🚨 1997 BMW 850Ci E31: Emergency Neutral
The E31 8-Series uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake pedal interlock system.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly set and wheel chocks are in place
- Turn the ignition key to position II (ignition on) if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override - it is a small rectangular slot with a plastic cap on the driver's side of the shifter base, toward the front of the console
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the emergency key blade to pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert the screwdriver or key firmly into the override slot and press down while simultaneously pulling the shifter button and moving the shifter to neutral
- If moving to a flatbed, you may continue to pull back through neutral into reverse if needed for loading position
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or winched; for flatbed loading, all four wheels should be on the bed or use a dolly for rear wheels
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cap on the driver's side (left side) of the shifter base, near the front of the center console
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. The ignition does not need to be on for the override to work. You will need to use physical force on the override mechanism while manipulating the shifter. The steering will be locked, so the vehicle must be pushed/winched straight or use a steering wheel lock bypass if turning is required.