[2012550iGT]

So I bought a 2012 550i GT from the auction today. It has 87K miles and is in nearly perfect shape. The only issue is when I get in and go to start the car, it loudly clicks 1 time like I have a nearly dead battery and the N on the shifter is flashing. I have tried everything I can think of to get it into park but haven't had any luck. I really dont want to start throwing money at it if I dont have to, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[walmark]

I have not seen this before, so this is just a guess, but since you bought the car at auction with no known history, chances are that Park has been physically disabled in the transmission to allow for towing.

It is very difficult to put ZF8 out of Park when the car doesn't start, and virtually impossible if there is no power to the car. Therefore, there is a bolt on the transmission underneath the car which, when screwed in, will physically disable Park and put the car in Neutral. Reset is simple - just back the bolt out of the transmission body (not all the way!) and Park will engage normally. I wonder if that is what you're experiencing?

[beegeezy]

Originally Posted by walmark

I have not seen this before, so this is just a guess, but since you bought the car at auction with no known history, chances are that Park has been physically disabled in the transmission to allow for towing.

It is very difficult to put ZF8 out of Park when the car doesn't start, and virtually impossible if there is no power to the car. Therefore, there is a bolt on the transmission underneath the car which, when screwed in, will physically disable Park and put the car in Neutral. Reset is simple - just back the bolt out of the transmission body (not all the way!) and Park will engage normally. I wonder if that is what you're experiencing?

It should still start in neutral, but yes, the emergency screw needs to be backed out if this was done to tow the car. I don't think it's causing the car to not start, but rather because the car was towed as you surmised.

OP, has the battery been tested? A defective starter would also be a good thing to check.

[2012550iGT]

I purchased a brand new battery. When I go to start it allI hear is a click and then the power shuts off on the car for a split sec like the battery cable isnt fully connected but it is. any ideas?

[beegeezy]

Originally Posted by 2012550iGT

I purchased a brand new battery. When I go to start it allI hear is a click and then the power shuts off on the car for a split sec like the battery cable isnt fully connected but it is. any ideas?

That sounds like a bad starter or a really loose battery cable.

[2012550iGT]

So I got the car back in park by backing out the screw in the transmission, then I replaced the starter and it still will not start, just clicks. I know I’m getting power to the starter, the battery is new and has 13.3v and my cables are Corrosion free and tight. Is there a starter relay on my car? My motor is not seized, does anyone know where I should look next?

[e4603]

Was the car involved in a crash? I’m thinking BST is your problem

[2012550iGT]

FML!!! THE MOTOR IS SEIZED!!! So all this trouble could have been avoided if I had just checked everything myself instead of relying on a friend of mine that said he was able to turn the motor over by hand.🤬😡🤬

So my next question is, How many different types of issues can seize or lock up this particular motor? The car has just over 95K, There are no obvious signs of overheating and 150 miles ago the car went through a 180pt inspection and service at the dealership. If someone could let me know where to start looking It would be much appreciated. Thanks!