I have used this post to repair the same problem on my car. I have the following observation. It is CRITICAL that before you begin, you have
the right tool. Specifically, the upper T25 Torx fitting sits at an inconvenient angle and is a much tighter fit than the picture makes it appear. A short, slotted T25 fitting coupled with an Allen Wrench driver is, in my humble opinion, absolutely necessary to extract and refit that screw. If you don't have the tools as shown in the post, go out and buy them first. Don't assume, as I did, that you stuff will work. Also, it's always handy to have a magnet attached to the end of a flexible rod in case you drop anything.

BTW my symtoms; airbag warning light on, steering wheel lights and functions off; computer functions in center console off; radio started coming and going.

• Ignition switch removal and replacement (long, with photos) (pic) - davidc 2006-08-29 05:26:13 (18434 views)
  • Re: Ignition switch removal and replacement (long, with photos) - vaidaseem 2007-05-20 12:27:15 (875 views)
    • Yes, the problems were more pronounced at highway speeds, - davidc 2007-06-05 05:42:42 (420 views)
      • Re: Yes, the problems were more pronounced at highway speeds, - vaidaseem 2007-06-07 02:33:13 (385 views)
  • Followup: 6 months and all is still well. This definitely fixed everything. (nt) - davidc 2007-02-18 13:31:56 (513 views)
  • A word to the wise - bois 2007-01-22 12:15:56 (949 views)
  • That is a great write up. Thank you. Looking forward to seeing it on the e38.org (nt) - kingdom7 2006-08-29 17:06:03 (393 views)
  • Nice post. Please note symptoms for future reference. (nt) - collison944 2006-08-29 10:48:51 (584 views)
  • Did you by chance plug the switch in before you - Stu 2006-08-29 07:16:42 (570 views)
    • No, I just installed it and buttoned it up. Worked fine the first time. (nt) - davidc 2006-08-29 07:19:38 (452 views)
      • Right on. It couldnt be that easy though could it? - Stu 2006-08-29 07:27:22 (386 views)
  • Beautiful Write-up David. Many Thanks. (nt) - farnarkler 2006-08-29 06:58:25 (315 views)
  • David you are so industrious, Great write up! (nt) - Blue740i 2006-08-29 06:55:23 (293 views)
    • Re: David you are so industrious, Great write up! - 18jazzy 2007-03-02 20:00:19 (270 views)
  • Re: Ignition switch removal and replacement (long, with photos) - navybob 2006-08-29 06:33:26 (973 views)
    • A dealer repair for under $1,000? Consider yourself lucky. :) (nt) - sdmike1 2006-08-29 06:44:36 (521 views)
  • Great stuff, David. I have some electrical gremlins too... - sdmike1 2006-08-29 05:54:42 (636 views)
  • Nice Job, David. I see it's made e38.org already!! (grin) - sealbeach740 2006-08-29 05:50:40 (360 views)
  • hand claps. pretty impressive. what pointed you to the iggy switch? - rogue7 2006-08-29 05:35:53 (561 views)
    • Suggestions from friends who've had similar problems in other e38's. (nt) - davidc 2006-08-29 05:37:38 (784 views)
  • Very cool. This might be my problem as well. (nt) - dwightf 2006-08-29 05:32:26 (613 views)