🚨 2013 BMW 550i: Emergency Neutral
The 2013 BMW 550i (F10 generation) uses an electronic gear selector lever on the center console that returns to center position after each input.
✓ 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on level ground and the parking brake is engaged
- If possible, turn the ignition to position II (accessory power on) - with even minimal battery charge, press the brake pedal and push the gear selector forward to engage N
- If there is no electrical power or the shift-lock will not release, locate the shift-lock override access point
- Identify the small trim cover on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side) - it is a small rectangular or square plastic cap
- Carefully pry off or remove the trim cover using a plastic trim tool or small flathead screwdriver
- Locate the override slot beneath the cover - it is a rectangular or keyhole-shaped opening
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key blade, or similar flat tool into the override slot
- Press firmly on the override mechanism (typically pressing down or forward) while simultaneously moving the gear selector forward to N position
- Hold the override depressed until you feel the selector move freely into neutral
- The transmission is now mechanically in neutral and the vehicle can roll
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base (driver's side), under a small rectangular plastic trim cover that must be pried off to reveal the override slot
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the electronic shifter will not function normally and you must use the mechanical shift-lock override. The override physically releases the lock mechanism. Note that without power, the dashboard will not display the gear position, but the transmission will be in neutral mechanically once the override is engaged and the selector is moved.