our 325i doesn't let me shut off the engine in Neutral. It has to be in park or else a warning symbol shows up telling you to shift into P.

:iagree: :thumbup:

As far as reverse goes, you are clear on that. In a moment of total stupidity and just plain spacing out, don't ask me what I was thinking as I don't even know, I threw my X into PARK while taking a corner to get on a freeway at 80 MPH!!! Did absolutely nothing. The car is just too smart. THANK GOD!

Edit sorry I threw it into PARK

DISCLAIMER: IF YOU DO THIS AND SCREW UP YOUR TRANNY IT IS NOT MY FAULT. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Similar question--what if the car is moving and someone inadvertently pushes the P on top of the shifter? I'm hoping that it doesn't go ahead and shift into park. I know there's an easy way to find out (try it) but I'm too chicken. Given the placement of the drink holders seems like it would be an easy thing to have happen.

we should all do this when test driving...i'm also too chicken to try it out with my new 08 after waiting so long for it...

thinking about going back to test drive a 4.8!!! ;)

I will wait for results!!!:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

post of the year :nanana:

lol yes the engine does shut off .. i just tried it now .. it shuts off then slows down and finally puts itself on Park ..

Since you are so kind to experiment on your car, can you try it again and tell us whether you loose power steering and braking while the engine is off and car still rolling...

I have done it plenty on my manual e46 and you do loose power breaks and steering, while breaks get much stiffer and require more pressure to stop, steering stiffens up but if you are moving its not that bad. I also read somewhere here that somoene was driving around without power steering for a while without even realizing that its not how the car was designed.

Anyway, on a open stretch of the road, I did press the start/stop earlier going about 30 miles per hour and nothing has happened. (no comfort access)
Maybe you need to be holding the brake or something else.
In any case I dont see anything wrong happening if you shut off the car while its moving, but its good to know that you can or can not in case of emergency.
What I also know that parking brake works almost as a pedal while you are moving and could be used in an emergency, not sure of strenght of the effect if the engine is off.

If you are to experiment, do not ever experiment with other cars on the road and if there maybe something else in the path that could remotely cause some kind of an accident.
I am sure BMW's are made with as much safety as possible to the vehicle and if there is someone that could be cause of an accident it would be the person driving it being not carefull enough.