Is the Parking brake lever a known problem?

[grannyknot]

The teeth on the sector of the parking brake lever are all hacked up, looks someone forced it down without pushing the release button.
I've been looking online for it, 34406774798, https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/parking-brake-lever-assembly/34406774798/
but know, one seems to have it in stock, not even the wreckers/breakers.
Is this a part that is so much in demand that they can't keep them on the shelf or a part that almost never fails so they don't keep it on the shelf in the first place?
Thanks

 

[roblightbody]

In the history file that we got with our car, I can see that repeated attempts have been made to get the handbrake to work properly, and even now I find it the worst handbrake I've ever encountered. It pulls up higher than is comfortable, then doesn't hold until the last click. I think a search of the forum here for handbrake will find you lots of info.

https://z4-forum.com/forum/search.php?keywords=handbrake&fid%5B0%5D=3

 

[Joycey]

Yeah this is a know issue, I'm guessing more an issue on Z4's where the button is not depressed before pulling the handle up.

 

[grannyknot]

Okay, thanks guys.
roblightbody, can't see much of the car you are driving in your avatar photo but I'm going to guess that is a Triumph Herald ?

 

[M1k3yC]

Yeah this is a know issue, I'm guessing more an issue on Z4's where the button is not depressed before pulling the handle up.

Possibly controversial opinion, but I haven't had any handbrake problems (or more accurately further deterioration, since the one on the Z is average at best) since I started ratcheting my handbrakes. I used to find that, over time, BMW handbrakes got weaker until they needed attention. Someone suggested to me that it was more likely I was very gradually stretching the cable by depressing the button and pulling the handbrake up (too far, I assume) and that ratcheting it would resolve that. I'm sure you can find videos on YouTube saying that on a modern handbrake it makes no difference which method you use and it's a myth that using the ratchet will wear it out. Of course I always pull it up a touch and depress the button before lowering it.

 

[Rucky]

I occasionally apply the handbrake when driving to clean the hubs / shoes.
I dont use the handbrake when parking, its an auto and definitely not when its wet as it just rusts on from past experience.
Correct adjustment , although a pain to disconnect the cable under the lever, is essential.

It thus works when required,
can you not regrind the worn notches with an angle grinder, after all its a spring loaded pawl.?

 

[Rockhopper]

The fault the OP is talking about it worn teeth on the ratchet, sadly very common and it seems that new parts are no longer available (not been in stock with BMW for quite some time now). I understand that Mike at the Zed Shed has some though. Not that easy to change the lever either.

 

[Joycey]

Yeah this is a know issue, I'm guessing more an issue on Z4's where the button is not depressed before pulling the handle up.

Possibly controversial opinion, but I haven't had any handbrake problems (or more accurately further deterioration, since the one on the Z is average at best) since I started ratcheting my handbrakes. I used to find that, over time, BMW handbrakes got weaker until they needed attention. Someone suggested to me that it was more likely I was very gradually stretching the cable by depressing the button and pulling the handbrake up (too far, I assume) and that ratcheting it would resolve that. I'm sure you can find videos on YouTube saying that on a modern handbrake it makes no difference which method you use and it's a myth that using the ratchet will wear it out. Of course I always pull it up a touch and depress the button before lowering it.

I would love it to be just an opinion but I've had to change 4 of these on various z4's and I mainly build Z3's. The teeth are made from a softer material over the engaging pin so causing one to wear quicker than the other. Since I replaced mine in 2016 I've covered nearly 60k with no issues opting for the same method you do.

 

[Any1else]

Mine went and I had it replaced a few years back. Was going to get a used one on ebay but the indi advised against it. Got a new one for me from a dealer and it was about £140 parts and about £200 labour cos they had to take out the seats & centre console and drop the exhaust to get access. I think it was worth it though - got as hand brake that works. Always press the button now when applying.

 

[grannyknot]

can you not regrind the worn notches with an angle grinder, after all its a spring loaded pawl.?

That's my first line of attack, if that doesn't work and depending on how complicated the piece is I may just fabricate one and weld it in.

The fault the OP is talking about it worn teeth on the ratchet, sadly very common and it seems that new parts are no longer available (not been in stock with BMW for quite some time now). I understand that Mike at the Zed Shed has some though. Not that easy to change the lever either.

Thanks, I'll check the Zed Shed out.

 

[grannyknot]

So I managed to find a guy local to me parting out a Z4 and the car had an automatic so the lever teeth look like they haven't been used.
Thank you for all the help.
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