🚨 2002 BMW M5: Emergency Neutral
The E39 M5 uses a conventional console-mounted automatic shifter with a shift lock button on the side.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 to position II (ON) if battery has any charge remaining.
- Press the brake pedal fully.
- Press the shift lock button on the right side of the shifter while pulling the shifter toward you to move from Park.
- If the shift lock button does not release electrically, locate the small rectangular shift lock override access panel on the right side of the shifter base.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or key to pry off the override access cover.
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and push down while simultaneously pressing the shift lock button and moving the shifter to Neutral.
- Keep foot on brake throughout the process if possible.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular access panel on the right side of the shifter base, near the shift lock button; press down in the slot to mechanically release the lock.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override slot must be used. No ignition power is needed to use the mechanical override. The override directly disengages the solenoid lock mechanism allowing shifter movement.