[READER84]

Is it normal for the handbrake to feel like it's not applied properly on an E91?

[Stoatmaster]

If you mean you need to crank it so its pointing at the sky before it actually holds the car in place, I think that's a feature of most BMWs!

[READER84]

So the car seems to move slightly once applied and I release the footbrake.

[FHE92]

Originally Posted by READER84

So the car seems to move slightly once applied and I release the footbrake.

Mine does this, my F30 did it aswell it's a BMW feature

[russ9898]

My E92 was the same until BMW adjusted it for me when it was last in with them

[Thermobaric]

Yeah. I had a dodgy handbrake. I looked online and read pretty much everyone considered it a BMW feature. Lived with it until it failed an MOT and needed new rear discs and handbrake shoe e.t.c.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by READER84

So the car seems to move slightly once applied and I release the footbrake.

Yes there will be a bit of rock, usually noticed on slopes. It's due to the parking brake design and the fact the brake shoes open (expand) around the anchor spigot when applied. The better the more accurate the adjustment the less rock will be noticed.

Unlike disc clamping parking brakes, which have no movement, (disc to wheel carrier), the shoe design used by BMW can physically move, until the appropriate shoe end loads against the internal anchor spigot.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Thermobaric

Yeah. I had a dodgy handbrake. I looked online and read pretty much everyone considered it a BMW feature. Lived with it until it failed an MOT and needed new rear discs and handbrake shoe e.t.c.

The problem is usually sloppy adjustment techniques, or simply badly adjusted parking brakes.

There is nothing wrong with properly adjusted brakes, (if free of corrosion), will hold efficiently, hold on 5 - 8 clicks and will even 'grab' when in good condition.

[Vish8895]

Glad to know this is a normal thing and not just an issue with my car!

[kiel_dafo_kenyg_as]

The brake design is from the 60s when cars were lightweight. Inside the brakedrum (which is one piece with the rotor) usually is a thick layer of rust that gives almost no friction. Drive 100yards with the handbrake applied and then adjust the play with a screwdriver through a wheel bolt hole. It's a ratchet system.