access to Dino ignition switch

Charlie - No, you do not have to remove any of the dash around the radio. However, you will have to remove the steering wheel and steering hub to extract the dash panel encompassing the ignition switch. To remove the wheel you will need a 3mm Allen wrench. You can remove the wheel and hub together if you have the proper ring-nut tool. In addition, you will likely need a gear puller or similar device to pull the hub off of the steering column. This necessity will depend on if and when the wheel/hub has been removed in the past. It may come off easily, or it may require some persuasion.

In the absence of the proper tools, it is difficult to remove the dash panel. I would suggest that you use a 3mm Allen wrench to remove the six screws holding the wheel to the hub. This will provide ample "head room" for you to lie down on the seat with a good light, a pair of needle nose pliers, and a brewsky. If the female spade connector is off of the ignition switch, now is the time to clean the male connector on the switch with some sandpaper and to gently "squeeze" the female connector with the needle nose to improve its grip and reduce its contact resistance. WARNING. Disconnect the battery first!

Have fun.

Jim S.

 

Maybe something here will help.
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The two wires that go into the side of the switch have nothing to do with the radio. They are for the igntion key warning buzzer.

When the key is inserted and turned, there is a switch inside that connects the two contact together, causing the buzzer to sound. When you remove the key, the contacts open. Most cars have them disconnected.

I suppose you could wire the radio through it, so you could listen to the radio with the key off, but it didn't come from the factory that way.
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Charlie, sorry, I did not understand you question. Now I understand. Motob is spot on. The two wires coming from the side (end) of the steering wheel lock next to the switch is for the key buzzer. It requires a special plug, which for most living on planet earth is long gone. Forget it. No, you could not connect your radio to it. It is simply a on/off switch that supplies ground to the buzzer. I believe it is also in series with the seat contact switch (under the driver seat) or with the seatbelt switch. It activates the buzzer when the key is removed and a body is still in the seat, or when the seat belt is unbuckled.

Jim S.

 

My buzzer wires are long gone. Ignition switch comes off with two screws. Take a look at my "Dino Saga" of 050911 for some info and pictures of where wires go. No need to take wheel off. Just be prepared to bend into funny positions. Pull a real light in with you. Flashlight is a pain in the neck. Good luck.

John

 

Charlie - John is correct in that the electrical part of the ignition switch will separate from the mechanical part with 2 slotted screws. Easy to remove, however, I believe that if you press on the female spade connectors you may not be able to have access to the screws to reinstall. Perhaps you will be able to.

By the way, the electrical contact part of the switch is a BMW 2002 (circa 1974) part. I purchased a replacement from BMW. I am sure you can find it on the web. About $100.

Jim S.

 

Charlie, Jim's right. If you need the ignition contact switch you can call Bavarian Autosport, 1-800-535-2002, and ask for their Item # 32 32 1 113 711, ignition switch. You'll get an entire 2002 assembly with keys, lock cylinder w/ the contact switch attached and the steering wheel lock mechanism, all for $125 + S&H. Such a deal! John Corbani's post "Dino Saga of 050911" was very useful to me a couple months ago. The inline diode idea to keep from burning the contact in the ignition switch is worth noting. Good luck & have fun.

Bill

 

Is it possible to replace the electrical switch component of the ignition switch - using the bmw part- without removing the whole ignition switch/lock & cylinder assembly from the steering column?

 

Yes, it is quite easy.

You must first you pour yourself into the driver footwell with your head at the throttle peddle. Now, looking up at the switch you will see (perhaps with a good flashlight and mirror) that the electrical switch part is attached to the locking mechanism by two slotted screws. You will likely need a very short, stubby, small edge screwdriver.

Simply remove the screws to extract the switch. Before pulling the wires off of the switch, mark them or create a code on a piece of paper such that you are able to get everything back correctly (or purchase my color coded schematic created for the 246). Take it to the BMW shop (from a 2002 of 1972-744 approximately), match it, and come home with the new one. Attach as many wires as you can from the old to the new while the switch is in your hand. Make sure they are tight on the spades, and tighten by compressing the female terminal with a needle nose if necessary. They should press on with substantial friction.

Screw in the new switch and have a nice drive. A few aspirin or a glass of Scotch may be necessary to take the krink out of your neck.

Jim S.

 

Can you buy just the switch without buying the entire BMW assembly?

...Keith

 

Charlie - I suspect that you are making the project more difficult than it has to be.

Can you see the back of the switch when looking from the pedals towards the switch? If so, then you do not need to remove any of the dash cowling. I cannot remember if the back of the switch is obscurred by dash parts, but I do not think so.

If you can see the back of the switch, simply use a needle nose pliers to gain purchase on the wire terminal, and pull it off. Tighten the female spade connector by gently squeezing the "loops" on either side, and then use the needle nose to insert the female connector onto the appropriate male spade on the switch.

Hope this makes sense. If motivated, you may find it easier to remove the switch as discussed below (above). This will allow easy access to the terminals. You can then tighten the female terminals, and clean the male spades on the switch with sandpaper.

Jim S.

 

4redno - yes, you can purchase the BMW switch, which is the same as the Dino, without the anti-theft locking or the key tumbler. THe switch is from a 2002 BMW. It now costs, from BMW, approximately $110. This may have changed vis-a-vis the Euro / dollar rate. I purchased one several years ago for around $100 U.S.

Jim S.

 

I seem to recall the switch was also fitted to the 308. £59.60 GBP!!

I recently changed my complete ignition lock and didn't have to remove anything except the 2 side screws which hold the dash in place, undo the locking pinch bolt and slide the whole assembly out. 10mins max.!!