How to Shift to Neutral in a BMW After Engine Shutdown?
3 Answers
To shift to neutral in a BMW after the engine is turned off, follow these steps: The gear lever is located on the right rear side of the steering wheel. To shift gears, first pull it toward yourself, then press the P button at the end of the gear lever to engage neutral. Below is additional information about BMW: 1. BMW Model Series: The BMW 7 Series is BMW's flagship full-size luxury sedan, competing in the same segment as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8L. 2. Vehicle Exterior: The BMW 7 Series retains the iconic kidney grille design at the front, with chrome accents connecting the two halves. The headlights on both sides feature a sharp design, complemented by the raised lines on the hood, giving it a robust yet elegant appearance. The large fog lights incorporate black mesh detailing, along with the darkened front grille, enhancing its sporty yet refined look. The side profile features more pronounced lines, emphasizing its muscular character. The waistline extends to the rear taillights, creating a sleek and elongated silhouette. The dimensions remain consistent with the gasoline-powered models, and the window frames (A, B, and C pillars) are blacked out—a popular design trend in the market.
After driving a BMW for so many years, I've found it quite common to shift into neutral after the car is turned off, especially when needing a tow or doing minor repairs. BMW's design is quite smart, usually featuring an emergency release button hidden near the gear lever—just a small plastic cover. You can gently pry it open with your car key to reveal a button labeled 'Shift Lock Release.' Press this button while lightly pushing the gear lever to the N position, and you've successfully shifted to neutral. Make sure the car is parked on level ground with the handbrake engaged before doing this to avoid any accidental rolling. I often test this in the garage and find the feature very practical, though it's much simpler to shift directly when the engine is running normally. BMW's system is highly protective, locking the gear when the engine is off to prevent accidental shifts. Learning how to operate this gives peace of mind, making it easy to handle situations like a dead battery. Remember, not all models are the same, so if you're buying a used car, check the manual to confirm the details.
As a car owner, safety is undoubtedly the top priority, and I'm particularly cautious about putting a BMW into neutral after turning off the engine. When the car is parked and needs to be moved, such as for changing tires or pushing it for maintenance, neutral gear is essential. The operation is straightforward: locate a small indented area near the gear lever, usually shaped like a round cover, pry it open with a finger or key, press the internal button, and simultaneously push the gear lever to the "N" mark. Throughout this process, it's crucial to ensure the handbrake is firmly engaged and all doors and windows are securely closed to prevent the car from sliding or any interference. BMW's design of this mechanism is actually for anti-theft and preventing accidental movement. It's advisable not to perform this operation frequently as it can wear out the components. The last time I encountered this situation was on a rainy day when the car stalled on a hillside. Fortunately, I knew this trick beforehand and managed to stabilize the car. I recommend fellow car owners to learn this as well—it can be a lifesaver in critical moments.
