Service-Bulletin

2023-2024 BMW X1 Emergency Gearbox Release Message TSB

If your 2023-2024 BMW X1 displays the "Emergency gearbox release activated" check control message (790) immediately after starting the engine, this manufacturer communication addresses the issue.

ByAhmet Topcu — Founder & Editor-in-ChiefAutomated summary2023 BMW X1
2023 BMW X1 — BMW X1 emergency gearbox release
Editorial illustration generated for this article.
Emergency gearbox release activatedCheck control message 790BMW X1 emergency gearbox releaseBMW X1 power train fault2023 BMW X12024 BMW X1NHTSA 10242689BMW X1 check control messageBMW X1 gearbox warningPOWER TRAIN component issue
BMW X1
2024

Symptoms

Owners of 2023-2024 BMW X1 vehicles may observe a specific check control message appearing on the instrument cluster. This message, identified as check control message 790, states "Emergency gearbox release activated". The critical symptom is that this warning is displayed immediately after the engine is started.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The appearance of the "Emergency gearbox release activated" message is directly linked to the engine startup sequence. The manufacturer communication indicates that the message triggers right after the vehicle's engine begins operation. This suggests an immediate system check or sensor reading related to the power train.

Repair Procedure Summary

NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10242689, a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), addresses the condition causing the "Emergency gearbox release activated" warning. While the specific repair steps are not detailed in the summary, such bulletins typically outline diagnostic procedures and corrective actions for technicians. These actions often involve software updates, sensor adjustments, or component replacements within the power train system to resolve the underlying cause of the BMW X1 emergency gearbox release message.

Owner Action

If your 2023-2024 BMW X1 exhibits the "Emergency gearbox release activated" message, it is recommended to contact an authorized BMW dealer. Inform them about the specific check control message (790) and its timing. The dealer will be able to diagnose the issue using the information provided in NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10242689 and perform the necessary repairs under warranty if applicable. Addressing the BMW X1 emergency gearbox release promptly ensures your vehicle's power train operates as intended.

Source: NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10242689

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my BMW X1 show "Emergency gearbox release activated"?
This message (check control message 790) indicates an issue with the power train system, appearing right after engine startup in some 2023-2024 BMW X1 vehicles.
Is the "Emergency gearbox release activated" message a serious problem?
While the exact severity isn't specified, any warning related to the gearbox or power train should be addressed by a certified BMW technician to ensure safe and proper vehicle operation.
What should I do if I see check control message 790 on my BMW X1?
You should contact your authorized BMW dealer to schedule a service appointment. They can diagnose the issue using the relevant manufacturer communication.

What BMW X1 owners report

Counted from the records in our database across 14 model years.

853
Owner complaints
27
Recalls
556
Service bulletins
40
Crashes reported
17
Fires reported
42
Injuries reported

The 2023 model year

71 complaints, the 6th most of 14 model years on file. Owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries for this year, which also has 6 recalls on file.

Power Train, the system this article covers, accounts for 125 of 853 complaints (15%), including 6 for 2023.

Complaints by model year

Model years with the most complaints for the BMW X1
2013102
2014114
201594
2016163
2017164
201860
202013
202371
202430
202517

Most-reported systems

  1. Electrical System — 164
  2. Service Brakes — 136
  3. Air Bags — 128
  4. Power Train — 125
  5. Engine — 106

Latest recalls for the 2023 model year

  • 26V422000 — Service Brakes, Hydraulic (Jul 2026)
  • 24V739000 — Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (Oct 2024)
  • 24V697000 — Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (Sep 2024)
All 2023 recalls →

Recent owner reports about power train

The vehicle is equipped with a dual clutch transmission and has the EPA mandated auto-start feature. When you stop the vehicle and the engine shuts off and then remove your foot from the brake to go forward, the engine hesitates to restart and then starts,…

2023 BMW X1 owner, Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2023 BMW X1. The contact stated that when the vehicle is on any slight incline, when parked, when the vehicle was placed in reverse (R) or in drive (D) the vehicle will roll backward or forward for about one or two feet before the vehicle…

2023 BMW X1 owner, Dec 2023
Read owner complaints →

Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.

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