E91 Ignition/key problems. Wont turn off.

HMF86 · 01-13-2024, 02:11 AM

Hi,
I've got a BMW e91 320i Touring from 2008.

I need help! Tried to search the forum but couldn't find the right post. So if this kind of problem have been covered, please help me find the right post.

Our problem is..
When we were about to change the rearaxles/bushings and did a brake renovation we left the car on the lift for a week with the key in the Ignition.
(Not pushed in)

When we were finished we could not get the key fob out. It was stuck.
I belive something got damaged though when trying to get it out.
We had to unplug/replug the battery to get it to reset and it finally popped out.

We changed the ignition key holder since something in the plastic broke.

Now the car won't turn off the power, won't turn on the steering coloumn lock.
We can remove the key completely from the car and still start the car.

It leaves the power on so eventually the battery drains..

Any ideas on what could be wrong? What parts to change/how to find out what the problem can be?

I've got bad experiences from the local BMW dealer when they managed to damage stuff when it was there for a waranty job before. So I'm a bit hestitate to had it over to them. We have most tools ourselves though..

eljay · 01-13-2024, 05:34 AM

The only part you changed is the holder, so I would retrace your steps there.
Did the key break up too or just the plastic in the dash?

Also, if you can, scan the car for codes.

HMF86 · 01-13-2024, 08:33 AM

The new key holder works.

We tried to switch to a new key and CAS unit box that belongs to the key aswell. The new unit did not switch off the system either so we did not bother to program the key to work with the engine. So everything is replugged the way it was before.

We have a "normal" OBD reader and no codes show up at all.

It is like some relay is still active/burnt closed "deeper" into the system.
Could it be a ELV, steering lock relay?

Since they key does not deactivate the circut and kill the power and lock the steering column i doubt its the key, holder or CAS (and we tried a new set)

Any thoughts?

01-13-2024, 02:11 AM	#1
HMF86 Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW 320i e91 Join Date: Jan 2024 Location: Stockholm iTrader: (0)	E91 Ignition/key problems. Wont turn off. Hi, I've got a BMW e91 320i Touring from 2008. I need help! Tried to search the forum but couldn't find the right post. So if this kind of problem have been covered, please help me find the right post. Our problem is.. When we were about to change the rearaxles/bushings and did a brake renovation we left the car on the lift for a week with the key in the Ignition. (Not pushed in) When we were finished we could not get the key fob out. It was stuck. I belive something got damaged though when trying to get it out. We had to unplug/replug the battery to get it to reset and it finally popped out. We changed the ignition key holder since something in the plastic broke. Now the car won't turn off the power, won't turn on the steering coloumn lock. We can remove the key completely from the car and still start the car. It leaves the power on so eventually the battery drains.. Any ideas on what could be wrong? What parts to change/how to find out what the problem can be? I've got bad experiences from the local BMW dealer when they managed to damage stuff when it was there for a waranty job before. So I'm a bit hestitate to had it over to them. We have most tools ourselves though..
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01-13-2024, 05:34 AM	#2
eljay Colonel 1444 Rep 2,127 Posts Drives: ///M + E91 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: NS iTrader: (1)	The only part you changed is the holder, so I would retrace your steps there. Did the key break up too or just the plastic in the dash? Also, if you can, scan the car for codes.
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01-13-2024, 08:33 AM	#3
HMF86 Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW 320i e91 Join Date: Jan 2024 Location: Stockholm iTrader: (0)	The new key holder works. We tried to switch to a new key and CAS unit box that belongs to the key aswell. The new unit did not switch off the system either so we did not bother to program the key to work with the engine. So everything is replugged the way it was before. We have a "normal" OBD reader and no codes show up at all. It is like some relay is still active/burnt closed "deeper" into the system. Could it be a ELV, steering lock relay? Since they key does not deactivate the circut and kill the power and lock the steering column i doubt its the key, holder or CAS (and we tried a new set) Any thoughts?
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