[ydah]

Hi everyone. A couple days ago I spilled coffee on my gear shifter. The car worked throughout the day with no issues. I was driving it in the evening and I got a warning on my screen "Restart not possible. Drivetrain fault". I was able to drive it until I got home. Once I turned it off and turned it back on I have been getting P button not functioning.
I know spilling the coffee is what caused the issue with the electronics.

When trying to shift gear to D or R nothing happens. I took the shifter console out and took it home to dry it and sprayed some WD40 cleaner and let it dry overnight. I tried to install it back in my car and plugging all wires back and started the car but the still getting the P button not functioning warning. Still cant shift.

I am going to order a replacement shifter if that is my only option at this point. Does the new shifter need to be programmed? Does it have to be for 2020 model or does 2021 model work?

Thanks

[ydah]

I am including picture of error.

[helmet91]

Two things:

1- Try disconnecting the battery and letting it sit for a bit to try and clear the error.

2- I swapped out my stock shift knob for the M-Performance alcantara version; no special programming is needed whatsoever.

[BLK.G20]

You need to inspect the wiring harness also. Swapping out the shifter assembly won't do anything if you have wiring damage.

[ydah]

How can the wiring harness be damaged? How should I check it and how can it be fixed? Would including a picture of the wiring that connects to the shifter help?

[Blondie13662]

Hi ,
I wanted to ask you about the repair of the gear shift. I was told they need to replace mine and the I drive on my 330 and the repair is 5100.00 at BMW .

[Tim 4723]

As helmet91 suggested disconnecting that battery is worth a try. Clearing faults would be a good idea too if you have access to a program to do it.

While it is disconnected I'd try and spray some contact cleaner or iso alcohol in around the button and keep pressing the button to work it in. Make sure you protect all the other surfaces from the iso/cleaner because it could damage the coatings and clean off the visible surfaces of the shifter for the same reason. If it manages to clean the contacts and fix your problem, you want it to still look good.