2002 X5 Auto 3.0D Gearstick won't engage.

[Y-X5 Chromosome]

Hi all, I'm flapping like a featherless bird in a storm here.

Bought this less than a week ago. All seemed good. 1 owner, full service, thousands in receipts. 118,000 miles. I've only covered around 200 in it.

2 days ago I got in the motor on the morning and the gear lever felt like it was on a spring or bungie cord or hydraulic lock. I lifted up the gear lever boot and upon turning the key the gear lever lock lifted. Pressing the button on the lever and the catch released. So this appeared the brake and button on lever was working OK.

Problem was it would not move out of P. The lever moved all the way from P to D and over to MS but under effort, but it would not engage and the notification on dash remained in P. However I pulled on it a few times, took the key out and tried again and it came free. However, it came free as if it was trapped/tied and when I pulled on it, it released. I covered another 40+ miles that day with a few stop starts and key out etc. Went to move it yesterday morning after being parked all night and the same again. However, no Joy freeing it until around 7pm after trying all day.

On both occasions the car was parked downward on my drive. It's relatively steep. It's possible I've engaged Park, before Handbrake????? Maybe this would cause an issue?

So as it stands now, the car is on the main road on the flat. In P. Will move from P to R, but from R to N without pressing the butting on the lever. I think I've broken it?

Would not engage D at all till late last night, but the gearing does not engage, only the light.

All my money went in to this. Last mistake I will make I hope as I'm now broke. Literally.

Before these issues car was amazing to drive. very responsive, very quiet very smooth. Now I just want rid as I can't afford to fix it.

Gutted.

Thanks.

[mam4.6]

Sorry to hear you're having troubles...

A couple things I would check...

1. Follow and inspect the linkage from the gearshift to the transmission, and make sure nothing is rubbing it, or catching on anything.

2. Check the gear position sensor/module on the side of the transmission. Unplug and cleaned the connector, and inspect the wiring going between the transmission and the connector. A bad connection/wiring will keep it from shifting into P/N/D, etc... Not sure that you would feel resistance thru your selector because of this, tho...

Good ,luck, hopefully e can resolve this so you can continue enjoying your X...

[Y-X5 Chromosome]

Thanks mam4.6

as luck! would have it, it's working today, so far. It's not perfect, but Drive engaged and I've taken it for a spin. However, it still moved from R to N with no button press.

There is some evidence of black plastic shavingsunder the lever boot. I'll take a pic but not sure if i can post a pic yet as I've just joined this morning. There is a white washer that seems to have come off the right side of the .........Easier to add a pic.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll go take a look now.