🚨 2017 BMW i3: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 BMW i3 uses a small column-mounted monostable (self-centering) electronic shifter on the right side of the steering column.
✓ 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 applied if functional.
- If 12V battery has ANY power: Press the start button without pressing the brake pedal to get the vehicle into accessory mode or ready state.
- Rock the shifter forward (toward dash) to select Drive, which allows the vehicle to roll freely.
- If the shifter is unresponsive due to shift-lock, look for a small circular plastic cap on the right side of the shifter stalk base (toward the door side).
- Pry off the cap with a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool to reveal the shift-lock override slot.
- Insert a key or small screwdriver into the override slot while attempting to move the shifter forward to Drive.
- If successful in getting to Drive, you can now push the vehicle or roll it freely (no tow mode needed for short distances).
- For flatbed towing: Do NOT tow with any wheels on the ground - the i3 has a single-speed transmission directly connected to the rear wheels with no true neutral clutch disconnect.
Shift-lock override location
Small circular cap on the right side of the shifter stalk base, near where it meets the column; pry off to access the override slot
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the shifter will not respond and the parking brake may remain engaged electronically. You must jump-start the 12V battery (located under hood on right side, or access through jump-start posts under hood) to get ANY accessory power for shifter operation. The override slot may not work without at least some 12V power to release the shift interlock solenoid.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: BMW i3 must be transported on a flatbed with all wheels OFF the ground. There is no true neutral that disconnects the rear wheels from the motor/transmission. Towing with rear wheels down will cause severe damage to the drive unit. The electric parking brake requires 12V power to release - if battery is completely dead, you must provide jump power to release it before loading onto flatbed.