ignition switch question

[Danval]

I have a question. I was going through the faqs and couldnt find anything. Is the ignition switch from an e28 compatible with a 1975 530i? Or easily adaptable? Thanks in advance

[Mike W.]

Need more info, parts as in interchangeability or keys or function. And the year matters.

[Danval]

Need more info, parts as in interchangeability or keys or function. And the year matters.

thanks. The ignition switch on this e12 in trying to get is really messed up. I remember an e28 at the junk yard so i was thinking on trying to make it work. Not sure what year e28 that is. The e12 is a 75 530i. Thanks again

[T.Hanson]

There's an e12 switch on Ebay.

Or, if you have the dead one out, do a visual comparison at the yard. Wild guess it's a long shot an early e12 will like a mid e28 switch as a bolt in.

[Mike W.]

I'm fairly sure E28s thru about 85 or 86 will interchange. After that they changed the switch completely and it's a no go. Yeah, the more I think about it 85 is probably the last year as that's when they went to the fine spline steering wheel which made for a lot of changes in that area. IIRC the later switch will not have a contact for key off which was used on euro cars for a turn signal parking light, but not used on many US spec cars. And it's possible it may have a different plug, check wire color coding, but I don't think so

[Danval]

Ok. Went to the junk y today and took out a back cylinder connection harness. Its what is messed up on the e12. Left the cylinder (where the key goes) and got the wiring and plastic back piece. Visually look the same. Took it to the mechanic and we will see what happens. Ill post results and go from there. Thanks for your help guys

[Mike W.]

Yep, I think it should be good if it's anywhere close, the non compatible one is obviously much different. A sidenote, many people get confused, there is the ignition lock, where the key goes, and the switch, which is what you are dealing with. They interact with each other, but are separate.