🚨 2023 BMW M5 F90: Emergency Neutral
The F90 M5 uses a traditional electronic center console shifter with a stepped-gate automatic pattern (P-R-N-D-M) located on the center tunnel.
✓ 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 the parking brake is firmly engaged
- Turn the ignition to position 1 or 2 (do not need to start the engine; if battery is completely dead, see no-power notes below)
- Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal
- Locate the small rectangular shift-lock override cover on the left side of the shifter base, just behind the shifter lever
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override cover
- Insert the screwdriver into the exposed override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down and keeping the brake depressed, move the shifter to neutral (N)
- If the vehicle must be moved without power, you will need to jump the 12V battery minimally to activate the shifter electronics, or use the override with accessory power on
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base, just behind the lever itself; slot accepts a flathead screwdriver pressed downward
With zero electrical power
The electronic shifter requires at least accessory power (ignition position 1) to release. With a completely dead battery, you must jump-start the 12V battery enough to power accessories, then use the override procedure. The shifter will not mechanically release without any electrical power. If jump-starting is not possible, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with wheels free or using dollies.