Ignition switch

[kasbatts]

Hi all,

Ignition switch failed yesterday (switch part not the key part) have done a bit of research and looks like a replacement is available at about $200 usd from Penske.
But I have also read a e21 3 series switch will also fit? just want to check this is the case before I order.

Any info much appreciated

Thanks


Steve

 

[lloyd]

Hi all,

Ignition switch failed yesterday (switch part not the key part) have done a bit of research and looks like a replacement is available at about $200 usd from Penske.
But I have also read a e21 3 series switch will also fit? just want to check this is the case before I order.

Any info much appreciated

Thanks


Steve

I am unfamiliar with the E21 switch. Evidently, the answer to your question is a provisional yes. The E21 switch 61311358932 can be adapted for use in the E3 and, most likely the E9. I am guessing this is one of your info sources: http://www.lesliewong.us/2008/06/06/bmw-starter-replacement/ Suffice it to say, the folks at Mesa are very reliable.

Most of the switch variants involve wiring length and connections at the other end of the switch, where the wires "typically" terminate at the fuse box. (Individual spade connections versus modular connections.) I have noticed at least a couple E3s where the wiring was in two pieces with a modular "quick" connection (halfway to the firewall fusebox) that looked factory-made. Whether this was original or done as a work-around using updated parts, I cannot say. I am also nowhere close to any switches for 1:1 comparisons.

At the risk of repeating what you already know, there were two commonly "listed" variants for E9s (61321355148 and 61321351851) It is possible that the currently available part 5148, may require some slight alteration for your specific model or maybe it just has longer wires. An E3 switch 61321357380 used to be another viable consideration.

If you have done your homework, don't be too quick to toss your current switch. It may be fixable without resorting to precision watch repair.

Fair Dinkum:wink:

 

[kasbatts]

Have ordered e21 switch through Penske parks (Lisa as always a delight to deal with), will let you all know soon if it will work, I'm 99% sure it will, The wiring will be wrong, but I have to change this anyway as I had to replace the multi pin plug on the switch wiring when I bought the car (used a Toyota plug of an old wiring loom i had lying about)

e9 ign switch $200 ish USD
e21 Ign switch $85 ish USD

From what I can tell the e21 switch has a small locating pin sticking out of the back of it that locates into the key part of the steering lock, the e9 switch doesn't appear to have this. the old switch on my car has had what looks like this pin filed off, so I'm guessing my old broken switch may be an e21 switch anyway

 

[kasbatts]

Ok, here's the low down on ign switches.

Ordered a new e21 ign switch from Penske, a it is a perfect match for the e9 switch except for the wiring and a small metal pin protruding from the face, clipped off the pin and filed it flat, re did the wiring to suit the car (in my case I have a Toyota plug on this as the original was stuffed) re inserted and did the little grub screw up, a perfect fit and it all works fine. With a little work it's a saving of about $110.00


New switch on the left with pin that needs removing (you can see the old switch has had this pin removed as well)



Old switch, the centre piece of this has snapped off down inside the switch, cheap muck metal.

Hope this helps for anyone else that needs to do this

Thanks


Steve

 

[Nicad]

That is great to know. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Stevehose]

+1 thanks

That is great to know. Thanks for sharing.