Won't Come out of Park
 

This has been happening with more frequency lately. When it is park and I push on the brake pedal it won't come out park. Today I had to play with it a little while to get going. Any ideas?

Try this thread. Suggest you look at post 6, regarding the cable that may need adjusting.

Try this link

Thanks for the help. The Inspection II was done 2 months ago. Ever since the parking brake cable also seems to have less tension. Are they related?

Haven't done an Inspection II myself, but I presume that they checked the service brakes, and the parking brake, including the cables. Adjusting the parking (hand brake) cable would likely have been part of that task, and they may have put some more clearance in it, equating to less tension.

The cable that controls the shift interlock (preventing the transmission lever from moving from the park position) is not related to the above cable. It is possible that the shifting mechanism was lubricated during the inspection, and that something was moved a little, but the interlock cable would not normally be adjusted as a maintenance item.

If you remove the shifter boot, you should see the two interlocks (both the cable from the brake pedal, and the pushbutton on the shift knob). See if anything is adjustable there. Playing with it a little should show you which was it has to be adjusted to be in the sweet spot.

I appreciate the suggestion, but I'm not going to be allowed to work on the X, even for something as minor as this. It will go to the dealer, do you foresee this as an expensive deal?

The dealer said it can't be adjusted, that they need to replace the switch. Jeff, does this look like the right part?: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...36&hg=24&fg=15

I don't have a problem with part replcement, it will be covered by WarrantyDirect. I just want to make sure it's classified as a tranny part.

bump to find out whether the part instrumental in letting the shifter out of park is classified as a transmission part.

Thats not it, neutral safety switch
 

The switch you posted basically only allows you to start the car in park or neutral. As well, it may (typically) turns on your back-up lights when in reverse. I think this is the interlock

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...98&hg=25&fg=20

I think you are right. btw, it did go to the dealer today for that among a couple other problems. This was the result:

-Swaybar+links+bushings (covered by WarrantyDirect)
-Front Brakes (covered by the Maintenance warranty we extended till 100k)
-The service adviser said that brake job prices will be going up and we will most likely get two front+rear brake jobs by the time we hit 100k. We paid just over $1000 to extend it. Two full brake jobs look like they will run ~$2500. So far the extended Maintence Warranty from BMW looks like a good investment. Not to mention, brake fluid and coolant flushes also covered.

-Ironically the shifter problem was the main reason it went in, but they couldn't duplicate it :confused: . It was happening all weekand.

-Today was our first experience at Knauz BMW in Lake Bluff, IL. Ross was our SA and it was a great experience. They even gave us a loaner even though we aren't under the original factory warranty. So for any of you in the north side of chicago, I highly recommend Knauz.

A full brake job done by yourself would go for about $350. When they flush the coolant, all they do is pull the radiator drain plug and then refill. Thats only about a gallon and a half of coolant. I can see the warranty being a good investment on a problem car, but I dont think its a bargain if only brakes are replaced. Besides, are you sure brake pads and rotors are covered under warranty?