Automatic tranny question for you guys

[JimLev]

Does a '00 540 have a shifter bypass to get it out of park? Don't want to reconnect the battery and turn the key on to get it out of park as all of the engine wiring is disconnected. I will if I have to, just wondered if it does have this feature, the owner doesn't know.
Most cars have one, not sure about this 540, it's not my car.

[vinyldude]

You need to have the key and be able to turn the ignition switch out of the lock position (for instance to the "accessories" position). That lets you use the shifter to get the transmission out of park. That's how it worked with my '00 and works with my '03.
I don't think I've tried this ever without a battery, though, but I think it should still work.

[ferguscan]

Have you tried turning the key without the battery?

On my 523i, the shifter key-release is cable-driven. Not electric.

You'll need your foot on the brake too, to get out of park. That uses a separate restriction mechanism on the shifter. Not sure if electric or mechanical.

As a last resort, you can lift the boot from the shifter, and start removing bits (restriction mechanisms) until it moves freely.

[AquilaBMW]

Jim - If you pry open the shifter plate, you will see a grey composite metal lever that locks the shifter in Park. Pull that up and the shifter will move. Easiest way to do it.

- - - Updated - - -


Jim - If you pry open the shifter plate, you will see a grey composite metal lever that locks the shifter in Park. Pull that up and the shifter will move. Easiest way to do it.

Borrowed a pic from the interweb....

Here is what is beneath that mysterious shifter plate. If you look real close, to the right of the shifter you will see what looks like a C clamp like structure attached at the base of the shifter. Right next to it (On the right) is the locking lever for the shifter itself which is normally activated by a solenoid. The lever is spring loaded if you look at the end of it towards the top. Pull that lever up and the shifter will move freely.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y125/bgdsub72/ebay/e38parts032.jpg

[vinyldude]

This question seemed interesting enough, so I tried it with my '03.
- I disconnected the negative battery cable.
- Nothing seemed to prevent the key to turn in the ignition.
- While the ignition key/switch was away from the lock position, the "gear stick" was able to move and pull the transmission off the park lock (brake pedal down wasn't needed).
- I was able to push the car forward.

[JimLev]

Thanks guys. I need to turn the wheels to get access to stick the locking pin it to keep the crank at TDC.