I can't find the way of removing the starter switch on my '85 535i. I'd prefer to do it my self since I just called a locksmth who wanted to charge me $100 for removing it and raised the price to $225 when he found out it was a BMW.

Rafael Báez

I replaced the starter switch cylinder in my old e12 one time. I'm not sure if I can help but I do remember that something that held me up was figuring how to remove the breakaway bolts that bmw uses as a security feature. the look like brass rivets, and the way to get them out is to take a hammer and sharp chisel and scratch/incise a groove down one shoulder of the bolt, then with a hammer and flat screwdriver work the bolt round counterclockwise, they wont be too tight. there are four of them if i remember. hope this helps

mark grady

ex '82 528i
current 85 535i