I’ll try to answer all the much appreciated (however unhelpful) answered
1) Red T Handle - From everything I have read and watched on you tube, the red T opens a secret hole under the left cupholder. At one point, there was a hidden access where you slid out the key from the key fob and unlocked a cylinder that provided access to a port where you could turn and unlock the shifter. I was able to get the cap off, but there is no cylinder and pushing and twisting did nothing.
While I know (because as I mentioned I have seen all the YouTube videos) that taking off the transmission cover is a viable option, remember I have no jack thanks to run-flat tires, no 8mm sockets with me to drop the transmission cover, and it is 28 degrees. Assume when I said “I have seen all the YouTube videos” it includes the one you provided. Appreciated, but No help
2) I never use anything but a place on the engine block for ground. I thought everyone knew that. Appreciated, No help
3) Zulu, I think you were part of the club before they made us change our name. Seriously though how does rating the tow driver answer my questions in the slightest? This makes no sense. No help

Let me try to be clear now that I have calmed down a bit.

If you KNOW an answer to the question being asked, make sure it actually answers the question. It might be some folks are from different countries, where the model is different. However, by a quick look at my icon, you’d know that I have bern involved in BMWs and X5’s specifically for a long time. There was a time I would answer questions for newbees here. But I would not offer my opinion on what a “good” tow truck driver should have as an answer. Perhaps where you live every tow truck driver has every conceivable means to lift a “bricked” X5. In NJ where I live, I was lucky to get a flat bed driver who like many, know very little about the inner workings of every make, model and year of every vehicle in the USA.

I already noted I’ve viewed EVERY YouTube video on this topic and yes I have read the manual from cover to cover.

My apologies if I appear ungrateful with the responses so far, but re-read my original post and tell me how you have a solution.

I would greatly appreciate anyone from the “Old X5” group of friends to please respond. They know how to answer.

I remain sincerely thankful for those who replied. I’m simply disappointed that you missed the points and frankly did not give me anything (remember this is NJ USA, not the UK or another warmer and easier state in the US to get help) I could actually use to solve the problem.

Cheers !
edco 65 years old and BMW owner and club member for half my life!

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His - 2011 X5 3.5i
Hers -2004 325 CiC