Can anyone recommend a source for a new ignition switch for an 81 400i? Mine tries to engage the starter as I switch it off. Thanks in advance, Kirk
As the previous poster said, it;s the black plastic ignition module that is attached to the back of the iginiton switch with two machine screws. In our cars, you may have to remove the ignition mechanism from the steering column to access the module. It is a BMW part.BMW #: 61-31-2-682-120. The Parts Bin.com also has them,# m5030. Also, I've posted several tims on this. Good luck.Jq. 4100
Module is on order. Found it on ECSTuning.com for $95. The 1981 has the ignition on the dash, not the steering column. Does anyone have tips on how to replace this? Thanks, Kirk
Access is quite tight, but you should remove the rev counter and the row of gauges below the dash (there are ribbed screws holding these in). There are two straight screws holding the switch in place. Stubby ratchets or those little thumb grip bit holders are very useful. Make sure you take a note of the position of the connectors. Aidan
So the module is more behind the center part of the dash than at the back of the key cylinder? I imagined it would be directly located on the back of the ignition/tumbler. I looked at the schematics and didn't see the module indicated, but I do see how there is a kind of rod that goes to the right. Is the module somewhere on that rod? I haven't had a chance to actually look around in the car yet..work has been keeping me busy. Thanks, Kirk
It is directly attached to the back of the tumbler. Trust me, it is much easier to do this by removing those gauges. It is very straightforward to remove them.
Yes. The black plastic module is located behind the key tumbler cylinder. You need to remove the upolstered plate where the key inserts. Then, you need to drop the steering column by loosening the long bolt that holds the column up. This bracket also serves as a modocum of up/down height adjustment for the steering wheel. Next, is to slide the long mechanism to the left on LHD cars. There is a single screw prodruding on the back side of the cylinder. This was ment as a lock for the anti-theft device..If it has not been lopped off, unscrew it...if not, you wll have to extact it, and replace it. DO NOT break it off again, as it was originally intended..period. Now...before you do anything else..Mark the wire positions, or you will be back here asking where they go. I always suggest buying 2 modules, because they break and you will be doing this again..I personally have by-passed this entire switch and put a nice loking standard 4-position switch in the console where the "dummy"gen. 1&2 plug is. I hope that this is of some value to you. Jq.
