Date: 2011-08-05
BMW
of North America, LLC
NHTSA Action Number: PE11025
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Subject:
Vehicle Rollaway
Opened From: 2011-08-05 - 2012-04-23
Summary
In response to the Office of Defects Investigation's (ODI) Information Request (IR) for PE11-025, BMW provided ODI with 1 complaint and 46 field reports relating to either incidents of unattended vehicle rollaway or vehicle movement after the driver expected the vehicle gearshift to automatically shift to park. ODI's analysis of the data provided by BMW identified 14 crashes and 5 alleged injuries. ODI has also identified 3 additional reports in its database alleging vehicle rollaway incidents of which 2 resulted in crashes.The subject vehicles are all equipped with push-buttons (Start/Stop button) to control starting/stopping the engine and Shift-by-Wire gearshift systems controlled by a column mounted selector lever behind the steering wheel. The Start/Stop button also controls switching the ignition and the radio ready state On and Off. Shift-by-wire systems replace the traditional mechanical connection (e.g., cable or linkage) between the gearshift and automatic transmission with an electronic connection controlled by a computer module. When parking the vehicle, the driver has the capability to manually shift the vehicle to park by pressing the Park button on the end of the electronic gearshift lever. However, the instructions for engine shutoff provided in the owner's manual state that pressing the Start/Stop button serves the dual function of switching off the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In response to ODI's information request for PE11-025, BMW described several circumstances where the subject vehicles may shift to neutral when the driver may expect it to automatically shift to park. First, for Comfort Access System (CAS) vehicles, if the transmission is in neutral when the key fob is in the ignition slot and the Start/Stop button is pressed to shut-off the engine, the transmission will remain in neutral. This is referred to as the Carwash mode and is a normal operating feature of the vehicles that is described in the owner's manual. BMW also described two circumstances that are not normal operating features and are not described in the owners' manual: (1) with the transmission in drive or reverse and the engine running, if the Start/Stop button is pushed 2 or 3 times within a 0.3 second to 0.5 second interval, the engine will stop and the transmission will shift to Neutral; and 2) if the Park button on the gearshift lever is pressed at the same time that the gearshift lever is actuated (i.e., toggled up or down) to select drive, reverse or neutral; the transmission will shift to neutral or remain in neutral.Beginning in model year (MY) 2005, BMW introduced CAS as an optional feature package for the subject vehicles.The key for CAS equipped vehicles is an electronic code that is sent to the engine control module by a remote transmitter (key fob). An optional docking port (key slot) is provided for driver convenience or to put the vehicle into Car Wash mode, which allows for engine shutoff in neutral. BMW sold approximately 45,000 subject vehicles with CAS and approximately 94 percent of the CAS equipped vehicles were produced from MY 2006 through 2008. Non-CAS subject vehicles were produced from MY 2002 through 2008 and require the remote control to be in the ignition slot located next to the Start/Stop button to start the engine.The 50 incidents identified by ODI's analysis of complaints and field reports include 18 involving CAS vehicles (39.6 incidents per 100,000 vehicles) and 32 involving non-CAS vehicles (42.0 incidents per 100,000 vehicles). Because the incidents are considered random events, the failure rates were also adjusted for vehicle exposure, resulting in rat
Investigation Documents
For Latest Documents related to this Investigation, visit the NHTSA Website.
Click the (+) Plus Sign
Then click Associated Document(s).
- Formulated for engines with 75,000 miles or more, Valvoline...
- Delivers 20% better wear protection and 15% better sludge...
- Extra detergents safeguard against friction, corrosion and...
- Advanced friction-fighting additives help maximize...
- Provides performance benefits for high mileage, new and...
- Designed for vehicles with 75,000 miles or more, Valvoline...
- Formulated with seal conditioners to help prevent oil leaks...
- Delivers 50% stronger wear protection than industry...
- Provides 20% stronger sludge defense than industry standards...
