1998 328i ignition key won't turn to crank the engine. Only the miles show. Also the steering wheel is locked. Help.

steering locked engine running not? , not told that key fact.
the key must turn, jiggling steering can help the key too turn.
we do not know what turn over means, the word turns has zero meaning .(accurate)
the starter turns, the crank shaft spins and turns and the engine turns and starts and runs and stays running this good serial event
or the KEY is stuck and key will not turn OVER from OFF TO , RUN and to START,


some call turns over as runs. 3 ways to get the mean wrong

so learn to say I can crank it ok but the engine fails to start and run.
I guess (wild) the starter is DEAD< silent, clicks or chatters.>?
that it> no GRRRRRRGRRRRR sound from a happy starter motor?

starter dead or not, is question 1./

with the key in the ignition crank the wheel HARD to the right.with your right hand keep pressure on the key jiggle the wheel hard right/left with your left hand it should release.

Has it thrown or broken the belt?
When you say locked do you mean real hard to turn or the locking pin has engaged?

The list of possible causes includes the key, the lock cylinder, the steering wheel lock, and other things.
Have you tried another key ?

make sure the stick is in reverse and the key is all the way in the ignition

To fix your problem, you have to turn the steering wheel either to the left or right as much as you can, then try to turn the key in the ignition. When the steering wheel locks, the key won't turn. By manually holding the steering wheel out of the lock position, the key will turn again and you're steering column will be back to normal.

Are you saying that you are able to turn the ignition key but the steering wheel doesn't unlock, and the engine doesn't crank or is it that the key won't turn? Either way you have something broken, probably the ignition lock cylinder. The steering wheel has to be removed, There are quite a few special tools you have to have, you have to disable the air bag. It's not something you want to do yourself if your not sure what your doing.

Try rocking the steering wheel slightly (it should turn just a little bit) while gently trying to turn the key. Sometimes if you turn the ignition off (to the lock position) too quickly, the steering wheel will be forced to turn slightly by the power steering pump as the engine comes to a stop. When turning the ignition off in the future, only turn the key back 1 notch to shut the engine off first. Then, after the engine has stopped, finish turning the key to the lock position.

the key may be worn badly or the ignition needs to be replaced.

Very likely the steering thrust stored in the tires attempting to turn back is forcing excessive tension against the steering lock.

Try (very hard) to turn the steering wheel either direction while turning the key gently.

If that solves it you can avoid this by letting go of the steering after stopping to park, turn off the ignition slowly (engine off, pause, then key out). This will ensure that the steering wheel comes to rest prior to locking the column.