> the computer throws it back to P as soon as you start moving. So I could not even turn the car around to have the door face the sun


The wonders of advanced technology. Sometimes I'm temped to buy something old and used without the "advances" of technology, with cable parking brakes, etc. These seems to be so many more things nowadays that will completely disable a vehicle, and which require a trip to the shop to repair, rather than some roadside "duct tape" temporary action.

Not too bad if you are in a urban area, but I am retiring and plan to do a lot of trips in places like Utah and the western mountains. I'm havin second thoughts about buying an X5 vs. something "lower tech," such as a Ford Explorer.

Yeah, I know, performance, handling, and comfort-wise a Ford Explorer doesn't compare with a BMW X5, but if you've got a stuck electronic parking brake in the middle of the desert, or in Silverton or Leadville, Co, all that handling, performance, and comfort starts to become less important.