Xsara 2002 ignition barrel half way out but still stuck ?

SOURCE: 95 Escort Ignition Switch

Yes you do require a special tool to remove them. You could drill out the screws and that would remove the ignition swith but you would still need a tool to put the new one on.

SOURCE: Key stuck in ignition of 1996 Toyota 4Runner

This truck has a switch in the shifter assembly that tells the ignition the truck is in Park or not. If the shifter doesn't hit that switch right this can happen. Also, there is a component in the ignition (a solenoid) that allows the key to be released if the Park switch is pushed. To be sure it's one of these two things, try this.... Get the key stuck, then disconnect the battery. If the key comes right out, it's either the switch or the solenoid. Good luck!

SOURCE: stuck ignition cylinder 1992 ford taurus

It is not necessary to have the dealer do this, think of the cash! Though it does require patience and time. The pin you are supposed to push in goes into a slot when you have it in run position, since you cannot turn it to run you have to make a slot for the pin to go into, with a drill. Be very careful as you only have a 1/4" of play before you break a washer behind the cylinder. Once you have drilled out the key far enough to the pin hole you can take a nail set and tap the pin up, you can tell when the pin clears the housing, then it just takes wiggle, patience and tinkering to get the cylinder to slide out, keep the green washer and the metal slot washer. Metal slot washer goes in first with green plastic washer ontop of that with lock cylinder in last. You can play around with the new lock cylinder and washer before insertion to determin correct direction.

Here are official directions with inoperable lock cylinder. They say drill out retaining pin but it just spun in circles for me - I looked at new cylinder and saw how it worked. retaining pin needs a place to go.
Removal & Installation (Non-Functional)
NOTE:Use this procedure to remove ignition lock cylinder if key is missing or cylinder is frozen.

Disconnect negative battery cable. Disable air bag system. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in RESTRAINTS. Wait at least one minute for air bag back-up power supply to deplete. Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL . Using a 1/8" bit, drill out retaining pin located below lock cylinder on housing. DO NOT drill deeper than 1/2".
Using channel lock pliers, twist lock cylinder cap until it separates from lock cylinder. Using a 3/8" drill bit, drill down center of ignition lock key slot about 1 3/4" until lock cylinder breaks loose from its base.
Remove retainer, washer, and lock cylinder gear from housing. Remove metal shavings from lock cylinder bore. Replace housing if damaged. To install, reverse removal procedure. Connect negative battery cable. Check air bag system for proper system operation. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in RESTRAINTS.

SOURCE: 2001 chrysler sebring convertable key stuck in ignition -

Is the gear shift button stuck in, if so hit the gear shift a couple of time and that should unstick the botton, allowing you to remove your key

SOURCE: key wont turn in ignition barrel on my bmw 316 compact (N REG)

had this problem myself recently and i had to remove steering wheel and side covers remove shear bolts from lock housing using a smal chisel that lets you lake of lock housing and steering lock to replace them your local bm dealer should be able to order the correct one to fit your key, your car will still run with key out but you have to insert it to start it.