Tutorial - replacing key slot ignition lock on 2006 bmw 130i

[Belgian951]

Since I could not find a good or complete tutorial on how to swap out the ignition lock or key slot on a 2006 bmw 130i (E87 series), I just got on with it. The tutorial here is how I did it with, I believe, minimal removal of dashboard parts.

The few tutorials I found on this job will state to remove the radio and air controls, even the vents. Not necessary!

TOOLS NEEDED:
- trim removal tool
- torx screwdriver with extension

PARTS NUMBER:
- ignition lock for 2006 130i RHD version: 66129172370


Pictures of procedure:

View post on imgur.com

PROCEDURE:

STEP 1:
Remove silver dash trim. On RHD cars, this is to the left of the radio. Use your pry tool to lever the trim piece off.

STEP 2:
With the trim piece off, you will see two torx screws visible just above the radio. These screws hold down the plastic cover that sits around the radio and air controls. Remove the two screws and gently pull on one of the two tabs you just unscrewed. The easiest one is the one furthest from the steering wheel. Pull down and to the side, so that you can get your finger between the piece and the radio. Then completely remove the cover by wiggling it down on both sides.

STEP 3:
With the piece removed, you'll have uncovered one torx screw to the side of the steering wheel (on my RHD car, this is to the right of the radio). This screw holds another plastic panel that covers the screws we need to remove for the ignition lock. Remove the screw and put it aside. You'll see that the panel (which is fairly large as it wraps the whole area under the steering wheel) is still attached. That's ok.

STEP 4:
With.that one screw removed, you can gently pull on the panel directly under the ignition slot. Start with the corner that had the screw, and then pull down further so that you can see and reach the two torx screws that hold the ignition slot. Take your extended torx screwdriver and carefully remove the final 2 screws. Be sure to hold the screws with your fingers so you don't drop them in the dash. Once the screws are removed, the slot will fall out.

STEP 5:
With the slot loose, the only thing holding it to the car is it's cable. Grab the slot and pull it out completely. Remove the cable by carefully pulling the connector up and out of the connector slot.

STEP 6:
Put the replacement slot in, be sure to connect it. Installation is the reverse of the removal. Once you get to the step of reattaching the radio and air controls cover piece, be sure to slide it in the groove that's below the air controls.


Hope this helps someone!