I am having a major problem with the ignition switch on my 04 R53. On Friday, I shut the car off and I could not get the key to the "off" position and remove the key. I was feeling some resistance in the switch and did not want to force it. I disconnected the battery and continued on with my day. At the end of the day the key magically would go in the off position and I was able to remove the key. It worked fine for at least 10 starts and now I have the opposite problem. I cannot rotate the key to engage the starter... I am feeling the same resistance I was feeling previously. I did try to turn it further and it seems like it rotates all the way although it doesn't feel "right". The switch will not engage the starter now. I have found very little online except one video on how to remove the lock cylinder, which I was unable to accomplish. Anyone have any experience or ideas? Appreciate any help.

Are you gently rotating the steering wheel back and forth at the same time you are having a hard time getting the key to function? Sometimes thats all it takes.

I'm with JAB 67. Since you have a locking steering wheel, that mechanism could be preventing your key from turning if the wheel is not positioned correctly.

no...definitely not that.

Maybe check the switch itself if something is holding it back then check the metal slider pins in the ignition, I would soak those with WD 40 or something, work it back and forth.

Check this thread out:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...on-switch.html

I've seen ignition switches go bad several times so I would just replace it rather than risk it not starting again later.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/igniti...0-r52-r53.html

Thanks for the advice...I think I'll do the switch replacement! Is it correct the lock cylinder does not have to be removed?