🚨 2006 BMW M5 E60: Emergency Neutral
The 2006 E60 M5 uses a traditional automatic transmission floor shifter (SMG or automatic) with mechanical shift gate and electronic shift lock.
✓ 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 engaged and the vehicle is on level ground
- If the battery has any power, turn the ignition to position 1 or 2 (key in ignition, turn one or two clicks)
- Locate the shift lock override slot: on the right side of the shifter base, there is a small rectangular plastic cover
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or key to carefully pry off the plastic cover
- Insert a screwdriver or key into the exposed override slot and push down
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button (if equipped) and move the shifter from P to N
- The vehicle can now roll freely; steer and brake manually as needed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular plastic cover on the right side of the shifter base near the console
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override will allow shifting to neutral. However, the E60 has an electronic parking brake that requires 12V power to release. If the battery is completely dead, you must either jump-start the vehicle to release the EPB, or load it onto a flatbed with rear wheels lifted. The EPB cannot be manually released without power.