Any way to change the transmission nanny so it doesn't engage P?

[Sarge]

While there's much I love about the X5 4.8i, I absolutely LOATHE the electronic gear selector. I hate it hate it HATE it.

One of the more maddening things that I would hope there might be a solution for is the electronic nanny that puts it in park automatically if the drivers door is open.

When I tow my boat, and try to back up a very slow speed (launching, parking, etc) It's nice to be able to open the door to peer out and/or hear people. Rolling the window down is not even remotely as effective, particularly when you're trying to tell if you've reached the point where the water is getting near the rear door sills when launching the boat.

It would seem to me that if the door is open, but the seat sensor indicates there's someone in the seat, it should NOT automatically engage PARK.

If you leave your foot on the brake slightly, it will allow the car to roll very slowly, but if you slip up and release the brake too far, it SLAMS it in park, which isn't good for the transmission OR the boat.

There's also a safety aspect to allowing the car to be moved if someone is in the driver's seat. Car jackings, road rage, etc - if someone outside the car opens the drivers door (say, at a light) the car won't let you get away - it slams itself in park, allowing an attacker to have his way with the driver.

I won't even get into how finicky it is about having your foot on the brake and engaging reverse, etc... (oh how I HATE that friking selector) - I'd just like to be able to open the door while I'm moving trailers around...

Any ideas how to change the programming or otherwise 'trick' the stupid computer?

[roadkillrob]

I admit I am with you - I sometimes move it around the driveway and just leave my door open a little and it just keeps putting it in park - I miss the old days when I was allowed to fall out of my car and run myself over - should be my choice!

[rayxi]

Is it possible to flip the door latch to fool the car into thinking the door is closed?

[MRV99]

As long as you have a bit of pressure on the break it will still roll. I can reverse with my door open.

[edpm3]

Same here. I can move in reverse with the door open if I go real slow and maintain a little pressure on the brake. Can't go forward without it jumping into Park, though. (2011 35d)

[Weasel]

Originally Posted by rayxi

Is it possible to flip the door latch to fool the car into thinking the door is closed?

Yes, the door open/closed switch is a hall sensor type switch inside the door latch. So if you take a pen from your pocket and latch the door while it is open the GWS (gear shifter module) will think the door is closed and allow you to drive without interference.

[mtech8]

Is this true for the LCI / X5's with the newer iDrive?

We got a new 5 and it appears that it now allows you to by pass by accepting that you have been warned of the dangers and confirming via iDrive screen. I'll have to play with it more to get the exact details. Just remember doing it and thinking "cool. they fixed it"

[Naz24]

If you're going downhill, will it keep the car in neutral? Or no?

[AzNMpower32]

My dad's 2010 X5 doesn't engage P when I reverse with the door open

I do hate the electronic gear selector too. Too easy to bump inadvertently into another gear/mode.

[motordavid]

Blame the lawyers...similar to the motorcycle kickstand in down position = engine turns off. Right up there with the NAV warning and stickers on the shade visors.

We need protection from ourselves, remember...
GL, mD