Emergency brake

[Rjscharer]

New build number 1368 emergency brake fails to hold. I tightened up the two
bolts on either side of the handbrake lever. I also took it to a local shop and
put it up on a lift. The fittings on each of the rear wheels were tightened to
the point that the wheels were almost non rotating,then the fittings were
backed off some so that the wheels turned freely. When lowered to the ground,
the emergency brake failed to hold. Anyone else experience this?
Thanks

[TexasCobras65]

On my BDR it was discovered that one of the brake cables had come off the brake lever (under the leather boot) so it was not grabbing. Once it was fixed it has worked fine.

[Rjscharer]

Thanks,but both cables are attached under the boot.

[mln385]

Their set up leaves something to be desired, I had to drill out new holes in the feral in the rear on mine if they are using the same design from the 600 series.

PM me your e-mail I will send you some pictures.

[krausewich]

Is it a lever or brake issue?
Is your lever ratchet mechanism holding as expected ?
I have heard of instances of the ratchet teeth rounding
causing the lever not to engage. This was for a 'seasoned'
car, but worth eliminating as a possibility.

Good Luck,
Mike.

[68 Fastback]

Do the break shoes (inside the rotors) need to be adjusted? Also check to see if the cable has not come lose from the threaded end at the handle.

[jblack223]

Originally Posted by 68 Fastback

Do the break shoes (inside the rotors) need to be adjusted? Also check to see if the cable has not come lose from the threaded end at the handle.

Damn.

[TimeForACobra]

Rjscharer,
Have you been able to get it adjusted correctly yet?
Take a look at this picture:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech...tment/pic5.jpg
As 68 Fastback said, you need to adjust the shoes inside the rotors.
To get to the toothed gear, you have to pull one of the pin drive pins, which is done with a large hex wrench.
Then use a small screwdriver to adjust it.
However, I don't remember which way to adjust it.
Some internet searches for bmw e36 parking brake adjustment could help.

[Rjscharer]

Thanks for the info. I guess I will hang on until Boynton does the 500 mile service. Car also stalls sometimes when out of gear and is cruising to stop.
Like the car a lot,so I assume these are teething problems.

[BDR0572]

I bought a used BDR and it had the same problem but all it took was a E Brake rebuild and it now works fine. (Just for Info)