525i won't start, elv lock

[cortz87]

I just bought my car from a friend. I put the remote in the ignition, but i didn't start the car. I just needed the menu because I wanted to try out the bluetooth sync to my phone. Here's what happened

1. warning text saying my battery needs to be charged
2. i ignored it. i figured the sync will only take a few minutes
3. car turns off
4. tried to start the car. won't start and saying that there's an elv lock and i needed to move the steering wheel to start engine
5. tried it. nothing. tried a few times, the elv message would appear on the control display. after a few times again the control display does not turn on at all anymore

i'm really hoping it's just in need of a battery charge, but the car controls are still functional: lights, locking/unlocking. highbeams don't work though, but the headlights work.

please help. i have a job interview next week!!!!!!

[Lord Vader]

Lets start with what year is the car? Makes a big difference. Second, is "elv" an abbreviation for something?

[cortz87]

2006. i honestly have NO idea what ELV is, but the message says "elv block move steering wheel to start." it's a picture of a lock on a wheel. so i tried moving the steering wheel, and nothing. car doesn't start anymore.

[cortz87]

electric steering lock (elv)...from what i've been reading. i'm new to bmw.