1998 BMW 740 ignition/stearing column

Tiny
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  • 1998 BMW 740
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
The key turned and it started but the steering would not unlock so I shut it off and tried again and now my key will turn to the accessory setting but no further it will not turn to the ignition/start position. If I dont hold it in that position the key turns back to the off position on its own. I am able to move the shifter if I hold the key forword but the steering remains locked. I locked and unlocked the car thinking it may be the factory alarm no luck. Also it is below freezing here lately. Any advice would be nice.
Friday, December 11th, 2009 AT 1:45 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 9,603 POSTS
The steering lock sounds broken and may well require replacement. Do you have a BMW tech on hand?
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Saturday, December 12th, 2009 AT 9:47 AM
Tiny
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No tach hear I live on an island closest BMW dealership is abour 75 miles. I spoke to a tech he said I have to chisle the rivets of the igntion switch and replace it.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 AT 9:53 PM
Tiny
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Keep in touch with them, they seem to know what to do.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2009 AT 9:54 AM
Tiny
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Ok I have the new ignition interlock. The part where the ket goes. I was told at the dealership to push a pin in the hole next to the key slot and the assembly would come out. I have not been able to get it out. Is there a trick or a step I need. Maybe I need to twist and pull or something. Im getting close here. Please help.
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 AT 11:32 PM
Tiny
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32 3 110 is the tool part number. It is a piece of stiff wire about 50-60mm long, with a handle, so you can turn it, with a slight kink in the last 10mm of its length. The idea is to insert this tool in the little pinhole when the key is turned about 90 ° and then turn the tool to retract the "tooth" that sticks out to hold the lock cylinder in. When you do it right, it comes out a lot quicker than the time it took me to type this.
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 AT 11:48 PM

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