🚨 2018 BMW M760i: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 M760i uses BMW's electronic console-mounted gear selector with steptronic automatic transmission (8-speed ZF).
✓ 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 apply the parking brake if functional
- Turn the ignition to at least the accessory position (press start button without brake pedal) to provide power to the shift-lock system
- Locate the small plastic cap/cover on the right side of the shifter base (passenger side)
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the shift-lock override cover
- With the cover removed, insert the key or a small screwdriver into the override slot
- While pressing down on the override, press the brake pedal and move the shifter to Neutral
- If no electrical power is available, the override alone will NOT work - you must jump the 12V battery in the trunk (right side under carpet panel) to provide power to the shifter electronics
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or towed with all wheels on the ground for short distances
Shift-lock override location
Small plastic cap on the right side (passenger side) of the console shifter base
With zero electrical power
The electronic shifter requires 12V power to function. With a completely dead battery, you must jump-start the vehicle using the 12V battery located in the trunk (right side, under the carpet panel and cover). Jump-start posts may be under the hood - positive terminal under red cap in engine bay, ground to chassis. Even with the override slot, the shifter mechatronics need power.