UNABLE TO UNLOCK STEERING WHEEL - 2000 BMW Z3

You may have to try turning the wheel while you turn the key. If your tire is against a curb it can force the steering lock and that will make it hard to unlock the steering column. You may have to turn hard to get it unlocked.

If the steering wheel is under great tension, this can cause the key to be unable to unlock the steering column or turn in the cylinder. Try pulling the wheel first to the right while turning the key, and if that fails, then the left. Often this will release the tension and allow the key to turn and the column to unlock.

turn key and move steering wheel.left and right.

The steering wheel is under pressure from turning the steering when stopped.
Turn the steering wheel slightly so the pressure is released from the ignition lock and you will able to then turn the ignition key to unlock the steering wheel.

Its going to be inside the steering column near the ignition switch. When you turn the ignition it unlocks the steering lock. You can't really manually unlock it unless you break the lock system

There might be a metal steering wheel lock release button under the dash in the steering column. but im not for sure on that. if you cant release it just get a flatbed tow truck. they will still be able to tow it.

Did you park on a hill or in a tight parking spot with your steering wheel cranked to one side?
Try turning the steering wheel (will be very hard to do) as you put the key in the ignition and try to turn the key on, if that doesn't work, try turning the wheel the other way while turning on the key.

In hope that you have the right key, put him in, try to turn the steering wheel a little bit at the same time you try to unlock the ignition.Sometimes it's possible that you've used your steering wheel as help wile getting out of the car. At this case, maybe the wheel lock snaps in, but the wheels are under pressure from the ground. Now you want to unlock your car at it seams that the key wont turn. The wheels get pressure from the ground, so the whole steering is under pressure and your steering wheel pressed against the locker block. If you try to turn the locked steering wheel, you'll see that it turns appr. 1" to one side. This is the needed space to unlock with the key. I hope that works in your case.

CAN you turn the steering wheel if not then you have a lock up on the steering so when turning the wheel both ways backwards and forwards slightly and unlock the ign at the same time.

Typically, the steering is preloaded. This happens when car is turned off with some steering assist being applied (whether you know it or not).

Often you have to manhandle the wheel in one direction or the other while turning the key.