How to Override a BMW Transmission Stuck in Park

1. Slide your finger under the lip of the shifter cover, right at the 'D' mark. Lift the shift cover firmly with your hand. Pop the cover off to reveal the shifter mechanism underneath.
2. Examine the underside of the cover and the inside of the mechanism for anything sticky that may have spilled inside. Many transmissions get stuck in park because the interlock that prevents the shifter from moving out of park when the brake is pressed becomes stuck in place with sticky soda or coffee. Clean off anything you find using the solvent cleaner and paper towels. Press the brake and try moving the shifter out of park.
3. Locate the small cam on the right side of the shift lever. Lift this up with the screwdriver to release the interlock. Lift the cam, press the brake and move the shifter to neutral. You can now start the car with the shifter in neutral. Take your BMW to a certified repair facility to have the problem checked out more thoroughly.