Failed ignition switch

[silvermog]

OK, first serious fault since getting the Adv ...

Went out today to warm up the bike for a spin, its been neglected for a fortnight as I've been away on business. Started fine, ran it for a few minutes, then took a phone-call just as I was putting helmet on, so I hit the kill switch and spent 10mins on phone.

Went back to bike and through habit went through normal startup procedure. When I switched ignition to off position, the headlights, panel, dash, etc all stayed powered. Odd. So I fiddled with key, definately in off position, oh well, thumb starter, fire first time ... with key in off position.

Looks like the ignition switch has failed, but in the on position. Sods law says if I needed it to fail open like this (like on a tour) it wouldn't, but here around town its a PITA because it makes it a doddle to walk away with and obvious as the ignition keeps lights and panel active.

Looks like a BMW dealer trip tomorrow ...

Short of disconnecting the battery, anyone know a better way to kill the circuit and BMW assist can pick it up as a DNS?

Silvermog

 

[Yoda]

Presumably you've tried turning the key right round to the left, back again, then remove to see if that clears things?

If that doesn't clear it then I'd disconnect the battery.

Bumma.

 

[Pukmeister]

If it were my bike I would first remove the ignition key then disconnect the battery to make it safe.

If/when reconnecting the battery, the ECU ( being re-energised via the jammed ignition contacts) should look for the ignition key inbuilt code chip via the ignition socket "ring antenna" and then having not found it, immobilise the bike keeping you safe from theft. If you have a factory alarm it MAY trigger it as a theft attempt warning, not sure exactly without reading the manual.

Better to have an immobilised bike than a stolen one IMHO, and I doubt your insurers would pay out as a total loss should it get stolen in its present state if they knew how it had become so easily stealable. The onus is still very much on you as the owner to protect your property from theft and indemnify them from losses.

Obviously your bike would need to be recovered to a dealer for a replacement ignition switch as its very prone to theft and unrideable at the moment.