Series 3 Ignition switch, key can't turn, barrel can't be released

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2
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Denmark
Hallo ladies and gent's. I have been struggling quite a lot with this problem with my ignition switch. Suddenly last week any of the key would not turn out of position "0" at all. I cleaned and greased really well. A lock smith managed to turn it out of position 0, but did not fix the problem. I expect that the problem starts all over, if I turn the key back to vertical position 0. Now I can drive, but have leave the key in the car in position 1.
I assume I have to remove the barrel for repair or replacement, but I can't get it out. I have found a small pinhole facing right downwards (photo) and tried to release the barrel with a small pointy peace of metal with the key in any position for "½" to 3. But it appears that I dont hit the spring /release point.
All the youtube guidance I can find refers to ignition switches/keys with different designs, but this one is quite similar to the one shown in the original workshop manual, so I guess its original.
How do I get this thing out?
Where can a find the right spare part?
Thanks in advance
 

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I think you have to have the key in the ignition for the pin release to work, you may have to turn the key to one of the positions but I'm not sure about that. My barrel became faulty and I couldn't get it out so I replaced the whole unit for a new old stock one, it cost me about £70.

Col
 
If I recall its a small pin you push in about 2mm while pulling on the key. It is not in the off position as the key would come out so it must be in -1, 1, its not 2 as this would be against the spring. If its been in a long time it could be stuck, put some penetrating oil in.
 
Thanks a lot. I was afraid that I would need to change the whole unit. Have tried all positions with the key in the ignition, but it still does not work. It's strange, when I try with a need to release the pin, I can't sense that the needle hits any pin or spring.
 
Yes the pin is in line with the key, the hole is pos 1. It only goes down a small amount, its more like the button on an umberella shaft. It just has to push down enough to slide out.
 
I wonder if it wont release because internally its not going fully into position 1 due to wear on the key or tumblers in the barrel or both. Hence the fault in the first place. Do you have another key that may be not as worn.
Have a look at Buckley Bros QRF100880 £32 it says it fits Series 3 petrol although you will have to move the choke to the dash
 
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