steering column locked up?

[doechy]

I have a 1986 330e with about 225,000 miles and it runs well. I drove the car and it was running fine. The next morning I went out to start it and the steering wheel was locked up and the ignition will not turn. The gear shift moves and we have been able to roll the car back and forth but no amount of moving the steering wheel will free up the ignition. Locksmith looked at it and said she wasn't sure it was the ignition. Someone suggested jacking up the front end and trying to turn the steering wheel - no luck. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[lkchris]

EVERY ignition switch on EVERY W124 eventually fails in this manner.

Get a new ignition switch keyed to your car from dealer or from your favorite independent who will get it from a dealer.

This has nothing to do with steering components.

If you turn the key really hard, moving the wheel a bit to relieve pressure on the lock, you may get switch to turn. Then don't turn it back to postion allowing key removal but instead get the car to someone who can repair it, i.e. has th special tool required to remove the lock mechanism.

BTDT