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I can't drive my car because I can't turn my key for the most part. once in a while it will just work with just the right touch, but I'm not going to drive it anywhere and pull the key out the way it is right now.


My question to you E21 gurus is: can I take that cylinder out or drill it out so I can just turn it with a screw driver or something? my car is a bit hoopty, and I'm okay with a completely keyless operation. I'd be okay with having to put a screwdriver in a hacked up ignition key hole if I had to, I just don't want to try it unless I know I won't somehow screw up more than that.

I'm also open to the idea of eliminating that lock cylinder as well as the steering wheel lock and just having a toggle switch or something for the stuff on the ignition switch. The starter switching is no issue, because I have a 12A swap and that's independent of the factory ignition stuff anyhow. I just need to be able to steer my car and have all the lights and stuff work.

it's a US model 1983 320I just in case that changes anything.

Thanks guys!

well, it was pointed out to me that a tumbler could have been stuck, and that maybe I just needed to lubricate it. So I sprayed in some wd40 and it's all good now. I feel kind of dumb for not thinking of that earlier, but oh well. the good news is that I can drive my car for the first time since september tomorrow!!!!!


If any of you know about how to remove the cylinder, I'm still interested regardless. mine feels a bit worn out despite the fact that i just made it work again. it would be nice to know for potential future reference since I already have this thread here anyways.

hey mate, glad your sorted, did you ever get that rev counter working?

mines a little sticky too. every now and again it wont let you turn the key. but if you turn it back slightly and give the key a wiggle, it then works ok.
seems like its the steering lock sticking.

yea, I did get the rev counter working flawlessly! I can wind my 12A up to 8000 RPM's with no trouble at all.


and the steering wheel lock wasn't the issue, the ignition would lock up even without the steering wheel being locked, but I appreciate the input regardless.

thanks dudes.

go the rotary power bro!!! do you have the red line buzzer hooked up too?

i think i read somewhere you fixed this with a bit of wd40?

I love rotary engines. Especially with a turbo to make up for the lack of torque. I like the Escort mk2's they're using in rallying with rotary power. Great noise too!

yea, I love turbos, but I don't think I'll tubro my 12a, I'm afraid I'd blow it up!

the lack of torque isn't much of an issue, I was pleasantly surprised to find that out. The power band of a rotary is very predictable, usable, and fun.