[Steve737]

Does anyone know how to get a 50e into neutral with the drivetrain malfunction so I can get it out of my garage? I’d rather not have them drag it out with the tow truck.

[Fuzzy Master]

I can't answer specifically about a 50e, but I've had a previous X5 + a 328ix that we had to do the following on to get them into neutral for a "drivetrain malfunction". Go to about 50 seconds for the specific step required to release the transmission. On the 328 I also remember a large plastic cover that had to be removed first.

[Steve737]

Thanks I’ll check it out!

[TurtleBoy]

Your dealer should have the kit that is used to put it into neutral. It allows the user to do it without being under the vehicle when it is being put into neutral. May want to give them a call.

If that is not available then ask the tow company to bring dollies, best to not drag it out of the garage.

Edit: Here is the SIB describing the kit. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/00...f?v=1587681574

[Fuzzy Master]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

If that is not available then ask the tow company to bring dollies, best to not drag it out of the garage.

Been there, done that. Dollies are great if the vehicle is the driveway or in the centre of the garage, but if the car is too close to one wall in the garage, they can not use dollies. They need clear access to both sides of the vehicle to set them up.

Hopefully the release tool will do the job and the OP can ignore the stuff I posted.

[Steve737]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

Your dealer should have the kit that is used to put it into neutral. It allows the user to do it without being under the vehicle when it is being put into neutral. May want to give them a call.

If that is not available then ask the tow company to bring dollies, best to not drag it out of the garage.

Edit: Here is the SIB describing the kit. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/00...f?v=1587681574

Thanks very much I will ask them tomorrow when I call!

[Steve737]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy Master

Been there, done that. Dollies are great if the vehicle is the driveway or in the centre of the garage, but if the car is too close to one wall in the garage, they can not use dollies. They need clear access to both sides of the vehicle to set them up.

Hopefully the release tool will do the job and the OP can ignore the stuff I posted.

There is 3 or 4 feet on the closest side. Do you think that would be sufficient?

[nZtiZia]

while you're not to drive it, won't the vehicle let you put it in drive-ready mode, release the parking brake, then put it into neutral?

[Fuzzy Master]

Originally Posted by Steve737

There is 3 or 4 feet on the closest side. Do you think that would be sufficient?

Yes, should be fine.

If the release tool works then they won't need dollies and can then use a flatbed.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by Steve737

There is 3 or 4 feet on the closest side. Do you think that would be sufficient?

It depends on what type of doilies they have. If they have some similar to this you can do it with a few feet clearance.

[Steve737]

Originally Posted by nZtiZia

while you're not to drive it, won't the vehicle let you put it in drive-ready mode, release the parking brake, then put it into neutral?

No totally bricked. I can’t even get the codes with my OBD reader. When you open door just a generic screen comes on and start button is non responsive.

[Steve737]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy Master

Yes, should be fine.

If the release tool works then they won't need dollies and can then use a flatbed.

Thanks. Hopefully they have it but it won’t surprise me if they don’t.

[nZtiZia]

this was the dolly they used to tow my wife's previous 540i xDrive

[Steve737]

An update if anyone is interested. I go outside to prepare for the tow truck and the cars 12v battery is totally dead. I measured 5 volts at the hood positive battery terminal. So I decided to jump start the car and it starts right up no CEL light. I drove it to the dealership and they are checking it now. I’m guessing that the code got erased due to the dead 12v battery. I’ll update if I get any interesting news.

[gsquare]

My CCU arrived yesterday and is installed and whatever diagnostics directed by BMW are in progress. They include discharging the batteries (I am assuming both the 12v and high voltage batteries) and recharging them twice. My app shows the high voltage battery at 3% as of 4pm EST. Based on my app, this is the second discharge cycle. Hopefully, there will be good news tomorrow.

[Steve737]

Originally Posted by gsquare

My CCU arrived yesterday and is installed and whatever diagnostics directed by BMW are in progress. They include discharging the batteries (I am assuming both the 12v and high voltage batteries) and recharging them twice. My app shows the high voltage battery at 3% as of 4pm EST. Based on my app, this is the second discharge cycle. Hopefully, there will be good news tomorrow.

Hope it’s all good! Let us know the results. I bet others will be going through the same thing.

[gsquare]

My X5 is still in its second charging cycle, as this has to be done at a lower rate than normal, per BMW. I hope to have it tomorrow if it doesn’t throw out any codes.

[krypttic]

When I unlocked and sat in the front seat today before starting the car, the drivetrain malfunction warning/call roadside assistance message flashed on the screen, but went away three seconds later. It started up and drove normally.

Is this what others experienced?

[gsquare]

The first time I saw it was the only time. It stayed on and the vehicle was inoperable and stuck in park. I’d certainly have it checked out before you find yourself somewhere that you’d rather not be waiting for a flatbed or an Uber.

[krypttic]

Originally Posted by gsquare

The first time I saw it was the only time. It stayed on and the vehicle was inoperable and stuck in park. I’d certainly have it checked out before you find yourself somewhere that you’d rather not be waiting for a flatbed or an Uber.

Will this occur during driving or only before the vehicle can be started?

[krypttic]

Originally Posted by gsquare

The first time I saw it was the only time. It stayed on and the vehicle was inoperable and stuck in park. I’d certainly have it checked out before you find yourself somewhere that you’d rather not be waiting for a flatbed or an Uber.

Did the message show up before or after you started the car?

[gsquare]

When I attempted to start the car, ie: when I pushed the start button.