NHTSA Complaint #11515774 — 2019 BMW X7

While operating the x7, liquid from a loose lid of a cup was spilled (not in excess of 2oz) onto the console area as it was being placed into temperature controlled cupholders just forward of the gear shifter. This minimal amount of liquid caused the parking mechanism- GWS SHIFTER to short/fry rendering the car unable to shift gears. A message that the "P Button Not Working" and instruction to "hold the start/stop button down for 3 seconds" to make the car go into park was given. The Park button, shifter and start/stop buttons are located in the console behind the cup holders. This is a GREAT danger because this complete system failure can happen with MINIMAL liquid contact from incidental spills and the car becomes immovable. My car had to be towed to the dealer to have the GWS Shifter REPLACED and reprogramed and was VERY costly, and NOT covered by BMW warranty. BMW North America is aware of liquid in the cup holder area causing issues to the mechanical systems as a class action lawsuit was just unveiled due to liquid causing air bag problems. The airbag and gas shifter are housed in the same location. Please investigate this as this is a family vehicle (for us) and the provided cup holders are very likely to be used. This failure can cause a person and/or family to be in great danger if they suddenly cannot control their car.