Ignition lock troubles due to attempted theft

Zthr33

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Nov 14, 2025
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98 Z3 2.8, Car was broken into now the ignition cylinder is stuck in the orientation pictured. In the photo I drew the starting position of the key (Blue) and the turning point of the key (red). Attempted to get the cylinder out with a pin and with the actual cylinder removal tool. No luck what so ever. Any recommendations on what I can do to get this thing out and to get my Z out on the road again?
 
From the picture it looks like the ignition has been forced into the 'accessory' position (position 1), probably with a big screwdriver.
It will almost certainly have bent the pin inside which locks the barrel in place, which is why you can't release it.
I would look for an automotive locksmith to get the barrel out. If you try and drill it yourself you will need to be extremely careful to not damage the lock housing as that is cast aluminium with the lock barrel being hardened steel.

Good luck.
 
From the picture it looks like the ignition has been forced into the 'accessory' position (position 1), probably with a big screwdriver.
It will almost certainly have bent the pin inside which locks the barrel in place, which is why you can't release it.
I would look for an automotive locksmith to get the barrel out. If you try and drill it yourself you will need to be extremely careful to not damage the lock housing as that is cast aluminium with the lock barrel being hardened steel.

Good luck.
Thank you for the response!
 
In addition to Pond's advice, it might be worth removing switch from base of barrel and trying to gently rotate connector bar (see Pic) back to normal position. If it does move, you may be able to extract remove lock from barrel in conventional manner (which is an art in its self).
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Good Luck.
 
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