- Offers 2.5X better heat protection than industry standards...
Last update on 2026-06-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Search NHTSA Database for Recalls
Search NHTSA Database for (TSB's) Technical Service Bulletins
Technical Service Bulletins TSB's List
Previous Investigation | Next Investigation |
- [Notice] When you receive a used escaner automotriz device, it may be a customer return resold by Amazon without inspection. You can exchange it for a new one through Amazon. As this situation is unavoidable, we sincerely apologize. For any issues, contacting us via Amazon's "Messages" is the best way, and we’ll provide a solution within 24 hours. THINKSCAN 689BT Can Be Used Immediately After It is Turned On, Without Complicated Registration Process, Which is More Convenient & Quick.
- [Good News] THINKSCAN 689BT is the most competitive automotive scan tool to date, offering wireless updates with no subscription fees(valued 500Buc.ks) . With all the features of THINKTOOL PD8,PRO, built on Android 10 platform with 4-core CPU, 4GB RAM
and 64GB ROM, serving up to 5X faster than older MAX/MINI/PLUS vehicle scanners escaner automotriz, no more slow and delayed feedbacks, it's time to update your garage tool. - [Big Money Saver] Premium THINKSCAN 689BT Wireless Diagnostic Scanner Escaner Automotriz, save up to 400USD per year, includes all useful features: Full bi-directional controls, ECU coding, 34+ services, OEM all system diagnostics, Worldwide vehicles coverage, CAN FD & DoIP, FCA AutoAuth（The 689BT only provides a login and purchase portal, and users are required to register for an FCA account and pay a membership fee in order to perform the relevant automotive diagnostics)
- [3000+ Active Tests]Active testing is one of the most useful features in automotive maintenance and greatly improves mechanic efficiency. THINKCAR 689BT bidirectional scanner can send action commends to vehicle sub-systems or components for active test without using vehicle controls. It can perform various tests such as: EVAP Test, Fuel Trim Reset, Injector Buzz Test, Window/ Mirror/ Door Lock Test, Pump and Value Tests, etc. Get functions from "Diagnose>Car Model>System>Active Test".
- [Hot Advanced Features] 689BT bidirectional tool scanner for car newly adds ECU Coding, Power Balance, Flash Hidden Functions, Reset Adaptive Data, Match Replaced Components, Customize OE-Settings. Such as: 1. changing the color of interior lights 2. switching on/off the auto hold, 3. customizing dash kits 4. activating the auto side mirror folding function 5. disables auto start-stop. Note: Coding functions vary by model&year.
- 【Cost-effective OBD2 scanner】 Thinkcar Thinkdiag2 is the most powerful wireless diagnostic tool for it's price! Equipped with multi-functions of Newly added CAN-FD protocol, BiDirectional control(Active Test), 15 Maintenance resets, All Systems diagnosis, Auto VIN, FCA AutoAuth, Unlock the protected FCA vehicle SGW module on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat vehicles manufactured after 2019.120+ Car brands coverage, No IP limited, etc. Good for workshops & DIYers. Kindly send us VIN to check compatibility before purchase
- 【OE-Level Full Systems Car Scanner with Added CAN FD Protocol】 Upgrade of Thinkdiag, Thinkdiag2 is a bluetooth diagnostic tool can diagnose Full System such as ECM, ABS, SRS, TCM, EPB, TPMS, SAS, A/C, BMS, etc. Thinkdiag2 can read/clear fault codes, read real-time data, read control module information,etc. As the only diagnostic scanner in this price range that supports the CAN-FD protocol, it suits for the latest GM(2019-) , saving $100 to buy a CAN FD adapter, reducing the risk of undetected errors to enhancing the user experience
- 【Bidirectional Test】This bidirectional scan tool Thinkdiag2 allows you to send commands from your smartphone directly to the vehicle's ECU for active testing, quickly locate problem areas, such as A/C clutch, windows, doors, sunroof, etc., reducing the diagnostic time and money. (Note: kindly send us VIN to check compatibility before order.)
