1979 308 key blocks going to start position

If the 308 has a steering wheel lock try wiggling the wheel.Sorry if you already tried that-it is so obvious it is easy to forget.

 

You may have a cracked pot metal barrel in you ignition switch or in the contact block.
Post a close photo of the front of the ignition switch.
Hopefully, it is the steering wheel lock.

 

It sounds like the electrical portion of the ignition switch has gone bad. It is held to the back of the ignition lock with two screws. Unscrew it and remove it from the lock. You should be able to insert a screwdriver in the front of the switch and turn the ignition on. If the switch will turn to the crank position and start the car, then it is bad.

The switch is the same as a vintage BMW 2002. BMW 61312682120

This is the cheapest one I could find in a short search:
https://parts.bmwnorthwest.com/p/Bmw__1602/Switch/43695250/61312682120.html?srsltid=AfmBOor-uBts0zDofkmaI8qb0orTkbOCN7yIoQzrSUTfObLPTbJUggDK

 

that part has a lot of variants I was surprised It would be great to go back in time and get a few from a wrecking yard back in the day.


BMW 1602 Manual Sedan 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971
BMW 2002 Automatic Sedan 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976
BMW 2002 Manual Sedan 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976
BMW 2002tii Manual Sedan 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975
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