Ignition swtich replacement - electical portion

[75BMW2002]

I need some help

I need to replace the electrical portion of my ignition switch on my 91 318i. I have done some searches and gotten different directions so can someone give me some insight? It is of course an airbag car. What all needs to come out for the replacement ?

I already have the switch pigtail so just need to know if I need to remove the steering wheel (and airbag) or if I can reach it by removing the steering wheel column surround plastic

Thanks

Bob

[DesktopDave]

You'll have to pull the steering wheel & the column shell unless you can get a long philips-head screwdriver to the lower shell's front screws behind the steering wheel.

Disconnect the battery first & let the car sit for a half-hour to keep the SRS light from disabling the airbag.  I also tend to remove the knee panel just to get it out of the way.

Then get a small torx driver on the airbag screws in the steering wheel.  I think they're T15...  Then pull the bag & set it down carefully face up somewhere safe.  Mark the spline & wheel in a few places & then unbolt it (I use the steering lock to get enough leverage for that big 22mm nut).  Unlock the steering lock to get the steering wheel off.

Once you do that, four screws for the column shells & you can get to the lock itself.  IIRC you have to clip a zip tie or two.  Press the side clips on the switch housing & remove it.  This is a great time to install cruise control, BTW.

Re-assembly is, of course, the reverse of these steps.  Make sure the turn signal is not engaged...otherwise the steering wheel flange will snap it clean off if it's centered!