🚨 2020 BMW M8: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 M8 uses BMW's electronic gear selector lever on the center console, a small lever that returns to center position after gear selection.
🧰 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and parking brake is engaged if functional
- Turn the ignition to accessory mode (press start button without brake pedal) if 12V power is available
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side
- Use the metal key blade or a small flathead screwdriver to carefully pry off the plastic cap
- Insert the key blade or screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, move the shift lever forward toward the N position
- The shifter should release and move to neutral; maintain pressure on the override until the lever completes the movement
- If power is available, verify 'N' appears on the instrument cluster
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, accessible from the driver's side of the shifter
With zero electrical power
With complete 12V power loss, the electronic shifter mechanism remains locked even with the override slot. You must restore minimal electrical power by jump-starting the vehicle or connecting an external 12V source to the battery or designated jump-start terminals under the hood. Once minimal power is restored, the override slot will function to release the shifter.