BMW: About those "nasty" E39 handbrakes...

Dave Plowman <co.uk> wrote in message news:<co.uk>... 

Our differences are noted.

 


I understand your being upset about the handbrake. You really should
take it to your dealer and "let them have it". I think the problem is
universal even if some people's handbrakes like mine do work.

 


Sounds like sloppy work on top of poor design, I think you really
should bring it up with BMW in a forceful manner. That's the only way
to make any difference. You seem to have a substantial case to
complain about.

 


I can't comment on the design as I'm not a brake expert. I do agree
the handbrake is only adequate at best (mine does hold my car on steep
hills every time).


 


I think the problem is not how much force is required to set the
brake. If much more force were applied I think one might actually
damage the system. The problem is the poor design as you've noted.

 


My handbrake does hold my car on its own in stop-and-go on an incline.
I just conveniently park my right foot on the brake pedal as it's
also a safe thing to do.

 


I vaguely recall Volvo earning a bad reputation in Canada about 25-30
years ago but I'm not sure it had to do with surging. OTOH, Audi did
have a problem with US drivers claiming the Audi 100s surged (bunk).
At any rate, you misunderstood my comment. I meant my car will slide
slowly when I don't apply the handbrake fully. It does so while I am
playing with the brake lever and *not* on its own after I have left
the car unattended. My brakes have never failed. Perhaps it was
because I always park in gear. I sometimes test to see if the
transmission would hold the car on its own. Regardless I still apply
the handbrake.


Michael

In article <google.com>,
Michael Low <inter.net> wrote: 

Just as a follow up, I took my 528 for an MOT today. This involves
testing the brakes on a rolling road. And it should have failed. The
mechanic has tested many of these and realises it's a design fault, so let
it go through. They were in balance to within 3%.

Its previous and first MOT was carried out by the dealer with the fault
on the handbrake I documented earlier.

One other interesting point. For part of the emissions test you have to
hold the engine speed steady at just over 2000 rpm. While trying to do
this, the speed increased considerably of its own accord after about 30
seconds. Same thing when trying again.

--
*I must always remember that I'm unique, just like everyone else. *

Dave Plowman co.uk London SW 12
RIP Acorn