- 【15+ Maintenance Functions】Thinkdiag2 OBDII code scanner is designed for individual car owners, DIYers, and small repair shops, which has a separate menu of 15 common special functions, such as Oil reset, EPB reset, SAS calibration, ABS bleeding, injector code, TPMS reset, etc. Enter from the all-system diagnostic menu to unlock more system special functions, and effectively handle the reset and relearn of most cars. Note: The Maintenance functions that each car can do may be different
- 【120+ car brands & FCA Autoauth+10 languages】Thinkcar thinkdiag2 helps you to troubleshoot the problems fast for 100 + US, European, Asian vehicle brands after 1996 that use the OBDII protocol. Only support 12V cars, including gasoline cars and diesel cars. Supporting Autoauth allows you to unlock the protected FCA vehicle SGW module on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Fiat vehicles, etc. (Note: Only provide AutoAuth login portal, and need purchase the registration number on the AutoAuth website by yourself.) Multilingual function allows workshop mechanics to avoid language barriers and use it around the world Without restriction
- 【15+ Advanced Reset & Calibration Functions】The Thinkdiag scanner provides 15+ professional maintenance functions, including:✔ Oil Reset | ✔ ABS Bleeding | ✔ Injector Coding | ✔ SAS Reset✔ TPMS Reset | ✔ BMS Reset | ✔ Transmission Adaptation | ✔ AFS Reset | ✔ Sunroof Calibration | ✔ Brake Reset | ✔ Suspension Relearn | ✔ Electronic Throttle Relearn | ✔ Seat Calibration | + More reset/relearn/calibrate/adaptive functions under automotive full systems diagnostic menu. Ideal professional OBDII scanner for mechanics and DIY enthusiasts, Thinkdiag delivers professional OE-level diagnostics with adaptive relearn capabilities for precise vehicle servicing.
- 【Full-System Diagnostics OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth】 Thinkdiag OBD2 Scanner supports all Systems diagnostic function, it can read/clear DTCs, read live data, read control module information, actuation tests and maintenance functions for ECM, BCM, SRS, TCM, BMS, TPMS, SAS, A/C system etc... It works with most car models after 1996, cover more than 120+ car brands. All car make and reset software come with 1 year update without any charge, much valuable and powerful than 1000 dollars level scanners in the market.
- 【Potential Feature Activation】 Thinkdiag diagnose obd2 scanner Bluetooth allows you to match the replaced components with ECU, activate potential functions for BMW, for GM, for Benz etc. Adjust some annoying features, adapt vehicle's settings to improve performance. No matter you are private owner or professional technician, Thinkdiag is a powerful and handy scanner in your repair tool list. Potential features are not suitable for every car models, please check with us before purchase. This superior function required newest Android OS device, it performs better on Android cell phone.
- 【Bidirectional Test/Active Test】 Thinkdiag car code reader actuates solenoids and actuators for active testing, send commands to systems/components to test their real-time working status, without using manual vehicle controls which saves much diagnostic time and effort to identify malfunction causes. You can check windows, doors, mirrors, sunroof, fans, fuel pump and other parts working status by actuation test function, thinkdiag supports 10000+ active tests. When you process Automotive full system diagnostic, you can do active test on every supported module.
- 【Intelligent Diagnostic Tool with Auto-VIN】Thinkdiag Bluetooth OBD2 scanner makes your smart phone device become a professional vehicle diagnostic tool, it compatible with Android and iOS system. Auto-VIN function supports the Thinkdiag identifies the most car models automatically, if autovin failed, you can choose car info manually. Full system Vehicle health report will be automatically created after diagnosis, report can be shared. Live Data Stream combined 4-in-1 Graphing+Data Record better for monitoring vehicle performance and analyze the abnormal parameter.
Last update on 2026-06-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.