How to Shift to Neutral When a BMW Has No Power?

[SanBrianna]

Open the dust cover of the gear lever, pull the lever backward until you hear a click sound, then leave it inserted in the opening to unlock the transmission lock. Open the cup holder cover and lift out the plastic tray, remove the rubber mat from the bottom of the cup holder compartment, then press down, and when released, lift up and remove the tool. Use the red gear lever, take out the plastic mat inside the cup holder, press down, then turn the lever half a circle—it must remain in the socket to maintain the N (neutral) position.

[DiLeah]

Last time my BMW had a power failure, it was the same situation – electronic gearshift cars can indeed be troublesome. First, find a tool like a flathead screwdriver or a key. There's a small arrow marking at the bottom right corner of the gearshift panel, hiding an emergency slot. Use the tool to pry open that small plastic cover, and you'll find a yellow pull ring inside. Insert your finger and pull hard – remember to apply force straight upwards until you hear a click, which means it's engaged. This forcibly releases the transmission lock. However, I should remind you to press the brake pedal during the operation to make it easier, and for older 5 Series models, you might need to pull for over ten seconds before it takes effect. Once in neutral, push the car away as soon as possible, as prolonged towing can damage the transmission. Also, remember to use the small emergency battery on the left side of the trunk to leave a window gap to prevent suffocation.

[SanRyan]

Over a decade of car repair experience has taught me that BMW's power-off gear shifting is most afraid of misoperation. First, look around the gear lever—usually, there's a coin-sized cover hidden at the corners of the black panel, which can be gently pried open with a key tip. The yellow rope inside must be pulled vertically, never at an angle, as it can easily break. One crucial point: in older models, the gear lever will pop up after pulling, while in newer models, you need to check if the dashboard displays the letter N. After completion, the electronic handbrake must be released—when there's no power, the handbrake button won't work, so you'll need to get into the driver's seat, open the cover near the left foot area, and manually rotate the white knob. For towing, it's recommended not to exceed 15 km/h, and for rear-wheel-drive cars, remember to unlock the differential lock.

[SanCamilla]

As a repair shop owner, I often encounter this situation. BMW designers have already considered power loss scenarios. Here's what you need to do: 1. Lift the lower right corner of the gearshift area cover - the plastic clip can be released with just your fingernail; 2. When the bright yellow pull cord is exposed, keep pulling upward for three seconds; 3. Listen for the transmission's audible 'click' to confirm successful unlocking. Key reminder: When towing an automatic transmission vehicle in neutral, this mode can only be maintained for 20 minutes - beyond that you must disconnect the driveshaft. For low-clearance models, always use professional tow hooks and ensure the front wheels are lifted off the ground to prevent steering system damage. Pro tip: Print this emergency guide in advance and store it in your glovebox - it's more practical than searching for tutorials on your phone during emergencies.

[TimothyFitz]

Last week, my best friend's 3 Series broke down in the underground garage, and we figured out a solution: first, turn on the phone flashlight and feel for a small triangular protrusion at the front of the gear lever base. Pinch the edge and lift it up—the cover is easier to remove than expected. Inside, there's a very noticeable orange strap. Grab it with both hands and pull it vertically like unzipping a zipper. A reminder for the ladies: wear gloves when doing this, as the edges of the metal clips can be sharp. After successfully shifting to neutral, remember to lock the car again, otherwise the trunk can be opened freely. Finally, a little-known tip: when tying a tow rope to the tire, avoid the wheel hub cover—the new BMW's wheel hub covers are particularly prone to scratches.