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Ignition switch swap

2003 - 2009, roadster, coupe, facelift
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Deddi
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Ignition switch swap

Post by Deddi » Fri Dec 08, 2017 9:07 am

I'm going to change ignition switch today to see if non-starting issue is that. Do I need to disconnect battery at all? Cheers
Mineral grey E89 2.0M sport 2015

wingnut
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Ignition switch swap

Post by wingnut » Fri Dec 08, 2017 9:24 am

I think its always best as a precaution to disconnect the battery when doing that type of work.
I had similar problem some time back and found various youtube clips that were helpful, similar unit on several BMW models.

Good Luck

Deddi
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Ignition switch swap

Post by Deddi » Fri Dec 08, 2017 11:35 am

Thanks wingnut. :thumbsup:
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Ducklakeview
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Ignition switch swap

Post by Ducklakeview » Fri Dec 08, 2017 12:18 pm

You don't need to disconnect the battery, just make sure the key is out. It's a 10 min job.

Mike

Deddi
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Ignition switch swap

Post by Deddi » Fri Dec 08, 2017 1:11 pm

Ok I’ve changed the switch but still no starting. Thought I’d give the starter motor a whack but can’t find it! Where is it please?
Mineral grey E89 2.0M sport 2015

Deddi
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Ignition switch swap

Post by Deddi » Fri Dec 08, 2017 1:26 pm

All the pictures I see on the internet show it on the passenger side. Can you see it looking from above?
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mjennings23
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Ignition switch swap

Post by mjennings23 » Fri Dec 08, 2017 1:30 pm

Passenger side, rear of the engine. You'll see where it's mounted, the motor itself sits under the intake manifold so it's a bit hard to spot first time. I've found you can only really see the mount, but there's plenty of space to get arms in near it.

First time I looked I set my phone to video mode and stuck it in the gap between the engine and the strut tower/electrical box, quite clear to see then

Deddi
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Ignition switch swap

Post by Deddi » Fri Dec 08, 2017 2:08 pm

Thanks. Found it! Whacked it as much as possible whilst my wife turned key. Almost cranked enough to start a couple of times but not quite enough. So looks like a new starter is required. Will start searching now. Hard to see, how many bolts hold it on? Cheers
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Yorkie Z
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Ignition switch swap

Post by Yorkie Z » Fri Dec 08, 2017 2:23 pm

I believe it's 3 bolts if I remember correctly. It's only about an hour to change. Just be patient as it's a little tricky to reach :thumbsup:
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Ignition switch swap

Post by mjennings23 » Fri Dec 08, 2017 3:32 pm

2 nuts holding wires on, 10mm and 13mm I believe, and 2 E12 bolts holding it to the casing. You can see the E12 bolts from above, they screw in towards the engine from firewall side.

Deddi
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Ignition switch swap

Post by Deddi » Sat Dec 09, 2017 2:19 am

Thanks for advice. Starter is ordered and I'll give it a go.
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Scooba_Steve
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Ignition switch swap

Post by Scooba_Steve » Sat Dec 09, 2017 11:09 pm

Deddi wrote: Fri Dec 08, 2017 2:08 pmHard to see, how many bolts hold it on?
Depends on your engine, if you have N52 there are two and they are Ali torque + angle and single use.
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Ignition switch swap

Post by Deddi » Sun Dec 10, 2017 6:45 pm

Yes i have the N52 engine. Anyone replaced starter motor without taking loads of stuff off first? Scooba_Steve Steve, you saying I need to chuck them and get new ones? I imagine they're special and hard to find?!
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