BMW 3 Series e36 ignition problems-key spinning or won't turn

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  • Опубліковано 26 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 164

  • @SlowishE36M3
    @SlowishE36M3 Рік тому +5

    Hmm 10 years later and still this video helps people. Thanks man completely solved my problem. Another M3 back on the road!

  • @WhoisTheRon
    @WhoisTheRon 7 років тому +55

    this is the weirdest episode of Bob's Burgers I've ever seen

  • @thomasmurphy3570
    @thomasmurphy3570 Рік тому +4

    This video has saved me twice in the past 6 years and I've shared it with several friends. Gotta love BMW's lol, but for real thanks for sharing this. I can't imagine how many people this has saved from being stranded and/or saved a potentially big diagnosis and repair bill.

  • @IDJMK
    @IDJMK 5 років тому +2

    Fixed in 20 minutes with basic tools, then washed it and promptly took it for a 100 mile road trip. Thanks for the concise info.

  • @jamesgarner6859
    @jamesgarner6859 9 років тому +1

    Fantastic...saved me a tidy sum by not having a Mechanic call out to fix it and it only took me 5 minutes.This is also the same fix for British released right hand drive E36 BMW. HAPPY :)

  • @andyrcampbell
    @andyrcampbell 10 років тому

    Your a genius !!! I had to get a tow back home yesterday - not looking forward to getting BMW replacements for this lock as I saw a BIG bill coming. After this video and ten minutes it working fine again. Oiled it up and now expecting another 20 years before it happens again. Thankyou

    • @MasteringHow-To
      @MasteringHow-To 10 років тому

      Did it happen again? Or is it still working greAt now?

  • @peteryoung6832
    @peteryoung6832 9 років тому +8

    Thanks, I was unable to turn off my BMW due to a stuck ignition switch on a 96- 328IS just like your problem. It works now.

    • @vanwilhelm613
      @vanwilhelm613 5 років тому

      I just had the same exact thing happen in my 96 328is lol ironic

  • @axdal90dk420
    @axdal90dk420 7 років тому +1

    you solved my problem with the spinning key, i couldnt turn my BMW off after i got back home from work.
    Thank you took about 10 min to fix

  • @orionkresse9376
    @orionkresse9376 7 років тому +2

    Literally I need to personally thank you!!! I had to drill out one of the ignition coil screws but the second I turned the metal going into coil to the off position and it clicked inwards. I turned the coil to the off position too and everything is now working great!! Thank you so much!! One more BMW on the road

  • @ruphus1955
    @ruphus1955 11 років тому +1

    Clark, I also have a 1998 323 IS so I was glad when I found your video. Today I installed a new tumbler in my car. The same tumbler that the dealer quoted me 585.00 to install (labor only). Thanks for your response about having the switches off for reassembly. I was stuck there. It's all good now.

  • @kristophercole
    @kristophercole 10 років тому

    I have a 94 bmw 318i . I losy my key and have been crap out of luck . well this got my car running again ., Thank you so much man for real . You saved my life .

  • @haribolhari4071
    @haribolhari4071 7 років тому

    I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM...WAS GOING TO SCRAP MY CAR...BUT YOUR VIDEO SAVED MY CAR. THANK YOU..OMG...THANK YOU

  • @ETCWM
    @ETCWM 4 роки тому +2

    Just so you know this video really helped me I was literally screaming in the car trying to figure out what the heck . u saved the day 💯

  • @72McChad
    @72McChad 10 років тому +2

    Thanks, this worked perfectly. Never thought I would find the exact same problem online. The spinning ignition really threw me off. Great vid.

  • @JamesHenrymasterbrand
    @JamesHenrymasterbrand 6 років тому +2

    Thank you for posting this, work great and solved all my problems. Saved me a ton of cash. The ignition electrical switch was stuck in the on position keeping the tumbler from resetting.

  • @ursulamusselman8176
    @ursulamusselman8176 7 років тому

    Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I watched your video. Went home and fixed my BMW. Saved a tow job and dealer wanted 6 to 8 hundred dollars. The only thing I did different, only removed the bottom cover on steering column. Great Video !!!!!

