The recent extreme cooldown in the Northeast has left me in a bind and I need some help with my 2005 X5.

The issues:

1. The 'Check Coolant level' message comes on.

2. The gears initially engage ok... it also runs fine in a straight line. However, as soon as I turn, the tranmission dis-engages.. almost like going into neutral and I lose all drive.

2. Also, when I put in back in P, it makes a loud grinding noise.


Since I need a car to get to work and the earliest the dealer can see is 7 days from now:

a. Is it ok to drive the car (even for a short distance) or do I risk more damage?

b. Is there anything I can do to make it driveable while I wait for my appt?


Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks much.