Ignition Switch/Steering Column Lock — Removal and Installation (BMW 3 Series E46)

Steering column lock

1. To replace the lock, you need to disassemble the steering column. This work requires special tools, so it is better to do it at a specialized service station.

Lock cylinder

Removal

2. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see chapter 5A). Insert the ignition key and unlock the steering column.

3. Loosen the central screw of the steering column upper trim retainer and remove it together with the plastic insert. Press the edges of the upper part of the steering column trim (Fig. 19.3) and remove the trim.



4. Push in the central pins of the two lower steering column trim retainers and remove the trim (Fig. 19.4).



5. Disconnect the wiring connector, then use two screwdrivers to carefully remove the transponder ring from the top of the ignition switch (Fig. 19.5).





6. Press the lock and disconnect the locking cable (if it is installed) from the ignition switch (Fig. 19.6).



7. Turn the ignition key to position (I), then insert a suitable sized pin into the hole in the lock cylinder. Press the cylinder stopper and remove the cylinder (fig. 19.7, a, b).

Installation

8. Install the cylinder as described in step 7, then insert it into place until it clicks.

Ignition switch contact block

9. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see chapter 5A).

10. Loosen the central screw of the upper steering column trim retainer and remove it together with the plastic insert. Press the edges of the upper part of the steering column trim together (see fig. 19.3) and remove the trim.

11. Push in the center pins of the two lower steering column trim retainers and remove the trim (see fig. 19.4).

12. Disconnect the wiring connector from the switch, then remove the two headless screws and remove the contact block from the lock (fig. 19.12).

Installation

13. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal, taking into account the following notes.

• a) Apply a little varnish to headless screws before installing them.
• b) Before installing the steering column trim, connect the battery and check the operation of the ignition switch.