🚨 1994 BMW 850i E31: Emergency Neutral
The E31 850i uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift interlock controlled by the brake pedal switch.
✓ 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 engaged and wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition key to position II (ON) if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the small rectangular shift lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base, just forward of the leather boot.
- Remove the small plastic cover cap from the override slot by prying gently with a flathead screwdriver or trim tool.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, ignition key, or similar narrow tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button on top of the shift knob and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the shifter will not release with ignition in position II, try cycling the key off and back to position II while holding the override and attempting to shift.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or steered (if steering lock permits).
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the left side of the shifter base, just forward of the leather boot, covered by a removable plastic cap.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift interlock may remain engaged even with the override pressed. In this case, apply a trickle charger or jump pack for 5-10 minutes to provide minimal power to the transmission control module, then attempt the override procedure. The steering column lock will also engage with no power—turning the steering wheel slightly while turning the key may help release it, but professional service or flatbed transport may be required if the column remains locked.