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.