US safety regulators open inquiry into BMW shifter problem that could let vehicles roll away

DETROIT – U.S. safety regulators are looking into a problem with BMW automatic transmission shifters that can allow cars to roll away after drivers have left the vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tuesday on its website that about 120,000 BMW 7-Series luxury sedans from the 2002 through 2008 model years could be affected. The inquiry could lead to a recall.

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The cars have electronic transmission shifters that are designed to automatically shift into park if the driver presses the button to turn off the engine. The agency says one driver complained to regulators about the problem, and the company has received additional complaints.

No crashes or injuries have been reported. Regulators say they haven’t found the cause of the problem.

BMW says it’s co-operating with the inquiry.