Stuck in a very tricky situation with my e46
Discussion
Hi all i posted on here a while ago about my key constantly getting stuck in the ignition of my e46 328i. Took the car to the garage and they ordered a new steering column as they said the one i got needs replacing. It eventually came but the one they ordered (off ebay) was a second hand one and just as bad as the one already in my car. They said they will order another one and fit it when it comes so I've still had to live with the key being stuck in my ignition and as i only have one key I've had to leave the car unlocked over night with the key in. This sounds very risky i know because anyone can just jump in my car and drive off even though I'm having problems with the camshaft sensor. Anyway Friday night i didn't wanna take anymore chances so i took the battery out of the boot so no thieves can drive the car away. However the boot had only gone and bloody locked itself (which it's never done before) so now i can't start the car because there is no battery in it and i can't get the boot open to put the battery back in because the only key i got is jammed in the ignition. What can i do?
Assuming you can get into the car, do the rear seats fold down?
If they do you can crawl through to connect the battery (either take it with you or use jump leads) so you can open the boot.
I did this a few years ago for a mate!
You might also be able to use the jump start points under the bonnet to power up the car, but I don’t know if this would work without the battery in place.
If they do you can crawl through to connect the battery (either take it with you or use jump leads) so you can open the boot.
I did this a few years ago for a mate!
You might also be able to use the jump start points under the bonnet to power up the car, but I don’t know if this would work without the battery in place.
Speed addicted said:
Assuming you can get into the car, do the rear seats fold down?
If they do you can crawl through to connect the battery (either take it with you or use jump leads) so you can open the boot.
I did this a few years ago for a mate!
You might also be able to use the jump start points under the bonnet to power up the car, but I don’t know if this would work without the battery in place.
I can get into the car because the doors are still open and i went to fold the back seats down earlier but still can't get to the boot as there is bodywork between the seats and the boot. If they do you can crawl through to connect the battery (either take it with you or use jump leads) so you can open the boot.
I did this a few years ago for a mate!
You might also be able to use the jump start points under the bonnet to power up the car, but I don’t know if this would work without the battery in place.
Use a thin pointed tool curved a the the end - or make it from a hard wire - push it in the small hole at the perimeter of the the key barrel. Then turn the key until you get in the position where the barrel can be pulled out (three quarters from 0 position - just before the engine starter is engaged - if my memory serves me well) . Then turn the wire and try and disengage locking latch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_FmnsEoHsE
Order a new barrel from BMW - you will need your V5 as a proof of ownership. You may not need a new steering column at all - if lucky!
And cut a spare key as a backup measure - just to be able to open the car - not start it. Or order a wallet key from BMW - with which you can start the car (it should be much cheaper than the main key)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_FmnsEoHsE
Order a new barrel from BMW - you will need your V5 as a proof of ownership. You may not need a new steering column at all - if lucky!
And cut a spare key as a backup measure - just to be able to open the car - not start it. Or order a wallet key from BMW - with which you can start the car (it should be much cheaper than the main key)
As above - you won't need a column. That video was for the E36 but it's the same idea - ignition key to position 1 (ignition lights on) and an opened out paper clip down the slot - you'll need to push it right in and tug on the key whilst wiggling it a bit, but it will come out. Then order a new key and barrel from BMW. This will push/clip in and away you go.
A used key won't be any good - the key has the EWS III immobiliser chip inside so the lock and key from another car is useless.
Usefully, BMW designed the E46 coupe folding rear seats with the release levers inside the boot.
On the E36 you could release them from inside the car and then crawl into the boot.
A used key won't be any good - the key has the EWS III immobiliser chip inside so the lock and key from another car is useless.
Usefully, BMW designed the E46 coupe folding rear seats with the release levers inside the boot.
On the E36 you could release them from inside the car and then crawl into the boot.
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