 Steering & wheel Axle Alignment
Bulletin Number 32-02-84 (834) Page 1 of 3
Montvale, N.J. September, 1984 Technical Dept.
SUBJECT: Steering Wheel Lock Assembly

MODEL: 318i (E30)


A complaint of "ignition key will not turn from the OFF position" or "steering wheel will not unlock upon inserting the key" may be received on some vehicles, particularly during higher ambient air temperatures.

These conditions may be caused by either:
1. Ignition Lock Tumblers or
2. Steering Lock Assembly
Procedure

1. Remove the ignition lock/steering lock assembly (see Repair Manual for detailed instructions).

2. Remove the ignition lock tumbler and check for ease of movement of the key tumblers.

a. If the key turns easily in the lock tumblers, polish the lock housing as described in attachment A. Reinstall the ignition lock tumbler into the steering lock assembly and check for ease of operation of the entire assembly. If the key is difficult to turn, replace only the steering lock assembly (attachment B).

b. If the key does not turn easily/smoothly in the lock tumblers, spray molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) lubricant (part number 81 22 9 400 720) into the tumblers and turn the key in the lock several times. If the lock then turns easily/smoothly, it can be re-installed.

If the lock still does not turn easily, replace the ignition/lock with key (part number 32 32 1 152 474).

If the key code on the new "ignition lock with key" is different than the original, the other locks on the car should be removed and taken to a local locksmith to be re-coded to match the "new ignition lock with key".
The cost of re-coding the locks will be paid under sublet on those vehicles covered by the provisions of the BMW 3-year/36,000 mile limited warranty.

Warranty Status

Defect Code: 32 32 00 29 00

Labor Operation: Removing and installing the ignition lock/steering lock assembly
Operation # 32 32 001 7 FR U

"Polishing" the ignition lock housing
Work Time 1 FR U



Attachment A: Ignition lock, modifying

The two tapered tabs on the rear of the ignition lock should be polished (not filed) with a whetstone or fine (only) emery cloth at the upper end of the taper.
Attachment B: Steering lock assembly, replacing

The steering lock assembly is available under two part numbers:
318i (produced before 9/83) 32 32 1 153 998
325e, 318i (produced 9/83 and later) 32 32 1 155 350

Both part numbers include an ignition switch/wire harness.

The only difference between the two part numbers above is the ignition switch/wire harness. Therefore, either of the two steering lock assemblies can be utilized for replacement purposes, by installing the ignition switch/wire harness from the steering lock assembly that is being replaced.