[joberon]

In the manual (page 68) there are instructions on how to manually release the automatic transmission - there is mention of a release tool in the trunk. My car did not come with such a tool.

Has anyone else experience this?

[czechm8]

It should be in the tool tray on the underside of the trunk lid. That's where mine is. Red plastic wrench like thing strapped to the left side of the tool tray.

[ilsb]

I'm really pissed. I am missing transmission tool, first aid kit and reflector...all of which are shown in the manual and was included with every other BMW I owned. Now BMW NA tells me that it is not included any more...Since when? Who has this stuff missing from their vehicle? It is time to elevate this at BMW. Not including the transmission tool is really perplexing.

How many of you did not get these items? Did you get dealer to supply? Check it out...they may be missing from your vehicle.

[czechm8]

All mine came with is the transmission tool and a screw driver. There's no first aid kit or reflector.

[flyguy708_2000]

Same here only the trans tool and screw driver.

[Scandic24]

Originally Posted by flyguy708_2000

Same here only the trans tool and screw driver.

I guess that BMW only fills the tray with whats mandatory on that particular market.
I haven't checked for a release tool yet. Here it's mandatory to always keep a reflector in the car. A first aid kit and a dual-tip screw driver is also in the tray.

[ghueser]

I had read once that the reason US bound cars do not have the warning triangle is because they do not meet our DOT standards. You would think that European standards are more stringent, so who knows? If I recall, US Audi's have one, so maybe it is a cost savings for BMW if they don't have to do it. US owners can get the medical kit from their dealer parts department, not sure about the warning triangle though.

[ilsb]

Dealer parts mgr tells me that the transmission tool (shown in the manual) no longer is used with the 535i since the transmission is electrically controlled. The tool no longer works or is needed. Also tells me that there is no part number for the US first aid kit and the European one won't fit in the trunk lid. Also said that the highway reflector does not meed US DOT standards and is not included,,,so no transmission tool, no first aid kit and no reflector. Has anybody else heard this story or is it bull****. All of these are clearly shown in the manual.

[car_fan]

That's total BS. Your car should have one. In the event of engine failure -if the need arises for you to "manually' push the car out of harms way - you will definitely need this tool.

Ever try backing up with the door open?

[eripers]

[QUOTE=car_fan;7914286]That's total BS. Your car should have one. In the event of engine failure -if the need arises for you to "manually' push the car out of harms way - you will definitely need this tool.
[QUOTE]

The interesting thing is that in this situatuation you do not have a warning triangle to slow down the traffic around you either. And from what I could see the reason is that the BMW triangle do not have reflectors on the back!

Must say the regulation is strange over in US.

[E60orBust]

Not BS. Before taking delivery I checked for that tool because of this thread and it was not there. Apparently for all 8-speed auto gear boxes (sport or standard) they updated the software to release the transmission using the lever.

1: Push start button or attempt to start the car (even if it doesn't turn over, just push it down anyway
2: Push the lever twice in to N
3: Push the lever to N and hold for 5 seconds
4: Transmission is now disengaged for 15 minutes after which it will re-lock itself.

Not exactly as friendly as sticking in a key and turning the release lever, but this bulletin made the lever obsolete.

[schmoolie]

Originally Posted by E60orBust

Not BS. Before taking delivery I checked for that tool because of this thread and it was not there. Apparently for all 8-speed auto gear boxes (sport or standard) they updated the software to release the transmission using the lever.

1: Push start button or attempt to start the car (even if it doesn't turn over, just push it down anyway
2: Push the lever twice in to N
3: Push the lever to N and hold for 5 seconds
4: Transmission is now disengaged for 15 minutes after which it will re-lock itself.

Not exactly as friendly as sticking in a key and turning the release lever, but this bulletin made the lever obsolete.

Clear as mud! and not so good for towing if the wheels lock after 15 minutes.. expect to see gears and springs all over the place!!!
Surely this solution will need electric to make it work. What happens when there is none and you need to push the car.. As far as I see it the unlocking tool is essential to cover unlocking the transmission in all eventualities.. A software fix for a mechanical problem don't seem right to me.

[E60orBust]

Originally Posted by schmoolie

Clear as mud! and not so good for towing if the wheels lock after 15 minutes.. expect to see gears and springs all over the place!!!

15 minutes should be more than sufficient to get it on a flat bed, which is the only type of tow truck that should have a BMW attached to it. You will have to repeat the steps to get it OFF the truck, but still, clear as mud.

[PoleApart]

This is what the Euro equipment looks like when opened. I'll be happy to pay US prices for my Beemer and give you my little red mallety thing, first aid kit and warning triangle in return

[Scandic24]

No lever in my car...
The rest in the picture is there though.

[car_fan]

As far as I know I have the most recent software update (took a day to reprogram all modules) - my SA made no mention of it negating the need for the tool. I still have the tool and will keep it handy just in case.

[smhoer]

So what happens in a collision when the battery is automatically disconnected? How are we supposed to disengage the tranny without power or tool?

[schmoolie]

No tool in my post september 520D UK spec. The manual explicitly states under no circumstances should the car be towed. In the event of a failure the car should be transported on a flat bed truck, though how it gets on to the truck remains a mystery if it can not be winched on because the rears are locked.
@E60orBust - Do you have any official bulletin number that refers to the software release process you describe?

[pmw103]

No tool in a week 37 UK build 530D SE I asked the sales manager when we took delivery he was adamant no release tool / manual release he said it was electronic.

[algoodman]

I received my Week 37 Production 535ix on 19 Sept. There was no transmission unlock tool. The BMW service technician said that someone must detach a connection from under the car to release the locked transmission. It did not sound simple.

[E60orBust]

Originally Posted by schmoolie

No tool in my post september 520D UK spec. The manual explicitly states under no circumstances should the car be towed. In the event of a failure the car should be transported on a flat bed truck, though how it gets on to the truck remains a mystery if it can not be winched on because the rears are locked.
@E60orBust - Do you have any official bulletin number that refers to the software release process you describe?

I didn't get the official bulletin number. What he showed me was a service video of a tech demonstrating how to unlock the transmission via a sequence of lever taps from the cockpit.

[algoodman]

Originally Posted by E60orBust

I didn't get the official bulletin number. What he showed me was a service video of a tech demonstrating how to unlock the transmission via a sequence of lever taps from the cockpit.

Do you know how to unlock the transmission yourself? If the worst happens and you have to have it put on a flat bed how will the truck operator know how to do it?