BMW i3 Parking Brake Issue

JayTheHandyman · 03-23-2023, 05:42 AM

Hi, I've had my 2015 BEV i3 since it was a year old. It's only done 33k, but lots of short journeys, which it's ideal for.

Was just parking up the other day and noticed the parking brake would not work. You can press it down, but the upwards motion is "limp". The light on the switch does not come on anymore.

I've tried various searches online, but anyone had a similar experience. Def not taking it to my local dealer given the shoddy service and missing item last time it was there.

Tempted to have to go at replacing it myself.

Problem is I'm carrying a brick around which I place under the tyres when I park up. I'm sure it won't roll away in P mode, but just being extra cautious given the handbrake is not engaging.

JayTheHandyman · 03-23-2023, 05:45 AM

Not sure if this'll work, but here's a video I uploaded to YT....

Jerry333 · 03-24-2023, 03:20 AM

Maybe consider replacing the button?

JayTheHandyman · 03-27-2023, 02:49 AM

not many replies on this post!

just ordered a replacement whole switch from BMW, checked a few you tube vids on how to remove the centre console and just went for it.

switch replaced - only 5 screws needed to be removed

a few dashboard alerts popped up, was thinking I'd need to get the warnings reset, but they ended up clearing up themselves

job done and not having to deal with an overpriced BMW dealership!

FZZF · 08-23-2023, 10:27 PM

I had that issue on an X5

03-23-2023, 05:42 AM	#1
JayTheHandyman Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: BMW i3 BEV 2015 Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: London iTrader: (0)	BMW i3 Parking Brake Issue Hi, I've had my 2015 BEV i3 since it was a year old. It's only done 33k, but lots of short journeys, which it's ideal for. Was just parking up the other day and noticed the parking brake would not work. You can press it down, but the upwards motion is "limp". The light on the switch does not come on anymore. I've tried various searches online, but anyone had a similar experience. Def not taking it to my local dealer given the shoddy service and missing item last time it was there. Tempted to have to go at replacing it myself. Problem is I'm carrying a brick around which I place under the tyres when I park up. I'm sure it won't roll away in P mode, but just being extra cautious given the handbrake is not engaging.
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03-23-2023, 05:45 AM	#2
JayTheHandyman Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: BMW i3 BEV 2015 Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Not sure if this'll work, but here's a video I uploaded to YT....
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03-24-2023, 03:20 AM	#3
Jerry333 First Lieutenant 67 Rep 300 Posts Drives: 2024 M2 Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (1) Garage List 2024 BMW M2 [5.00] 2019 BMW X7 [5.00]	Maybe consider replacing the button?
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03-27-2023, 02:49 AM	#4
JayTheHandyman Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: BMW i3 BEV 2015 Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: London iTrader: (0)	not many replies on this post! just ordered a replacement whole switch from BMW, checked a few you tube vids on how to remove the centre console and just went for it. switch replaced - only 5 screws needed to be removed a few dashboard alerts popped up, was thinking I'd need to get the warnings reset, but they ended up clearing up themselves job done and not having to deal with an overpriced BMW dealership!
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08-23-2023, 10:27 PM	#5
FZZF Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2023 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I had that issue on an X5
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