  • @dinudaniel261
    @dinudaniel261 Рік тому

    As everyone said,thank for the video man...got stuck at the gas station at 1.30 in the night,with almost no tools i managed to get it started and get home,for the 2 little screws that holds the red plug had to make a tiny screw driver out of a key ring 😅

  • @ESCPIAPT
    @ESCPIAPT 5 років тому +1

    Thank you very much for your video. I watch and tried to follow a whole bunch of other videos, including trying to remove the tumbler. You saved me tons of time. It works great now for my 96 M3. Thanks again man!!!

  • @federicogonzalez2704
    @federicogonzalez2704 10 років тому

    Thanks Clark I live in México and with your videa I was able to solve a similar problem with my 328i (1998), you saved me a lot of money and time, you are amazing.

  • @kacasio1
    @kacasio1 10 років тому +1

    Hey man thanks so much!
    My brother and I just had this problem from a an e36 we bought today, and were in Germany.... So you are a life saver thank you so much.
    Also the screws are recessed on our car, and you may have trouble finding them. Bit they're there and its just a flat head.

  • @ironmonkey168
    @ironmonkey168 3 роки тому

    Clark - You are super awesome! I’m going to buy you a beer! I followed your detailed instructions including locating the screws with “red wax”, aligned the off position.... and volla, car no longer in “on” position and am able to start the car. Thank you kind sir for posting.... Cal

  • @vonvarter
    @vonvarter 10 років тому

    Same thing happens to me this morning. After watching your video the problem was rectified and fixed in ten minutes. Nice one fella!

  • @Kukimaoriwaka101
    @Kukimaoriwaka101 11 років тому

    Bro? I found this today and got cranking. Was phreaking cz got to gap down the line for a birthday I organized and it would have cost under 6hundy to get it looked at and fixed. Thnxz a lot bro. Appreciate the vid posted. Churr bro

  • @courtcamp6021
    @courtcamp6021 11 років тому

    Dude, I swear you are the MAN, I had exact same problem this fixed my problem perfectly and now car is cranking and working correctly.!!! You save me a major amount of money!!! Post more helpful videos as you figure out things!!!! Thanks a million!!

  • @brunobaptista7227
    @brunobaptista7227 5 років тому +1

    You re a master. Thank you... My Problem is solved. But You did 99% of the work.

  • @gmwilsonuk
    @gmwilsonuk 9 років тому

    Absolutely brilliant video mate. Should have watched it sooner, would of saved myself £40. Just fixed my E36 ignition after seeing this!

  • @timwelsh2940
    @timwelsh2940 9 років тому

    Mate you are a life saver and a money save easy steps to follow I was able to do it on the side of the road absolute champion

  • @clarknielson6671
    @clarknielson6671  11 років тому +2

    The "white switch" is the actual ignition switch (in the red housing). The "metal switch" protrudes from the tumbler/ignition housing and is what turns the white switch. Make sure they are both in the off position (and that the key is in the off position) before reassembling. Hope that helps!

  • @2chonz
    @2chonz 10 років тому +1

    OMG you are a champ!!! saved myself 600 bux thanks to your video, thank you!!!!

  • @mxxmikexx1
    @mxxmikexx1 9 років тому

    live saver today! my switch has been acting up for years with the key just spinning. today i started it and it wouldnt shut off. followed your video and got it working for now. I just ordered a new switch anyway because im sure this problem will pop up again if not addressed now.

  • @bencoles4825
    @bencoles4825 4 роки тому

    I hope your life is filled with joy and you have a long happy life, thanking you bloody!

  • @Waldvogel45
    @Waldvogel45 10 років тому

    Thanks AGAIN ! the first time lasted many months , but with more free play and spin: I tried my emergency plastic key which worked perfectly first time.Conclusion ??? the real problem is that the keys wear , and become too thin which results in spin and jamming of the mechanical aspect. Answer ? New metal key into which you must slot / glue/ tape the transponder chip which is inside the old key; see UA-cam on this.PS doorlocks all now work perfectly too. Thanks for guiding me to the end solution, and saving heaps of cash.

