2006 E60 530d M starting problem and AA opinion

[Posted in error also at the introductions thread]

Hello, this site has been great resource for years thanks for excellent work. Now I have sufficiently annoying problem to join and ask for some help, if that's possible.

Tried to start vehicle earlier and battery was not turning car over at all, message on dash that battery was excessively depleted. Called out AA, the net of that was a report indicating that the battery was charged to 11.92 volts with no drain. And a tow booked to dealer in the morning. AA man says he thinks that the battery is ok but that I have a faulty steering lock module as the steering lock doesn't disengage, and the ignition lights don't come on, because, he says, the module doesn't recognize the ignition key.

AA believes that the initial depleted battery problem is not directly related to the 'faulty steering lock module'...rather just bad luck both problems arose at same time. I can often go for a week and just do 10 miles around London, so clearly the initial problem could be related to that. But I do struggle to believe that the so called faulty steering lock module has coincidentally arisen on the same day.

AA guy was nice chap doing tough job, but I wasn't impressed by his failure to know where the battery is located. He needn't have removed my rear seat.

I will be experimenting with disconnecting the IBS later, but I guess this would not be the problem because I have (says AA) a good battery (currently charged) and no ignition.

Thanks in advance, would be nice to have some information before I get skinned at BMW on Monday. PS ...my local dealer is great!!!!!! (you cant be too careful)

I mentioned above that I would experiment with disconnecting the IBS sensor. I did this and pleased to advise that I got back my ignition lights and steering lock disengaged. Unlike earlier, the battery turned the engine over but not enough to start. Am waiting for the AA again to get me started then we will see. Will report back later.