24 34... Release transmission lock electronically

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

For various tasks, it is necessary to unlock and lock the parking lock.

Before unlocking the parking lock, secure the vehicle against rolling away.

Emergency release is only possible if the engine does not start and the starter turns over.
If an emergency release needs to be performed although the engine starts, pull out the fuse of the electrical fuel pump.
Emergency release is active for 15 min.
As soon as a wheel speed signal is recorded, this time increases by 15 min.
After this period, the parking lock is engaged without a message.
The time specification depends on the battery capacity.
Only specially trained service personnel are permitted to operate both the mechanical as well as the electrical emergency transmission release system.
The vehicle must be raised and the underbody panelling removed in order to operate the mechanical emergency transmission release.

IMPORTANT: To operate the electronic emergency transmission release the vehicle must not be towed but rather only pushed.
In the case of misuse, a corresponding fault code is stored in the fault code memory.

Release transmission lock electronically

Switch the ignition on.
Press on brake pedal and keep depressed throughout the procedure.
Press START-STOP button.
As soon as the starter can be heard to operate (this may take several seconds on diesel engines or at low temperatures).
Press and hold release button (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Transmission Release Button

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The specified time must be adhere to!
Push gear selector switch (2) forward up to pressure point and hold for two seconds.
Release gear selector switch and move one step forward briefly.

Fig 2: Identifying Gear Selector Switch

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Gear position N is shown in the instrument cluster.
The parking lock is now electronically unlocked.
After the parking lock is successfully unlocked, release the brake pedal.
Leave the ignition switched on in order to subsequently move the vehicle.
The transmission automatically shifts into P when the ignition is turned off.

Fig 3: Identifying Gear Position N

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: After the start-stop button is pressed again, the parking lock is activated without a message.
If the gearbox cannot be released, turn the ignition off and on again and repeat the previous steps.
Allow the starter to cool down for approx. 10 minutes after unsuccessful attempts.