As title, my mate has aked me to replace his key and barrel on an E36 3 series as its getting difficult to turn. Anyone know how to get it out of the alloy casting?

 

thereis a pin on it some where like fords have

 

I thought the same but after having a look I can't see it.

 

Slidehammer......sorry i have no idea.

Steve

 

turn key to posistion 1 mate and push paper clip or similar on right hand side of key and it should release then pull it out with key mate

 

Theres a pin like Jacko said.
I had to sort my ignition barrell out on mine last summer when it went wrong.
Whats up with it?
Common fault on them is where there barrel starts to spin.
Theres a cheat you can do which involves a drill and a self tapper screw if thats the problem, it worked on mine.
Try this mate, Shows you how to take the barrell out and how to repair it if yours has the spinning barrell problem.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tETEtb5Yr_o

 

It does have the spinning barrel problem but sometimes he has to wiggle the key to make it turn so I thought a new assembly would be best, its only £40 with a key from the dealer.

 

best to do this as soon as it starts to spin as if left until it finally spins and jams in the ignition position its alot harder to sort

 

1)put the key in the ignition (do not turn key yet)
2)turn steering wheel as far to the left as you can while keeping pressure on it
3) while still holding wheel, turn ignition and viola!

either that or the button that hits the key is only being partially engaged


or try

If you need to take the barrel out, put the key in the ignition and turn to the first position, then shove a paper clip or similar bit of wire in the little hole and it will pull out.

 

what does turning the wheel do dave?

 

That video shows that Dave, thanks anyway

 

Actually, all you need to do is the following if you get stuck:

Take off the panel under the steering wheel. Underneath on the left, is a red plastic section. You will see two screw points with some red plastic/paint over them. Scrape that off. Then unscrew the screws. Once it comes off, you can start the car by turning it as long as the key is in the ignition. Job done.

 

is it just spinning? common prob, EASY WAY AROUND IT IS TO PUSH THE KEY IN BEFORE YOU TURN IT TO START

 

Welcome to 2010!

 

you know he just wants a push start button on it

but it's such a cheap fix if it's only £40