Dodgy handbreak

[Sim_Simma]

You can adjust the handbrake piece of pi55 but thats not the issue. If you handle is high all the time adjust it. You take a wheel bolt out and allign it with the adjuster and turn it with a screwdriver.
If your handbrake handle shoots up when applied every now and again like it isn't connected to anything then thats a different issue which is described in the first post.

[Sim_Simma]

You can adjust the handbrake piece of pi55 but thats not the issue. If you handle is high all the time adjust it. You take a wheel bolt out and allign it with the adjuster and turn it with a screwdriver.
If your handbrake handle shoots up when applied every now and again like it isn't connected to anything then thats a different issue which is described in the first post.

[bcworkz]

you could park in gear, wouldn't that work?

Sure, to a point. I never use the hand brake on level or slightly inclined surfaces. But on a real hill, even if the car doesn't roll off in gear immediately, it may just take a slight nudge to get it moving, perhaps just a passing lorry would even do it. I'd never park on a hill without the hand brake unless the tyre was hard up against a kerb or other obstruction.

[Zmachine]

I have exactly the same handbrake problem.

I've just taken mine into an independent BMW specialist (trusted and used for a while now) and he had diagnosed the handbrake ratchet wheel as worn. This is a common fault apparently.

If you lift up the trim and look down into the centre console void (just behind the handbrake) you can see the ratchet wheel. Two of the teeth have worn on mine and this is where the fault is.

A new handbrake ratchet is £85 from BMW. Centre console trim has to come out for fitting so it's a fair bit of labour to fit too, apparently.

Hope this helps, I'm waiting for repair too so in the same boat!


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[TommyGG]

Just got my break discs all replaced, rear discs very worn/rusted on the inside of the disc where the handbrake makes contact. HB seems miles better now but will report back in a week or so when I've had more opportunity to test it.

[Sim_Simma]

I have exactly the same handbrake problem.

I've just taken mine into an independent BMW specialist (trusted and used for a while now) and he had diagnosed the handbrake ratchet wheel as worn. This is a common fault apparently.

If you lift up the trim and look down into the centre console void (just behind the handbrake) you can see the ratchet wheel. Two of the teeth have worn on mine and this is where the fault is.

A new handbrake ratchet is £85 from BMW. Centre console trim has to come out for fitting so it's a fair bit of labour to fit too, apparently.

Hope this helps, I'm waiting for repair too so in the same boat!


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Definitely sounds right to me

[TommyGG]

Been driving a lot today, HB seems markedly improved.

[bladeowner]

I have exactly the same handbrake problem.

I've just taken mine into an independent BMW specialist (trusted and used for a while now) and he had diagnosed the handbrake ratchet wheel as worn. This is a common fault apparently.

If you lift up the trim and look down into the centre console void (just behind the handbrake) you can see the ratchet wheel. Two of the teeth have worn on mine and this is where the fault is.

A new handbrake ratchet is £85 from BMW. Centre console trim has to come out for fitting so it's a fair bit of labour to fit too, apparently.

Hope this helps, I'm waiting for repair too so in the same boat!


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When I was learning to drive (many years ago) my driving instructor always made me hold the button in whilst pulling up the lever then release it as opposed to just yanking it up with the ratchet clicking. I've used that method ever since.

[TommyGG]

Just an update, haven't had any issues with it at all since I got my rear discs replaced. Just thought I'd let everyone know! Might be a main cause of the problems if they are old and corroded.

[Sim_Simma]

I have exactly the same handbrake problem.

I've just taken mine into an independent BMW specialist (trusted and used for a while now) and he had diagnosed the handbrake ratchet wheel as worn. This is a common fault apparently.

If you lift up the trim and look down into the centre console void (just behind the handbrake) you can see the ratchet wheel. Two of the teeth have worn on mine and this is where the fault is.

A new handbrake ratchet is £85 from BMW. Centre console trim has to come out for fitting so it's a fair bit of labour to fit too, apparently.

Hope this helps, I'm waiting for repair too so in the same boat!


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When I was learning to drive (many years ago) my driving instructor always made me hold the button in whilst pulling up the lever then release it as opposed to just yanking it up with the ratchet clicking. I've used that method ever since.

So did mine. Good advice tbh.

[Maranello]

Mine does the same, got BMW to tighten it in my service which lasted about a week and has now returned to normal, pops out sometimes and I really have to wrench it on on a hill.

I don't mind - you just have to get used to playing chicken with the car that's sitting right up your arse on a steep hill! Lol

[Goldfinger]

Mine makes like a snapping noise every now and then like the ratchet has not engaged properly , I always leave in gear on flat or hill !