How to engage the P gear in a BMW?
2 Answers
Press the P button on the gear lever to engage the parking gear. Below are the specific steps to engage P gear: 1. When parking, unfasten the seatbelt and open the car door, the P gear will engage automatically with the "P" letter illuminating in green. To shift gears, press the brake pedal, use your right thumb to press the button on the left side of the gear lever, then shift: pull backward for D gear, push forward once for N gear, and push forward twice for R gear. To engage M/S gear, first shift to D gear then pull to the left. 2. To engage P gear, the vehicle must come to a complete stop, then press the brake pedal and press the P button. Before shifting gears, press the brake pedal, use your right hand to lift the gear lever forward then push upward for R gear or downward for D gear. Push downward once from R gear or upward once from D gear to engage N gear.
Engaging the P (Park) gear is crucial when parking a BMW to prevent unintended vehicle movement. My method is to first bring the car to a complete stop, keep the brake pedal depressed, and then check the center console or gear lever. Most BMW models feature an electronic gear selector—simply push it upward or press the adjacent P button to engage Park. A soft click or the P indicator lighting up on the dashboard confirms it’s done. The whole process is incredibly simple, taking just seconds. I always make it a habit to shift into P first, then apply the electronic parking brake for double security, especially on slopes. Skipping P and turning off the engine directly risks rollaway accidents—I once nearly had a close call on an incline due to forgetting this, a lesson learned. Regularly checking transmission fluid also ensures smooth gear shifts. Adopting this routine enhances driving peace of mind, showcasing BMW’s user-friendly design.