    • @clarknielson6671
      @clarknielson6671  10 років тому

      I had two keys-one new than the other-and it happened with both. I imagine that having a locksmith make you a new key could help though.

  • @thaoneucant4get
    @thaoneucant4get 10 років тому

    Thanks man this saved my evening. It locked up on me and I couldn't turn my car off even if I took the key out and. This was a great help man!

  • @denisbalakin3380
    @denisbalakin3380 8 років тому +1

    dude, u just saved me some $$ and time, I was already watching videos on how to remove and replace tumbler and such, but had hard time doing it, then saw ur video and thought maybe this guy's nows the trick, sure did!! good job champ

  • @davegee2003
    @davegee2003 4 роки тому

    Thank you brother you saved me alot of money with my ignition switch I followed your video and it worked had the same problem with the switch

  • @nimrodron5768
    @nimrodron5768 10 років тому +2

    Thank you very much for uploading the video and for the explanation! had this exact problem, I followed your steps and fix it, like Jeffrey Cannon comment i removed only the button steering column cover

  • @DMCIchig0
    @DMCIchig0 8 років тому

    Awesome video man, helped me a bunch! Typically this happened the day i needed to move from Denmark to the Faroe Islands! Stress to the max. Thanks again :)

  • @nigellangford1965
    @nigellangford1965 8 років тому

    Excellent information and I've done mine myself and saved hundreds of £££££££'s thanx mate

  • @Waldvogel45
    @Waldvogel45 10 років тому

    Thanks so much; you should have a medal for service to humanity; you saved a garage bill which would be / nay will be the cost of a romantic week end, in 15 minutes work.I owe you.

  • @ogirnoeld2011
    @ogirnoeld2011 8 років тому

    man you just saved me over USD400. Thank you a million .

  • @badabingit8629
    @badabingit8629 9 років тому

    This video helped med last summer, when I was stuck outside a store, and the key would only spin in the ignition.. Found this video, and could drive home after starting my car with a screwdriver.. hehe, thanks :-)

  • @vee12power
    @vee12power 10 років тому

    i had to play around a little to get the position slightly right on metal ignition rod that goes into the orange barrel . Good video !

  • @jaseberry6311
    @jaseberry6311 6 років тому

    Thanks heaps for filming this Clark! Literally saved us $300

  • @frandresco
    @frandresco 9 років тому

    thanks for the vid it solved the problem of not being able to turn of my 98 M3

  • @AntónioFerreiraTony-v1o
    @AntónioFerreiraTony-v1o Рік тому

    Thank jou so much for this video man 🙏 jou save my day and money i have the same problem whit my bmw e 36 and now the problem is fixed💪

  • @kennethhoneycutt1160
    @kennethhoneycutt1160 4 роки тому

    Hey Clark great video saved me some money i didn't have. Thanks

  • @nicksilvacastro
    @nicksilvacastro 11 років тому

    Dude! You save me $500.00 + i checked my lock like you say on the video and BINGO! That was my problem, thank you so much.

  • @bobbyb7672
    @bobbyb7672 5 років тому

    Thanks man! My friend's car was just stuck on. This worked for me.

  • @numba_won
    @numba_won 7 років тому +6

    THANKS this shiz happened when i was at work delivering pizzas so i had to go home and fix it so i could work tomorrow and this fixed mine very easy

  • @charlesd99
    @charlesd99 8 років тому

    You just saved my automatic 1998 328i, thank you!

  • @juniorrat17
    @juniorrat17 3 роки тому

    When I turn the key I have to hold it in the start position for it to continuing running, is this my problem? Any suggestions 🙏🙏😞 lmk thx

  • @cannon21121
    @cannon21121 10 років тому +2

    Great work! Also worked for me on a '98 M Roadster E36/7. Same occurred when running some errands, turned the key to off and it kept spinning, engine stayed on. Went home, backed into the garage, put it in 5th gear and killed the engine. Disconnected the battery and went in search of an answer. Here it was. A couple comments. I did not have to remove the top steering column cover, just the bottom. In the video, it notes to be sure both the white plastic and metal male/female switch are in the zero or off position (red terminal). Note to dyslexics, turn the metal male clockwise (right) gently until it stops. The white female part counterclockwise (left) very gently (with flathead screwdriver), seemed two clicks lined them up. Question: is this a short term fix needing a tumbler replacement?

