Car won't start, can't change gears...

can128 · 03-31-2013, 11:09 PM

Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

So I'm dropping off a friend after a night out at 2am, turn the car off only to have error messages stating ignition failure: do not to turn the car off because I may not be able to start it again and to contact my nearest dealer. By this point it was too late and I was unable to start the car. My car is an automatic 2011 535i xdrive with under 10,000km on it. Now although that's frustrating enough, my bigger concern is that there is no emergency transmission release to get the car in Neutral and maneuver it in an emergency situation! Luckily the car was on the driveway and was not obstructing traffic, but I then had to get a tow truck using a lift and dolly as opposed to the flatbed. This absolutely blows my mind... I understand that pre September assembly dates came with a tool that would release the transmission beneath the cup holder, but mine clearly doesn't have that ability. I couldn't be more frustrated and upset with something that should be so simple. I was a little concerned coming in to a car that relies so heavily on electronic systems, but this just sealed the deal for me. Nothing quite like a manual transmission, or at least a little more simplicity when it comes to emergency situations like something as simple as getting the car in neutral!

Sorry for the rant, just venting.

JNoSol · 03-31-2013, 11:52 PM

According to E60orBust, you can do the following:
1: Push start button or attempt to start the car (even if it doesn't turn over, just push it [ignition button] down anyway)
2: Push the [shift] lever twice in to N
3: Push the [shift] lever to N and hold for 5 seconds
4: Transmission is now disengaged for 15 minutes after which it will re-lock itself.

The new 8speed transmission no longer require a tool to release it into neutral. I sure wish I had this info when my first X5 died in the middle of a busy intersection.

Luigi524TD · 04-01-2013, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JNoSol

According to E60orBust, you can do the following:
1: Push start button or attempt to start the car (even if it doesn't turn over, just push it [ignition button] down anyway)
2: Push the [shift] lever twice in to N
3: Push the [shift] lever to N and hold for 5 seconds
4: Transmission is now disengaged for 15 minutes after which it will re-lock itself.

The new 8speed transmission no longer require a tool to release it into neutral. I sure wish I had this info when my first X5 died in the middle of a busy intersection.

I'm going to print this on labels and post it several places in my car (under hood - in Trunk - On Owner's Manual - ETC)!! I even searched my owners manual for information and IT'S NOT THERE!!

I'M SHOCKED it's not on one of those bright yellow warning labels car manufacturers stick everywhere!

JNoSol · 04-01-2013, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luigi524TD

I'm going to print this on labels and post it several places in my car (under hood - in Trunk - On Owner's Manual - ETC)!! I even searched my owners manual for information and IT'S NOT THERE!!

I'M SHOCKED it's not on one of those bright yellow warning labels car manufacturers stick everywhere!

Even BMW assist couldn't tell me this info when I called 3 times. You should make this label and sell it on the forum for $2 shipped.

can128 · 04-01-2013, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JNoSol

According to E60orBust, you can do the following:
1: Push start button or attempt to start the car (even if it doesn't turn over, just push it [ignition button] down anyway)
2: Push the [shift] lever twice in to N
3: Push the [shift] lever to N and hold for 5 seconds
4: Transmission is now disengaged for 15 minutes after which it will re-lock itself.

The new 8speed transmission no longer require a tool to release it into neutral. I sure wish I had this info when my first X5 died in the middle of a busy intersection.

You've just posted pure GOLD. Why this information is not easily accessible through the on-board owners manual, or printed in BIG BOLD writing on the first page of the hard copy owner's manual is completely beyond me. Even BMW Assist was not able to provide me with this information... $75,000 car and it took a member in a forum to provide this simple but vital information. Brutal.

can128 · 04-01-2013, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JNoSol

According to E60orBust, you can do the following:
1: Push start button or attempt to start the car (even if it doesn't turn over, just push it [ignition button] down anyway)
2: Push the [shift] lever twice in to N
3: Push the [shift] lever to N and hold for 5 seconds
4: Transmission is now disengaged for 15 minutes after which it will re-lock itself.

The new 8speed transmission no longer require a tool to release it into neutral. I sure wish I had this info when my first X5 died in the middle of a busy intersection.

I just tested this method and it doesn't seem to work... Can anyone else confirm?

JNoSol · 04-01-2013, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by can128

I just tested this method and it doesn't seem to work... Can anyone else confirm?

Here's an old thread.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/arc.../t-630236.html

03-31-2013, 11:09 PM	#1
can128 Private First Class Drives: 2011 BMW 128i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ontario Posts: 116 iTrader: (0)	Car won't start, can't change gears... Featured on BIMMERPOST.com So I'm dropping off a friend after a night out at 2am, turn the car off only to have error messages stating ignition failure: do not to turn the car off because I may not be able to start it again and to contact my nearest dealer. By this point it was too late and I was unable to start the car. My car is an automatic 2011 535i xdrive with under 10,000km on it. Now although that's frustrating enough, my bigger concern is that there is no emergency transmission release to get the car in Neutral and maneuver it in an emergency situation! Luckily the car was on the driveway and was not obstructing traffic, but I then had to get a tow truck using a lift and dolly as opposed to the flatbed. This absolutely blows my mind... I understand that pre September assembly dates came with a tool that would release the transmission beneath the cup holder, but mine clearly doesn't have that ability. I couldn't be more frustrated and upset with something that should be so simple. I was a little concerned coming in to a car that relies so heavily on electronic systems, but this just sealed the deal for me. Nothing quite like a manual transmission, or at least a little more simplicity when it comes to emergency situations like something as simple as getting the car in neutral! Sorry for the rant, just venting.
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03-31-2013, 11:52 PM	#2
JNoSol Captain Drives: F02 750Li and E70-Sport (N55) Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Kansas City Posts: 646 iTrader: (0)	According to E60orBust, you can do the following: 1: Push start button or attempt to start the car (even if it doesn't turn over, just push it [ignition button] down anyway) 2: Push the [shift] lever twice in to N 3: Push the [shift] lever to N and hold for 5 seconds 4: Transmission is now disengaged for 15 minutes after which it will re-lock itself. The new 8speed transmission no longer require a tool to release it into neutral. I sure wish I had this info when my first X5 died in the middle of a busy intersection.