Second Hand Nissan GT-R Ignition Barrel

The R35 Nissan GT-R, which is the only generation of GT-R sold in the UK (launched here in 2009), uses a keyless push-button ignition system and does not have a traditional ignition barrel at all. There is no ignition barrel fitted to any variant or trim level of the R35 GT-R. If you are looking to address a starting or key recognition fault, the components you may actually need are the push-button start switch, the steering column lock unit, or an Intelligent Key (I-Key) module — confirm the exact failed component with a specialist before ordering.

Because the R35 GT-R has no ignition barrel, a starting-system fault is more likely to involve the Intelligent Key receiver, the push-button start/stop switch, or the BCM (Body Control Module). A breaker who is dismantling an R35 GT-R can supply the relevant switch or module, but confirm the exact part number against your registration before buying, as programming requirements can vary. Searching for 'R35 GT-R push start switch' or 'R35 GT-R Intelligent Key module' will point you in the right direction.

Trim level does not introduce an ignition barrel to any variant — Premium, Track Edition, and NISMO trims all use the same push-button keyless start system. Cosmetic differences between trims exist (interior materials, badging, bucket seats on NISMO), but none of those trims added a conventional barrel. Whichever trim the donor car is, if you are sourcing the start switch or key module, concentrate on the part number and software compatibility rather than the trim name.

The R35 GT-R received a significant refresh around 2016 (with incremental updates from 2011 and 2015), and while there is no ignition barrel on any version, electronic components such as the Intelligent Key module or BCM can differ between build years due to software and specification changes. If you are sourcing any keyless-start system component across a model-year boundary, you must confirm compatibility with the breaker against your specific registration, as plug-and-play fitment is not guaranteed and reprogramming may be needed regardless. A breaker experienced with GT-Rs will be able to cross-reference part numbers for you.

It is a common point of confusion — the GT-R does have a steering column lock assembly and a surrounding shroud that can look similar to a barrel-type ignition surround on other cars, but there is no rotary barrel. If you are experiencing a fault where the car refuses to start or the steering locks unexpectedly, the steering column lock unit itself is the more likely culprit and is a part a breaker can supply from a donor R35. Describe the exact symptom to your breaker or a GT-R specialist so they can identify the correct component before you order.