🚨 1998 BMW 328is E36: Emergency Neutral
The E36 328is uses a traditional automatic console shifter with a mechanical gate and a shift lock button on the right side of the shifter handle.
✓ 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 chock wheels
- Turn ignition to ON position (or ACC if battery has some charge)
- Press brake pedal firmly
- Press the shift lock button on the right side of the shifter handle and move to neutral
- If shift lock button does not release due to failed brake switch or no power, locate the small plastic cap on the console to the left of the shifter base
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pop off the cap, revealing the manual shift lock override slot
- Insert the screwdriver into the slot and press down while simultaneously moving the shifter to neutral
- Keep screwdriver pressure applied until shifter is fully in neutral position
Shift-lock override location
Small plastic cap on the console to the left of the shifter base (driver's side); pry off to access the manual override slot
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, you cannot use the shift lock button. You must use the manual override slot described above. The mechanical override works without any electrical power - simply pry off the cap, insert screwdriver, press down firmly, and shift to neutral.