Wonder how many of us remember to do this. I know I never remember to, but really should. Sounds like a must do, but so easy to forget about doing it. I thought it was WORTH A MENTION to avoid BRAKE CORROSION which I am sure we would rather not experience. I'll bet most people never even noticed this when reading the manual. My sales exec. that sold me the car said the average person that buys a new car usually does not even bother to read the new car manuals, and many have no idea of many of the features the car has to offer. I am sure that does not apply to most of us, but let's face it, we E-60 Forum members do not represent the average car owner.
There is a statement on page 57 of the 2005 E-60 Owners Manual that states

"To PREVENT CORROSION and ONE SIDED BRAKING ACTION, occasionally apply the handbrake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable"

I only remembered to do this once since I got the car. Now the trick is to remember to do it again tomorrow and to make it a routine practice.
Do any of you really remember to do this? I GUESS WE SHOULD!

Netjazz

 

well, I can't say I remember to intentionally apply it when coming to a stop, however I often apply it then forget to take it off when starting to drive, so I guess it gets a little bit of use that way.

 

Sometimes, when you do that all the build up will be clear away but of course do it at slow speed.

 

I did it a few times. But just to test the handbrake strength...

BTW does anybody notice that when roling the handbrake is soooooo light that even if you pull it up to max it won't lock the brakes?!?!
Or doest it have to do that i have a steptronic? Or rwd? I thought even though the car is rwd it should lock the wheels when pullin the handbrake (without accelerating of course).
Feedback needed on this pls!

 

i usually play around with the handbrake after reading the manual (guess im one of the few that read it cover to cover)

bettermakeway; depends on how hard u pull up on the brake. ive locked the wheels before, and have used the handbrake to slide the car in a turn (lots of fun).

 

This is a really good point

I had my old E39 on the yearly inspection some years back, and the engineer said that the brake pads had some rust on and a malfunction could appear anytime.

He told me that one should always use it when parking to avoid rusting!

So I do it all the time when parking, you should do it also!

 

Can anyone explain the rationale for how the handbrake application prevents rust build-up when parked or when moving?

Is this for the benefit of the rotors, or brake pads themselves??

 

I do the hand brake thing every time I wash the car which on average every two weeks.
cheers
vern

 

Lol don't get me wrong, in my other cars, i pulled the handbrake soo hard that a few times it got stuck from pulling that hard. (neither of them bmws).

Anyway i really pulled it when moving, the gearbox in D, lift up the accel, and pull the handbrake fully up and no lock on the wheels.

Need alot more ifnor from the other forum members that locked the rear wheels using the handbrake, especially in a steptronic car.

 

I do this for that exact reason, but quite honestly, not enough.
I probably do this only twice a year.