DCT and Towing - need some quick help

[Genericuser1]

Just got a flat on the right rear and the car will need to be towed (flatbed). Do you need to manually disengage the transmission or can I just start the car and put it in neutral to get it on and off the flatbed?

[C-M2]

Start the car, put it in neutral. Get it on flatbed, turn car off.

[RD1M3]

There's a section in the manual regarding this, but I believe to allow it to roll, you need to put the key in the ignition (even with Comfort Access), select Neutral, and turn the car off, leaving the key in.

[6underpressure]

Same thing happened to me... Same tire too lol. I drive the car up on the truck

[ivad32]

So, the only way to place the DCT in neutral is to start the car. I have turned the engine off while in neutral and it still locks. This is the only time I miss a manual.

[rantarM3]

Originally Posted by ivad32

So, the only way to place the DCT in neutral is to start the car. I have turned the engine off while in neutral and it still locks. This is the only time I miss a manual.

Leave the key in the ignition after shutting the engine off and the car will remain in neutral for a while.

[TrevorM3]

Originally Posted by ivad32

So, the only way to place the DCT in neutral is to start the car. I have turned the engine off while in neutral and it still locks. This is the only time I miss a manual.

THE HORRRORRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

[jphughan]

There is indeed a section in the M3 Supplement about this (why don't people think to check that before creating thread topics??), and the correct answer is to lift up the shift knob boot, which will expose a white plastic lever thing. You stick a small cylindrical object into that (like the screwdriver included in the trunk toolkit) and raise it to its upright position to disengage the transmission. It will return to its normal position when you next start the car.

But if your car still runs, yes starting the engine and keeping it in Neutral just to get it on and off the flatbed should be fine.

[Genericuser1]

Originally Posted by jphughan

There is indeed a section in the M3 Supplement about this (why don't people think to check that before creating thread topics??), and the correct answer is to lift up the shift knob boot, which will expose a white plastic lever thing. You stick a small cylindrical object into that (like the screwdriver included in the trunk toolkit) and raise it to its upright position to disengage the transmission. It will return to its normal position when you next start the car.

But if your car still runs, yes starting the engine and keeping it in Neutral just to get it on and off the flatbed should be fine.

Because I'm on the side of the road and posting with my phone. The car manual is not in the car.

I just put it in neutral with the engine running and shut it off. No one has the tire stock in size so I had to order from tire rack.

Mods can feel free to delete the thread. thanks for the help.

[s85e90]

Originally Posted by Genericuser1

Because I'm on the side of the road and posting with my phone. The car manual is not in the car.

I just put it in neutral with the engine running and shut it off. No one has the tire stock in size so I had to order from tire rack.

Mods can feel free to delete the thread. thanks for the help.

FYI the manual can be found via BMWUSA in PDF form. Save as a favorite on your phone.

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by s85e90

FYI the manual can be found via BMWUSA in PDF form. Save as a favorite on your phone.

I downloaded the Owner's Manual and Supplement PDFs into the iBooks app on my phone so I always have them even if I don't have service.

[Beemdog]

Originally Posted by RD1M3

There's a section in the manual regarding this, but I believe to allow it to roll, you need to put the key in the ignition (even with Comfort Access), select Neutral, and turn the car off, leaving the key in.

This. Times out in 30 minutes and then returns to Park. Key fob must be in the dash "plug".

[Dougeefresh]

I just did the manual override by pulling the boot up and rotating the white plastic piece to put into neutral. No tools required other than a rod or screwdriver to insert into the plastic piece and rotate. Really simple and requires no power or key.