Series 3 Ignition switch, can steering lock be ignored?

Hey up, I'm back again. I was just wondering if anybody knows if the ignition switch for a diesel series 3 with a steering lock can in any way be replaced with the much cheaper one that is for one without a steering lock as mine seems to have gone pete tong and there's about £40 difference. Thanks for any help

I've got a petrol S3 with no steering lock - looks original too. I think the lock was an optional security extra!

Fine until Someone nicks it and the insurance won't pay out due to the modification from standard

As if a series steering lock is going to stop any self respecting car thief....

To be honest with you, after taking mine off I don't see how the switch has any bearing on whether the steering lock works, as it is housed in the main barrel part and the switch slots in the back but doesn't seem to have anything to do with the lock as this operates fine with it removed, so I'm puzzled as to why there are 2 different switches, unless one is a different width and won't fit in the rear of the barrel assembly

Agree, the lock ain't that secure but if it gets nicked and recovered from a ditch with a disabled lock you could have some interesting conversations

I doubt the insurance company would know if a Series 3 had a steering lock or not. I suspect that they would be more interested in any oversized wheels, engine changes, body change configuration / add ons etc.