Emergency Release For Parking Lock

Emergency Release for Parking Lock

A mechanical emergency release is provided if the parking lock can not be automatically released (battery failure, engine, engine electrical system, transmission electrical system, etc.). This allows the vehicle to be towed or pushed as required.

To low the vehicle, the emergency release must be operated even if the transmission control is fully operable. Depending on the type of fault, the N-hold function cannot be guaranteed during the entire time even if an output speed is recognized (corresponding information in the Owner's Handbook and Towing Instructions for BMW 7 Series).

The emergency release for the parking lock is located in the vehicle interior at the A-pillar in the footwell on the driver's side (1). On US vehicles, the emergency release can only be accessed with the vehicle key releasing the locked cover. Before performing this procedure, apply the brake pedal!

A cable assembly is routed from the operating lever to the gearbox lever on the selector shaft. The emergency release should not be operated during normal vehicle operation. After being released, the "gearbox emergency released" message is displayed in the position indicator section of the instrument cluster.




The emergency release must be reset to re-engage the parking lock after eliminating the fault. The gearbox lever moves during normal operation and must not be influenced by the cable assembly. Press on the red tab on the back side of the lever and guide the lever assembly back into the original position.

When the emergency release has been operated by mistake or not reset after repairs it is detected by a plausibility check of the actual position by the two park position sensors in the gearbox. In this case, the parking lock cannot be engaged automatically. The driver is informed by an error message in the instrument cluster (Check Control).