🚨 1994 BMW M5: Emergency Neutral
The 1994 M5 (E34) uses a traditional floor-mounted automatic transmission lever with 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to position I or II if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the small rectangular shift lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base, near where the lever enters the console
- Remove the small plastic cover cap if present by prying gently with a flathead screwdriver
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade into the override slot
- Press down firmly on the override while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the lever to neutral
- If the car must be moved without any power, you will need to access the override as described; the mechanical lock can be defeated with the override tool even without electrical power
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the left side of the shifter base, usually covered by a plastic cap
With zero electrical power
The shift lock override is mechanical and works without battery power. You may need to manually turn the key in the ignition cylinder to the first position (this is mechanical, not electrical) to allow the steering wheel to unlock for towing. Ensure the transmission is in neutral before moving.