    • @clarknielson6671
      @clarknielson6671  10 років тому

      I've had it happen once more in the last year, so it isn't necessarily a complete fix, but it's gotten me by. Thanks for your clarifying comments!

  • @makkennedy4900
    @makkennedy4900 7 років тому

    A bro thanks your video was the only one that help me out soon as I did what u did my BMW was back dipping....... ole u☝🏿 one

  • @MrReeseisawesome
    @MrReeseisawesome 7 років тому

    Holy shit man you are the best hahah this was the solution to my problem definitely and was super easy. Also I found you dont have to take the top part of the steering wheel cover off

  • @gabrielgonzalez-wc2wo
    @gabrielgonzalez-wc2wo 3 роки тому

    Thank you soooooo mutch I was about to spend 500 on a whole stearing column with ignition wow thanks you so much for the help

  • @jasonrhodes6883
    @jasonrhodes6883 10 років тому

    Awesome video Clark - sorted my problem out and the key works fine now - BUT....for some reason, the key won't start the car?? It goes to position 2, the dash all lights up but then, turn for start - nothing??
    Before looking on the net for assistance with the problem, I had assumed the ignition barrel to have collapsed - I had a spare barrel from a 1990 E36 which I had dismantled a while back. Installed this barrel into the wiring loom and that had the same problem - ignition lights but no 'start'.
    I have tried turning the key to 'igniton on' and then bridging the terminals on the starter - that makes it turn over but engine still won't fire??!!
    I have now removed the vehicles battery and will leave it overnight to see if I have perhaps confused the car's anti-theft mechanism by swapping ignition barrel/ wiring??
    Hopefully, all will be fixed in the morning. Just thought I'd e-mail you to see if you had any other thoughts?? Cheers...'j.

  • @MetalArrow
    @MetalArrow Рік тому

    I stared mine, but the steering lock won't disable. 😢 Any advice?

  • @Minimotorhub
    @Minimotorhub 3 місяці тому

    I fixed it but keeps on happening, what is the problem, the red housing or the metal cylinder?

  • @slim7slim
    @slim7slim 3 роки тому

    You absolute legend! Saved me a fortune!!!!

  • @alensimon4167
    @alensimon4167 4 роки тому

    It worked on my 1998 E36 M3!!! I did exactly what you described and I got take off again :). What would I've done without you guys? Thanks a lot!!!!

  • @bmw3-er
    @bmw3-er 4 роки тому

    You saved my old bimmer thanks

  • @paulmartin8741
    @paulmartin8741 3 роки тому

    You saved a life today.

  • @Pdxfxds
    @Pdxfxds 5 років тому

    Do you think this would work for the opposite problem. Key not turning it over?

  • @noramira5425
    @noramira5425 3 роки тому

    What size is Allen key for the 2 screws?

  • @stephanco.5252
    @stephanco.5252 Рік тому

    So my ignition switch isn’t cranking the engine, could it be the actual switch or something else?

  • @ruphus1955
    @ruphus1955 11 років тому

    Clark, your video was very helpful. Thank you so much! Can you tell me which "white and metal" switches the video is referring to when the graphic on the screen reads to make sure they are switched off? Thanks again, you saved me some serious cash

  • @CrossfireVersace69
    @CrossfireVersace69 8 років тому

    Duuuude! Totally fixed it! Champion!

  • @TheBenjick
    @TheBenjick 5 років тому

    Thank you!!! You saved me alot of time and money. *super liked*

  • @annvlahadamis9497
    @annvlahadamis9497 6 років тому

    Thanks for the video-fixed my problem exactly

  • @lennex04
    @lennex04 9 років тому

    wow! finally i get to drive again. thanks to this video. thank you man. got me up and running again. question doe, what part do u think made that happen. i wouldnt want this to happen again thats why

    • @brandongossman5349
      @brandongossman5349 9 років тому

      hey I've been searching for a fix and the common part in this whole matrix seems to be the: ignition tumbler. That may be the answer to your question.

