Ignition Key won’t turn

[Texas T-Bone]

I need some help. I inserted my key today in my 2005 Z4 ignition and it won’t turn. I’ve tried:

1. Turning the steering wheel left and right, the trying key.
2. Turning the steering wheel WHILE turning the key.
3. Turning the key over.
4. Replacing the factory battery with a new CR2016. This helped the wireless lock/unlock/trunk opening, but key will still not turn when it’s inserted in the ignition.

Any thoughts or ideas? Do I need to replace the key ignition? If so, will I need to order a new key?

 

[Texas T-Bone]

Oh, additionally, my “Service Engine Soon” (P0444 code) light came on the day before this. Could this be related?

 

[BumpyZ4]

The code is not related to the key. That points to your evap purge valve.

I had the same key not turning problem with my 2003 Z4 a couple of months ago. I removed the ignition switch and the lock barrel and cleaned and lubed them. It seemed like the lock barrel had some type of grit or worn metal particles that would jam it. Once cleaned and lubed it has been fine.

Once you pull the ignition switch you will be able to tell if the problem lies with the switch or the lock barrel.

 

[Rockhopper]

Is it an automatic gearbox? Need to be in park (or maybe neutral) before the key will turn.

 

[Texas T-Bone]

Yes, it’s an automatic. It won’t turn in park (or neutral after removing the shifter cover, flipping the catch, and shifting into neutral). I’m thinking the ignition cylinder is worn out after 17 years and needs to be replaced. Dealer says it’s pre-coded for my key, then shipped from Germany. About a two week wait.

 

[Texas T-Bone]

Yes, it’s an automatic. It won’t turn in park (or neutral after removing the shifter cover, flipping the catch, and shifting into neutral). I’m thinking the ignition cylinder is worn out after 17 years and needs to be replaced. Dealer says it’s pre-coded for my key, then shipped from Germany. About a two week wait.

 

[Rockhopper]

Have you ever had the gearbox fault light come up on the display?

 

[Texas T-Bone]

No. But I just purchased this car two weeks ago. I noticed the key ignition cylinder turned a little hard when starting it. I guess it’s just got 17 years of wear on it. I was wondering if this was a common problem or if one of you experts had some experience with it.

 

[Rockhopper]

Ah okay. I was just wondering as the gearbox selector switch is a fairly common failure so i was wondering if the car thought it was in gear even though the lever is in park.
I'm not aware of ignition switches being a particularly common failure item.

 

[Scubaregs]

Try a bit of graphite lubricant in the barrel.

 

[Texas T-Bone]

I tried some WD40 in the barrel. It helped for a day or two, then it locked up and the key wouldn’t turn.

 

[colb]

Wet type lube is not a good idea as mentioned earlier graphite powder is the stuff to use in the lock barrel. WD40 is a water displacement not a lube.

 

[Scubaregs]

NEVER use wd40 in ignition barrels.

 

[enuff_zed]

NEVER use wd40 in ignition barrels.

Agreed, but the fact that it helped for a day or two is encouraging.
Get some proper lubricant in there and hopefully it'll be a cheap fix.

 

[Texas T-Bone]

I decided to order a new lock cylinder & key from the dealer. They say the parts will be directly coded to my car & shipped from Germany in about 5-7 business days.