Odd question..
 

If one were to put the gear selector in neutral on a 07’ X5 and turned off the ignition would the transmission remain in neutral?

I’m thinking no but thought I would inquire..

Standing still? Or moving?

Standing still my 2012 shifts to P.

Moving I would bet $$$$ it stays in neutral

As long as the engine is running and the driver door remains closed or the driver's seat belt is fastened, it will remain in neutral. I think the brake pedal state is also included in this logic.

If moving above a few miles an hour, you can shift between neutral and drive or reverse without stepping on the brake.

I seem to recall a method to leave the transmission in neutral with the engine off but can't remember where or why it was done.

Just thinking for towing. The X I’m thinking on buying won’t run and the special tool to lock it in neutral is missing..... of course.

I googled for a pre LCI e70 X5 owners manual to see what it said about how to select/use the neutral gear selection (found a 2009 manual and took a screen shot).

It appears that as long as you leave the remote fob in the ignition lock...it will remain in NEUTRAL for 30 minutes...then it will go into PARK:

That’s just what I was after. Thank you for the information!

irrespective of locking in neutral, you should not tow it with any wheels on the ground

Just needed it in neutral to push it to a better place to allow the tow truck better access

Would be dangerous towing with the wheels touching the ground! Good for the first 30 mins though haha.