How do you unlock the steering wheel in a mini cooper s?

Answer 1

In most vehicles the steering column locks when the key is in the off position or obviously if it is removed from the ignition. If you remove the key from the ignition while you are turning the wheel to either side the locking mechanism jams a bit because it is being held by the tension transfered up from the steering system. It will have a hard time releasing once the key is reinserted and often the ignition won't be able to be released. You will need to gently move the steering wheel back and forth while turning the key to get it to unlock. Even though newer "minis" don't have a traditional ignition it should be some kind of similar method to release it.