How to Put a BMW 5 Series in Neutral for Towing?

[DianaAnn]

To put a BMW 5 Series in neutral for towing, simply press the unlock button near the gear shift position to engage neutral gear. Here are some features of this model: 1. Exterior design. The front fascia adopts the signature kidney grille paired with angular headlight clusters. 2. Dimensions. The vehicle measures 5087mm in length, 1868mm in width, and 1500mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3108mm. 3. Interior. The cabin features extensive leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster displaying real-time driving data, and a 10.25-inch floating central touchscreen integrating rearview camera, iDrive system, and multimedia entertainment functions.

[Freddy]

Last time my car broke down on the road, it happened to be a BMW 525. The tow truck driver taught me a trick: First, don't press the brake pedal, press the start button twice to light up the dashboard (the engine won't start at this point). Then firmly press and hold the brake pedal without releasing it, push the gear lever (the small joystick) all the way down until the N (Neutral) indicator appears on the dashboard. Here's the key part: keep holding the brake pedal for 30 seconds without rushing, wait for the vehicle computer to confirm it's in towing mode before releasing your foot. If you release too quickly, the gear might automatically shift back to P (Park). When towing, it's best to have the driver use a flatbed truck to transport the entire vehicle. If using a cable tow, make sure the drive wheels are off the ground, otherwise the transmission could be easily damaged. This method applies to most BMW models with electronic gear shifters.

[VonColton]

I've been driving a 5 Series for three years and once encountered the neutral gear issue when calling a tow truck due to a flat tire. The procedure is actually quite simple: Sit in the driver's seat without pressing the brake pedal, then press the ignition button twice to power on. Next, firmly press the brake pedal and move the gear lever from P to N position - you'll need to hold down the unlock button on the side to do this. The key point is to keep the brake pedal pressed for about 30 seconds until the N gear indicator on the dashboard stays steady (not blinking) before releasing. Don't believe online advice about disconnecting the battery - BMW's electronic systems are too delicate, and forced power interruption might trigger the anti-theft lock. If you can't shift to N after following these steps, it might be due to insufficient battery voltage; try jump-starting the car and repeating the procedure.

[VonAlan]

As a frequent visitor to auto repair shops, I've noticed a pattern with BMW's towing mode: electronic gearshift models require power-on operation. The specific steps are as follows: 1. Press the start button twice to enter power supply mode; 2. Firmly depress the brake pedal; 3. Push the gear lever to the N (Neutral) position; 4. Maintain brake pressure for over 30 seconds. If you hear a click when releasing the brake, it indicates successful neutral lock engagement. Older models with physical gear levers are simpler—just depress the brake and shift to Neutral directly. Remember to keep towing distance under 50 kilometers and speed below 30 mph, otherwise the transfer case gears may suffer dry friction and fail.