Expert: Josh Fields - 7/6/2006

Question
I have a 1980 E21 (i appreciate it is not an E30 - hopefully you can help).

I can turn the key and the starter truns over but the car does not. It does start when you turn the key back though.

Can this be solved?

Answer
Richard,
 Yes, it's rare to hear from E21 owners these days, those cars are getting rare, and I would love to own one.

 The problem sounds like it's in the ignition switch, and not in the engine electrical system.

 I would pull the cover(s) off the steering column around the switch, and unplug the wires from the switch.  Clean all the connections and see if that helps.  If it still doesn't fix the issue, you should probably just buy a new switch.

 hope this helps,
 Josh