RepairPal Certified shops can diagnose and repair your 1997 BMW 318i. They provide transparent pricing with a minimum 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on repairs and services.
See if the brake lights are working. If not, check the fuse, than check/replace the brake light switch. This is one of the most common problem.
If the brake lights are working, check / replace the shift interlock solenoid.
Zee