How to Engage the P Gear in a BMW?
2 Answers
The methods to engage the P gear in a BMW are: 1. Press the P button on the gear lever; 2. Unfasten the seatbelt and open the car door, and the P gear will automatically engage. BMW models include the BMW X1, BMW X2, BMW X3, BMW X4, BMW X6, and others. Taking the 2021 BMW X1 as an example, it is a compact SUV with body dimensions of length 4565mm, width 1821mm, height 1620mm, and a wheelbase of 2780mm. The 2021 BMW X1 is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 140PS, a maximum torque of 220Nm, and a maximum power of 103kW, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Last time I drove my friend's BMW, I found shifting to Park mode quite straightforward: after the car comes to a complete stop, firmly press the brake pedal, then push the gear lever to the P position. Most BMWs use electronic gear shifting, like that small joystick-shaped lever—just a simple push does the trick; some models even have a dedicated P button. The key is to ensure the vehicle is fully stationary before shifting to avoid transmission damage. After engaging Park, I always pull up the electronic parking brake, especially when parking on slopes for extra safety. In automatic transmission cars, Park mode essentially locks the wheels, keeping the car stationary; unlike Drive or Neutral, Park is specifically designed for prolonged parking—just remember to shift back to D or R before driving off. A few practice runs make it second nature—safety first. Thinking back, shifting to Park in a BMW isn’t much different from regular cars—no need to overcomplicate it.
