Safety probe: BMW 7-series rolling away in 'park'

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating a potential problem with BMW 7-series sedans of not properly shifting into park.

The issue sparked NHTSA's concern when it received a complaint that a 2006-model-year 7-series rolled away after the owner parked and exited the vehicle.

BMW also submitted similar incident reports in which other 7-series cars rolled away from their owners.

The 2006-model-year sedan was equipped with an electronic transmission shifter. The shifter automatically puts the vehicle in park under a variety of conditions, such as when the driver turns off the engine. So far, however, no cause has been identified for the incidents, and NHTSA is not aware of any related injuries or accidents.

An estimated 120,000 7-series sedans from the 2002 through 2008 model years could be affected.

By Michelle Koueiter