X1 gone

[hobofast]

Hello all. Today I ask does anyone know the way to get my X1 into neutral when it's stopped on limp mode with a diesel leak of unknown origin.

[X5smw]

Hi Jo.
Try this?

1. Switch off the ignition
2. Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever
3. Pull the sleeve up over the selector level until the sleeve is inside out
4. Using the screwdriver from the tool kit, press the red lever while moving the selector lever to the desired position with the button pressed.

[Greydog]

Morning Jo

Welcome to the Forum

I have read about how to do this but have never had to do it myself, so here goes

1) If your starter still rotates and the ignition can be on

So, the engine may be dead, but when you push the start button, the BMW still makes some noises and turns some lights. This is the good news because this is the easiest way to put your car in neutral.

Here's what you should do:

• Apply the handbrake to hold your car in place and safely operate.
• Apply the footbrake and don't release the pedal until you finish the procedure.
• Push the start button - the starter will start rotating and you may immediately continue.
• Push the unlock button on your select lever and hold it until you finish with the settings.
• Put the lever from the P position to the N position and hold it there for at least 4 seconds.
• Then put it back in the P position for a while.
• Quickly put the lever into the N position and then right away to the P position again.
• Release the unlock button on your lever.
• Release the footbrake.

Now, the display should show N and the transmission should go to neutral, the wheels will be unlocked. But this won't last forever. After 15 minutes, the transmission will be blocked again. This is made for the safety of the vehicle to avoid rolling back or forward.

2) If the engine and the battery are dead

If the ignition doesn't even try to turn on, you can't use this official method because nothing will work. In this case, you will need to know where the transmission lock screw is located. It's under the vehicle near the transmission. Find it and see what kind of instrument you need for unscrewing it.

Unfortunately, there is no proper instruction for all BMW models. But usually, you will need to unscrew this bolt and then the wheels will be released up until you screw it back.

3) Does the orange tool work?

Yes, newer BMWs will have a special orange tool and you will have to insert it into the emergency gear release hole and turn. This is the easiest way and it will work with both alive and dead engines.

But most BMWs don't have this system, so remember the two options that will work with nearly all BMW cars equipped with automatic transmission

Just hope one of these works

Dave