I need to remove the barrel key lock, everything that I have read says the key needs to be in the on position to release and remove. Only problem is I can't turn the key.

I think you have little choice but to try and remove the steering/ignition lock barrel - most are removable in position 1.

Unfortunately it would mean removing the column shroud and finding the release hole and poking a thick piece of wire into it. Once removed everything can be realigned and refitted. Sorry can't think of anything simpler.

Key won't release until the spring-loaded steering lock pawl is ready to be released. The internal interlocks are released when the key is turned fully anti-clockwise prior to removing the key and the mechanism is released as the key is withdrawn.

If this is not happening, something internal is probably jamming the mechainism and preventing the key being turned sufficiently anti-clockwise or the release mechanism is jammed.

Either way the problem is most likely to be internal. Removing the column cowl for better access, copious amounts of penetrating oil and some gentle tapping of the lock body while the key is manipulated might free it. If it does the steering lock should be replaced as an unreliable steering lock is a liability.

Best idea might be to leave the key in and remove the key and barrel complete. This is likely to be a matter of pressing a suitable rod into barrel release hole with the key in position one. If successful it will make the steering lock replacement a little easier and quite a bit less expensive.

You can't remove tumbler unless ignition barrel is remove there's a few ways to remove barrel if not in on position ether drill out locking pin or snap the lock and tumblers to twist in on position so it can be removed I most of the time drill out lock if I can't pick it

Remove the ignition lock cover, there is a release button at the end of the lock cylinder, push in with a flat tip screw driver and turn key to the "on" position but don't start car, pull cylinder out with key.

Hi,
It's not all bad.
remove cowling and re-insert partial key.
Turn to the ACC/ intermediate key position .

The IGN barrell will be held in place by a location "***" on the IGN barrell in the lock assy.
Press this "***" while the key is in assy position and the Key/barrell should be able to be removed. The IGN barrell needs to be in the on/acc position in order to be removed for obvious reasons. Good Luck

order a new ignition barrel from your local BMW agent before your lock packs up all together and you will have an even bigger problem, to remove your barrell turn your key to the first position then insert a 1.2mm rod or drill down the little hole in the edge of the chrome key slot to push down the detent that hold the barrell in, pulll out old barrell with the key then fit new one.

you will have to split the ignition barrel, using either a hammer and small thin chisel or an old screw driver, if you split both side opposite the barrel will fall out, it will in some cases leave the barrel stalk in the black box (the electrical black plastic box at the other side of the barrel housing) to remove this turn with a screwdriver to either position 1 or position 2, at the front of the barrel housing is a release pin hole which will need a small allen key or pot rivet pushing into it to release the barrel stalk, remove with pliars or with flat blade screw drive, place key in new barrell hold thumb over secure pin holding it into the new barrel, then gently turn key 90 degrees, and offer into barrel housing, ensure the secure pin is at all time still into the barrel, slide the barrel into houseing slowly until you mate up the barrel stalk to the black box, and slide in until you hear the secure pin click into place, turn key back to zere and remove slowly, the new barrel is fitted. should take about an hour from start to finish, if it was not seized no more than 15 min to complete. hope this helps.

HI not a quick one this so please read,Disconnect the battery !!
first you have to remove the shear head bolt or whats left of it holding the clamp on the top steering column,when you have done this(not easy!) you then need to pull the old column assembly up towards you carefully with the key in the ignition to release the steering lock, disconnect the ignition barrel wiring plug,when you have the column assembly off turn the key back to off(0)if you look up the back of the switch you will see a little posidrive screw undo this and the switch will come out, fit the new switch and replace the screw, turn the ignition key back to 1 and carefully refit the column assembly . If you do not have a new shear head bolt you can use a standard M8x1.25 bolt to re-secure the clamp,make sure it is tight !,and reassemble

Just put "BMW ignition lock problem" in google's search field and read all about it. Hope it helps but I haven't mastered the technique of manipulating the (paper clip/small allen key/piece of wire) described in various posts on other sites. Good luck!

Remove the steering column panels and turn the key to position 1, there is a hole that is on the steering lock assembly that you need to use a pick or similar rool to puch in the hole and release the spring tension, then the barrel slides right out and make sure you put the new barrel to position 1 and it will slide right in and "click" in place. Put the panels back on and your set to go.
JPTCAT