Is the ignition switch on a 2000 528I easy to change yourself?

Question

I am hoping that my problem is only the ignition switch. Based on the symptoms, some are telling me it is.

Intermittant lights come on my dash and when they do, my radio does not come on and my horn does not work.

Does this sound like the ignition switch?

To the first replier, I am a man that likes to work with his hands. I like to fix things, I am not some geek that never gets his hands dirty.

Answer 1

yes this sounds like the ignition switch. it controls power to all those items. i have replace many for this complaint.

it is not that hard if you have basic mechanical abilities.

remove the upper and lower steering column covers. you will see it located under the blinker stalk with the large connector. remove plastic bracket, requires 30 torx socket. look straight up at the switch and you'll see two small screw driver head screws with red paint. loosen these and switch will come out. reinstall the same. good to go.

Answer 2

With an air bag I would not suggest you try this yourself - you may cause more work & cost yourself more money. I would find a local repair shop that works on European imports, have them run a diagnostic test & find the real problem, and it may actually save you money in the long run - good luck!

Answer 3

Most vehicles require removing the steering wheel to get to the ignition cylinder. If you have an air bag it is not advised to try to do this yourself, and safer to call an expert to replace the ignition lock cylinder.

Answer 4

it is not the ignition switch. the problem that is the car's battery is going weak. try to replace with a new one.

Answer 5

It could just be a fuse. Check them first and if that's not the problem, I would take your car to a mechanic. BMW's are not the type of car that you want to be working on yourself. Good luck!

Answer 6

If you can afford a BMW, you should be able to take it to a dealer/garage to find out what is really wrong and get it fixed.