MOTOBRICK.COM

TECHNICAL MOTOBRICK WRENCHING In Remembrance of Inge K. => The Motobrick Workshop => Topic started by: schrocketeer on October 03, 2025, 08:48:23 AM

Title: 1985 K100, tip of key broke off - inside ignition switch
Post by: schrocketeer on October 03, 2025, 08:48:23 AM

Resurrecting a '85 K100, must have ham-fisted getting the key in to the ignition switch, and broke off 1mm of the tip, inside.
Is there a clever way to retrieve it, and still use the key?

Kpartsholland has a new one for $237
A previous owner moved the ignition switch off the dashbboard to a custom panel hanging off the coil cover (see attached photo). So it's possible I could buy a generic switch, and splice in.

Title: Re: 1985 K100, tip of key broke off - inside ignition switch
Post by: frankenduck on October 04, 2025, 10:59:11 AM

You could replace it with a simple on/off ignition switch and a couple of relays.

https://www.aliexpress.us/i/3256807133793407.html

(https://i.imgur.com/3bWLL3a.jpeg)

Title: Re: 1985 K100, tip of key broke off - inside ignition switch
Post by: Laitch on October 04, 2025, 05:01:46 PM

A typical OEM BMW key is steel. A fun procedure might be to get a can of FreezeOff and using its narrow plastic nozzle, bathe the broken bit with spray to shrink it, then try to remove it with a pick and magnet; otherwise, make plans for Frankenduck's suggested modification.

Title: Re: 1985 K100, tip of key broke off - inside ignition switch
Post by: schrocketeer on October 15, 2025, 06:21:03 PM

Tried the Freeze-Off, no luck.

Thanks for Relay suggestion Frankenduck.

Went with a $15 eBay key, 3 position, 3 wire. Previous owner had made a mounting bracket off of the Coil cover, which I utilized (see photo).