🚨 2022 BMW Z4 M40i: Emergency Neutral
The G29 Z4 uses an electronic console-mounted shifter with no traditional PRNDL gate; gear selection is displayed on the instrument cluster only.
✓ 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 parking brake is engaged and wheels are chocked
- Attempt to provide 12V power to the vehicle using a jump starter or jumper cables to another vehicle - the electronic shifter requires some electrical power
- Once minimal power is available, press the brake pedal and the start/stop button without pressing the clutch (if the system thinks you're trying to start)
- With ignition on, press the shifter button and move to Neutral position
- If the vehicle absolutely cannot receive any electrical power, you must use flatbed transport only - there is no mechanical override for the electronic shifter
- For towing preparation with power available: shift to Neutral, then press and hold the electric parking brake button while pulling up on it for several seconds to enter transport mode (consult owner's manual for specific duration)
With zero electrical power
The G29 Z4 electronic shifter has NO mechanical override. Without any 12V power, the transmission cannot be shifted and the parking brake cannot be released electronically. The vehicle MUST be loaded onto a flatbed with dollies or dragged onto the bed using a winch. Do not attempt to tow with wheels on the ground without the transmission in Neutral. Jump-starting with even a small portable jump pack will usually provide enough power to shift to Neutral.