Emergency Transmission Release - LCI onwards only.

[X5Sport]

Unlike the very useful manual unlock procedure for the GA6HP/6-speed transmissions, the LCI version with the GA8HP/8-speed version uses a set screw located underneath the car and hidden by the underbody protection.

BMW Dealers can unlock the transmission electronically via ISTA but most breakdown companies are unlikely to have the needed kit which could mean you need a full lift onto a transporter, or use of dollies to move the car if there is no electrical power on the car.

This is the no power available/no start procedure:

Beginning with the introduction 2011 E70 LCI the existing transmission emergency release was gradualy removed from all BMW vehicles with the 8 speed automatic transmissions, as part of a roling update.

In the event of a fault affecting the powertrain, the transmission parking lock can be unlocked mechanically and put in “Neutral” by means of a set screw/stop (adjusting screw) that acts on the gear selector lever. In addition to the mechanical transmission parking lock emergency release, the procedure to put the vehicle in “Neutral” can also be done electronicaly via ISTA and through a special in vehicle software solution.

How to release the parking lock electronically in case the vehicle does not start but there is power on the car:   Hint:  disengage the Parking Brake and chock the wheels first!!

•Activate ignition.
•Press the brake pedal and continue pressing it throughout all further steps .
•Press start/stop-button.
•As soon as you notice the starter motor has engaged, press the unlock-button of the gearshift and move forward to position N (please note: for models with diesel engines and at low ambient temperatures a delay of 4 seconds is to be expected). Continue to hold the gearshift in this position up to the sound of the CC-messagegong which indicates the message of “gearbox dysfunction” – now please release the gearshift. How to release the parking lock electronically.
Reselect gear-position N within a timeframe of 6 seconds (repeat step 4 of the instructions). Gear-position N is then displayed on the instrument display.
•Please continue pressing the brake pedal until the starter-motor stops, then the brake-pedal can be released and the vehicle can be moved to the desired position.
•The ignition must remain activated at al times. In case of switching off the ignition, the gear position P is automaticaly engaged.
•In cases where the N selection cannot be achieved, first switch on the ignition and then off. (Press start/stop-button several times without pressing the brake pedal).

You may then retry the process folowing the steps 1-7.  If after 3 attempts N cannot be selected please wait a minimum of 10 minutes in order to allow the starter motor to cool down.

If the emergency release operates then you should have a 'N' showing.  You now have 15-minutes before the system automatically re locks.  DO NOT turn the ignition off during this interval as the lock will immediately re-engage!

Richard

[Don Coffey]

Hopefully something that won't be needed but a useful link all the same, thanks Richard.

Don

PS, Mods could this become a sticky?