Why cant I shift into other gears, stuck in drive !

1992 BMW 325I
250,000 MILES
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DOCTORGEEK0
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1992
BMW
325i
I think its a 3.6?
280,000 kms

Hi this morning I got into my car, and the gear stick was incredibly hard to move. But I got it into drive and drove to Tim Hortons. When I got there, I couldn't get the car into park no matter how hard I pushed. And I tried pushing hard once, cautiously. I just couldnt get it to go past drive. So i pulled the e-brake and turned off the car. Still couldn't get the gear stick to move up. Pressing the brake taking the key out, putting it in, nothing. Eventually with some wiggling I was able to get it into neutral so I could start the car, but nothing would let me get into reverse to get out of the parking spot ! I have no idea what this means, and I have never encountered this before. I drive the car everyday to work, and nothing happened last night or recently or ever since I have bought it. It is has automatic transmission.
Dec 20, 2011 at 11:19 PM
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FIXITMR
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if console shifter sounds like your release button is malfunctioning.
Dec 20, 2011 at 11:36 PM
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DOCTORGEEK0
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I can freely move the shifter between all the drivable gears, but it wont let me into the neutral and park. I took off the case and I can see the little buttone move up when I press the button on my gear stick
Dec 20, 2011 at 11:53 PM
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DOCHAGERTY
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There is a cable at the ignition lock that interacts with the shifter, inspect it. Start there.
Dec 31, 2011 at 12:11 PM