Hi

I've noticed that when on even the slightest gradient that the handbrake doesn't 'catch' & hold the car still until it up to the fourth notch (i.e. if you pull the handbrake without depressing the button - it would click 4 times before it is able to hold the vehicle at a standstill).

As this is my first bimmer - I do not know whether this is 'normal' for BMW.

Also - If the car is held still on a slope with the footbrake, if I put the handbrake on and then release the footbrake the car seems to move before catching/stopping...... Is this normal?

Should I take it back to be adjusted?

Otherwise car is great, no complaints

 

Both the handbrakes on my E39 didn't hold the car on a hill very well. The E60 handbrake does hold the car well but I think it takes at least four clicks on the ratchet. I don't really know how many right now but basically I pull it up until it's tight (beware of the sliding armrest!)

I imagine there's an adjustment if you think that yours isn't holding well -- keep in mind that for years, BMW has an independent drum-style brake on the rear wheels just for the e-brake so I imagine it's that way on the E60 (no time to verify this right now...)

 

I will let you guys know. My car is in for service right now. I too feel that it requires too many notches on the ratchet before it holds. I am sure this will go down a couple of notches when I get it back.

 

This is a very common issue with disc brake.

 

We had this happen on our 330i and brought it in for an adjustment and now holds just fine. No prob on my 530i since it is automatic.

 

But I don't think it is a disc brake...like most BMWs, I'm pretty sure the e-brake has it's own drum...