hi all my ignition switch has jammed on my 95 m 2.5cdx has anyone any ideas on how to free it so I can replace the barrell only

As DAZZLER said try wd40 it fixes most things it might take a bit of time and wiggling about but it should help if not you are going to have to get a new one I suspect not sure how involved that would be though possibly a new key which means it wont do the doors unless you know the key number and get a direct replacement then it may need programming to your car aswell . I would try the wd40 for a bit . just one tip put an old newspaper under the lock on the floor it will catch any wd40 that leaks out and stop it getting in to the carpet etc 

the barrel costs about £30 quid as I recall (from Autovaux) for a new one but you do end up with a new key.   I imagine if you know your key number you can request the right one from Vx.

But as you say you do need to get it to position 1 to remove the barrel.

http://www.autovaux.co.uk ;  

Thanks for the name have contacted them now and they can supply the lock assembly and barrell and keys for less than the price of the dealers barrell and key set and even better off the shelf!

I tried to get barrell to move on Saturday but had no joy. The old one starter to break up and I have removed all but the last bit. I now start and dive the car albeit leaving the key in the centre consul. The key contains a chip for the immobiliser so the car wont start without the key. I have tried but it just cranks. the set coming from autovaux is without a chip but they say mine can be removed and put in key by drilling it. Anyone tried and can it be done.

What you could do is fix the old part of the key with the chip bit in to the inside of the cowlingnear the reciever so it is always there . No one but you will know its there so its not so much of a security risk