1972 R75/5 ignition key hard to push

[scalebuilder]

Hello All,
I recently acquired a 1972 BMW R75/5 and the ignition key is very hard to push in and pull out.I see the two little balls in the switch and i applied a small drop of oil and pushed them in and out several times but the key is still tough to push and pull.Its not the large black plastic one it is a regular metal key nail type. Any ideas?I saw online that a company sold a conversion kit but im not sure who sells them or if thats even necessary.
Thanks,Scalebuilder

[Kurt in S.A.]

Welcome! Can you post pictures of your key?

Kurt

[scalebuilder]

Kurt,
Im trying to figure out how to post a picture?Its a typical push in nail style key.

[Kurt in S.A.]

You must be in the Full Editor. Find the Attachments tab at the bottom of the message box.

Kurt

[scalebuilder]

Kurt,
Heres the key.
Thanks,Tony

[Kurt in S.A.]

Maybe someone can measure the diameter of their key shank. I have a /2 key...not sure if it's the same. Not sure why yours is so hard to push in. My /2 takes some force but I wiggle the key as I push down.

Kurt

[scalebuilder]

Kurt,
I tried another key from my friends R26.It as still hard to push in
I’m not sure what to do?

[Kurt in S.A.]

I finally got home and measured my R69S and R25/2 key...they're both 5mm across the widest part. I suspect that's not really the issue...it might have to with the shape of the cone which separates the contacts within the ignition. Not sure what to say either. Here's a picture of keys I bought...the one on the right is what I ended up buying for my R25/2...long story why I needed a new one.

Update: If the cone shape is the problem, one way to check is to use something like a real nail which has the same outside dimension...it will have a much steeper (more of a point??) cone which would slip in more easily. If that helps things, maybe consider using a grinder to change the shape of your current key?? Just thinking outside the box....

Kurt