🚨 1993 BMW 850Ci E31: Emergency Neutral
The 1993 BMW 850Ci (E31) uses a traditional automatic transmission floor shifter on the center console with Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and lower gear positions.
✓ 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 a flat surface and parking brake is engaged.
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small rectangular opening covered by a removable cap, located on the left side of the shifter base near the console trim.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key to carefully pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar rigid tool into the slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override mechanism down, press the shifter button (if applicable) and move the lever from Park to Neutral.
- Release the parking brake and the vehicle can now roll or be loaded.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap on the left side of the shifter base near the console trim
With zero electrical power
With no 12V power, the shift lock solenoid will not release normally, but the mechanical override still functions—use the procedure above. The E31 has a conventional mechanical parking brake, so it can be released without power. Interior lights and shifter illumination will not function, but the override mechanism is purely mechanical.