🚨 2006 BMW 328i: Emergency Neutral
The E90 328i uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter with electronic shift lock and a steptronic gate.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ Chock the wheels first — neutral means the car can roll. Set the parking brake while you work, never stand downhill of the vehicle, and try a 12-volt jump before any override: power fixes most stuck-in-park problems instantly.
The procedure
- Apply parking brake and ensure the vehicle is on level ground or properly chocked
- Turn ignition to ON position if battery has any charge (this may release shift lock automatically)
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular slot with a plastic cap located on the driver's side of the shifter base, near the lower left corner of the shifter surround
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal end of the key to pry off the plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert the screwdriver or key firmly into the override slot and push down while simultaneously pulling the shifter rearward out of Park
- Hold the override down until the shifter is fully in Neutral, then release
- The vehicle can now roll freely in Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cap on the driver's side (left side) of the shifter base, near the lower corner of the center console shifter surround
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery and ignition off, the mechanical shift lock override is your only option. The override slot works purely mechanically and does not require any electrical power. You must manually depress the override mechanism while moving the shifter. If the steering wheel is locked, you may need to jump-start the vehicle or manually unlock the steering column before loading onto a flatbed.