  • @clarknielson6671
    @clarknielson6671  11 років тому

    Good to hear! I'm glad this has helped a few people.

  • @uptownphotography
    @uptownphotography 10 років тому

    I have a 1989 535i..The key turns 3/4 but not enough to engage starter...All dash lights come on, but again i can't turn the key the last 1/4 inch to engage starter....Do you know if my older model has that red switch where I can start the car in the same way.Nice video,,,,,Thanks. Philip

  • @Xis_coupex
    @Xis_coupex 8 місяців тому

    Just happened to mine but it didnt seem to work? Now my steering lock is on and i cant get it off?

  • @lyalung
    @lyalung 11 років тому

    Whats the "metal switch" called that protrudes from the tumbler/ignition housing? Mine is wrecked as if someone viciously needle nosed it or hammered it from the sides.

  • @bobvansand6346
    @bobvansand6346 6 років тому

    It worked thanks mate! Big thanks! Bob the belgian🇧🇪😎👊

  • @AdrianCronin5
    @AdrianCronin5 10 років тому +1

    Thank you very much Clark, works perfectly now :-)

  • @ibraheemkhaled1498
    @ibraheemkhaled1498 11 років тому

    Really thanks for everything...
    everything worked but when i wanted to use the car, the gear stuck!!
    did it happen with you?, do you know whats the solution?

  • @johnnygraham7755
    @johnnygraham7755 9 років тому

    there's a brown loose wire on the left side of the ignition switch. where does that wire go?

  • @pietjetuig
    @pietjetuig 9 років тому

    thanks for the video its done my car is driveble again thanks again your the best

  • @topazatias2741
    @topazatias2741 7 років тому

    hello, i have the same problem, thia is temporary solution or not? why is this happening?

  • @TheSlimshadyrocks
    @TheSlimshadyrocks 3 роки тому

    Same problem as everybody else except mine won't start now when I go to start it it's been sitting a while and just now found the solution everything else turns on and when I go to start it I don't hear much from under the hood except for besides maybe a click

  • @clarknielson6671
    @clarknielson6671  11 років тому

    What do you mean by "the gear stuck"? Is it an automatic? If so, I have a manual, so I'm not sure.

  • @markwilliam531
    @markwilliam531 7 років тому

    Cheers man. Helped me out a bunch.

  • @stepanovps
    @stepanovps 8 років тому

    Thanks a lot for the video! This exact issue happens to me again and again. The key is out but car keeps working. I shut it down, remove ignition switch and turn the ignition shaft back CCW with pliers. It's getting old. Anyone knows what specific part do I have to change? Ignition switch, ignition shaft or lock cylinder? Thanks in advance.

  • @HiMyNamesKen1
    @HiMyNamesKen1 7 років тому

    Hey what kind of tools did u use to take off those 2 red screws? Can't seem to get mine

    • @clarknielson6671
      @clarknielson6671  7 років тому

      A small flat heat screwdriver was all. There may be some wax covering the screws that you can scrape away

  • @MegaMarcelino1
    @MegaMarcelino1 9 років тому

    thanks man ! i had the same problem and i did it like in your video .

  • @jaimehuicochea8017
    @jaimehuicochea8017 5 років тому

    You just saved my life brotha

  • @Thorgal85
    @Thorgal85 10 років тому

    when you used the pliyer to turn back the male switch, was your key still in the ignition? thx

    • @clarknielson6671
      @clarknielson6671  10 років тому

      I don't think it was. You have to pull it away from the steering column a little bit while you turn it. It is spring loaded.

  • @mrzeppelin4life
    @mrzeppelin4life 9 років тому +4

    Bro, I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!

