Never seen it on an X5, but it is not uncommon on other brands. The cables are used to tell the ignition switch where the transmission selector is (ie what position), when the vehicle has a console shift (ie not a steering column shift) The cables can stretch, require adjustment, etc. Usually happens after work was done in that area, ie something was disturbed.

Haven't heard it called torque lock, but I don't think it was likely that the park pawl (the device that stops the car rolling) was engaged and held with the weight of the car against it (what I think another poster meant), because while that will hold it in park, it won't affect whether you can get the ignition key out or not, which was the OP's other problem.

And to load it on a flatdeck, I would have used the mini-dollies, or skates, that tow truck drivers use to remove an illegally parked car. Easier than getting inside the vehicle sometimes, or if the key isn't available. Many vehicles that get pulled up onto flatdecks were locked, so skates are the quickest way to get out of Dodge before the owner comes back.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue