My friend offered to take me home and return to meet the tow truck, since he only loves about a mile away, since BMW Assist said it would take 75 mins for the truck to arrive. (didn't take that long, btw). Before the tow guy literally dragged the car onto the flatbed from back, which may have been very bad for the car, since it was in 1st, my friend tried to start it, and it fired right up.
(ok, folks here's the kicker, and the explanation of why I'm apparently such a friggin retard)!
It seems I may have never actually tried the starter button, since the shift lever was pulled to the left and indicating 1st gear! Looking back, in all my frustration with not being able to move the shifter, I don't think I ever tried the starter button. Looks like I may have inadvertantly pulled the lever over to the left neutral position after shutting the car off, but locking the car is 1st gear as it should do. Pressing the starter button then engaged neutral and started the car. Lesson learned, and egg on face big time!