    • @Jkyle1964
      @Jkyle1964 9 років тому

      My 1995 318si had the spinning key/tumbler problem, so i tried bypassing it with the ignition switch, then started it with a screwdriver by turning the ignition switch every-time, and it worked fine for a few months,then one day the ignition switch bypass, it quit starting it, so i then just assumed it must be the ignition switch cause i got nothing, when turning it with screwdriver,so i then bought a new switch, and hooked it all up, and it now it at least cranks but wont start, It's turning over but sounds like it's not getting no gas or not firing not sure! all's i do know is it won't start :cry: any help?
      Then on my 94 I love it, its a BMW 325is V6 manual, and check this out one day it just all of a sudden quit cranking, like a bad starter or something, but it never gave me any indication it was going out!!! I will say this something i think about that i did, right before it quit working, I was doing some work on my trunk lid and had the trunk key switch messing it with it, and the automatic opening or something, then right after that is when it wouldn't even crank, when i say crank, it wont turn the motor over at all!! Was it something i did working on the trunkkey area??? just after that i turn the key and nothing??? luckily its a manual i just try to always park on a incline of some sort, to roll start it, but lord that can be trouble, and i drive a BMW and roll starting it is kinda embarrassing :tsk: Could that be the ignition switch as well??? Please if theirs anyone that can help!!! I would be ohso thankful!!! Thanks Kyle

    • @kristoferparv9266
      @kristoferparv9266 9 років тому +1

      John Kyle lol, bmw has never made a v6 engine, i think you meant straight 6

  • @Hedley4567
    @Hedley4567 10 років тому

    Wish I'd seen your vid sooner my key was actually stuck and managed to get it out but it was stuck as yours was but I smashed mine to bits instead and need a whole new ignition 😫

  • @briancook7645
    @briancook7645 8 років тому

    i was wondering, Im thinking of buying a 97 bmw from someone. and its having ignition issues. when you took the red thing off.and said you can start it with a screwdriver or something, is that safe? hows that work? i just want to drive the car to my house (assuming I buy it) and then I can get it all fixed.

    • @clarknielson6671
      @clarknielson6671  8 років тому

      You will need the key in the ignition as well to start it because there is a chip in the key, and I think you may need to have it in the on position to prevent the wheel from locking (I think it is possible to drill out the lock but I haven't done that). I don't think there would be any problem turning the ignition switch with a screwdriver though.

  • @dsquadomar
    @dsquadomar 8 років тому +1

    I basically did everything as shown in the video and it turned on but the ignition stayed locked again :( please help?

    • @unittwelve6012
      @unittwelve6012 6 років тому

      Omar Amaya A plastic pin located inside steering column is likely broken. This guy was lucky his plastic pin which goes into switch didn't have a broken pin. The pin inside column can't be fixed without changing entire steering column.

    • @unittwelve6012
      @unittwelve6012 6 років тому

      ua-cam.com/video/ijYNAPh1kzk/v-deo.html

  • @Carapitex
    @Carapitex 4 роки тому

    Bless you my friend! God fortune to you!

  • @LTDixon-gq5gg
    @LTDixon-gq5gg 10 років тому

    how do you change that ignition switch

  • @martinsslavitis6858
    @martinsslavitis6858 10 років тому

    Thank You! Worked perfectly!!

  • @brandoncuin7342
    @brandoncuin7342 10 років тому

    How do u take off the 2ignition switch screws???

  • @MasteringHow-To
    @MasteringHow-To 10 років тому

    How long before this happened again?

    • @clarknielson6671
      @clarknielson6671  10 років тому

      If you always remember to push the key into the ignition (towards the steering column) as you push it then it isn't likely to happen again, but if you forget then it could happen again. It was about a year before the problem happened for me again, and it was when someone else was starting the car, and they didn't know to push the key into the ignition while starting it.

    • @Thorgal85
      @Thorgal85 10 років тому +1

      Clark Nielson
      almost true :p I also used the "push-in-trick", but only to start the car. Never happened when I wanted to start the car. Untill a few weeks ago :p So pushing in the key might help, but not 100% ;-)

  • @shmok3y
    @shmok3y Рік тому

    Ive noticed that this usally happens when youre parking on a slope or at an angle

  • @StoneyMeadows
    @StoneyMeadows 6 років тому

    Honestly, thank you so much bro!

  • @BMWe-oz9wk
    @BMWe-oz9wk 7 років тому

    Thanks for the video bro, helped me out so much! You're the fucking G.O.A.T