Cheap BMW i5 Ignition Switch
Compare prices on a used BMW i5 ignition switch from UK breakers. Free part request, no obligation.
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Buying a used BMW i5 ignition switch: what matters
Fitment on a used ignition switch varies by vehicle, so a bit of detail goes a long way. Our request form covers what breakers need to know, so every quote you get back is for the correct part:
- State if you need it complete with keys
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Fitment questions
Does the BMW i5 have an ignition switch?
No — the BMW i5 is a fully electric vehicle and does not have a traditional ignition switch at all. Like all modern EVs, it uses a push-button start system combined with a proximity key fob, so there is no barrel-type ignition switch to source from a breaker. If you are trying to resolve a starting or key-recognition fault, the part you are most likely looking for is the start/stop button assembly, the ELV (electronic steering lock) module, or a replacement key fob — a breaker who specialises in BMWs or EVs will be able to advise which component matches your specific fault.
My i5 won't start — I've been told I need a new ignition switch, is that right?
It is very unlikely, because the i5 has no conventional ignition switch — the term is sometimes used loosely by garages to describe the start button or the underlying electronic control that authorises the vehicle to power up. The fault is more probably with the start/stop button itself, the comfort access module, or the high-voltage battery interlock circuit. We would recommend getting a BMW-specific diagnostic scan before ordering any parts, so you know exactly which component needs replacing.
Will an ignition switch from an older BMW 5 Series fit my i5?
No — a conventional ignition switch from a petrol or diesel 5 Series (G30/G31 2016–2023 or earlier generations) is a physical barrel-and-key mechanism that simply does not exist on the all-electric i5 (G60, launched 2023). The i5 uses an entirely different start authorisation system built around a digital key and push-button start, so the parts are fundamentally incompatible and non-interchangeable. If you need a start-related component for your i5, contact a breaker with the i5's specific part reference rather than searching under 'ignition switch'.
Does it matter which trim my i5 is — eDrive40, M60, or M Sport — when looking for ignition-related parts?
Trim level makes no difference here, because no variant of the i5 — whether eDrive40, xDrive40, or M60 — was ever fitted with a traditional ignition switch. All i5 variants use the same push-button start architecture regardless of trim or performance level. If you are chasing a start-system fault, confirm the exact module or button reference with a breaker against your registration number, as software calibration can vary between variants.
What should I search for instead of an ignition switch for my BMW i5?
Depending on your fault, the parts most commonly confused with an ignition switch on the i5 are the start/stop button assembly, the steering column electronic module, the comfort access control unit, or the key fob itself. Give your registration and a description of the fault to a BMW breaker — they will be able to identify the correct part number and check whether a used unit from another i5 can be paired to your car. Bear in mind that some electronic modules on the i5 may require coding or key-matching, so always check this with the breaker before buying.