I had problems with the ignition key spinning in the lock three or four times over the last year so decided to change it before it went completely. BMW will provide a new barrel prepared for the key but require the chassis number. Luckily I still had the receipt I got for the donor car which had it written on it. Took about a week to arrive and cost about £80, not bad really. I found a few youtube vidoes that explained how to replace it. Main thing to know is it's very easy!
A bent hair clip is basically all that's needed.
I practised on the new barrel until eventually it worked quite well so went on to the real thing! Inserted the key and turned it to the first radio position about 90 degrees. Inserted the clip in the small hole:
When the key is inserted the clip goes in about half way down the plastic part of the key. After a few goes of slowly turning the clip and pulling on the key the barrel released and came out.
But it was still attached by the key chip receiver & cable. It was just to gently insert a small screwdriver in to the small retaining tabs and push on the barrel until it slipped out.
Inserting the new barrel is just the reverse but the clip is not needed. However it has to be in the correct position to slide in and the chip receiver housing facing down.
In the end the barrel slipped into position and pow, worked fine. Well pleased with a quick but important job.
Also tried lowering the tyre pressures a little to 1,9 bar to see if road holding is better. The new rear Yokohama tyres came with 2,5. Does anyone have any recommendations?
Sunshine tomorrow so I'll drive it to work and as it's Friday I'll take a slow drive home via my favourite Café!
if I don't see you before have a great summer and happy driving!
