Parking brakes engage then disengage...
 

If I engage the parking brakes while the car is in Park and engine still idling, they grab and hold (I release the brake pedal and the car does not roll). However, once I shut off the engine, approximately 2 seconds later I feel them disengaging and the vehicle rolls a little until transmission catches and stops it. The "Brakes" red light still lit on the dashboard though...

I've tried on various grade slopes, same results.

Does anyone else have the same problem ?

I'm not sure if what you're describing is actually what's happening. It's been discussed here before and lots of people, including myself, have the same symptoms.

I had to dig the "search" way way way back (that is why I've missed it on the first try) - yes, you are right, it seems to be normal, although strange. That movement (probably caused by release of the front brakes) catches me by surprise every time...

i have the same problem .. i thought it was normal :confused:

I have a similar issue on my manual (stick shift) 320D.

When I release the brakes after engaging the hand brake the car rolls back ever so slightly then stops.

It freaked me out 3 years ago when I got it - never had a car do that before - now I am used to it.

Same here. It is a bit unsettling as I'm usually one foot out of the car when the "release" happens.

IIRC, when the engine is running, engaging the parking brake cuases the vehicle to hold the vehicle via all four disc brakes - as if your foot was on the brake pedal. Engine off however, the parking brake switches to the conventional handbrake used on other BMW's; a rear drum parking brake that operates seperate from the rear brake disc.

I'm not sure if it's the manual or some other document that states this, I remember reading it somewhere.

The switch between the four discs to the rear handbrake is what causes the movement. There is a bit of roll before the handbrake completely catches.

pb48 is correct in his description. The instructors at the performance center described the park system in the same way.

According to the instructors a REALLY NICE safety feature of the parking brake is that a passenger in case of emergency can pull the Parking brake lever and all four disc brakes will engage to slow the car down but NOT to the point where the ABS brakes will engage and wheels will lock. That's a great safety feature compared to the old school pull up parking break that locks the rear wheels...not as fun however ;)

Talking about parking brakes - dont do what i did - A safety feature can cause more harm than good which is the auto 'P' when the drivers door opens. Not good when you are reversing on a track and you want to open the door and lean out looking towards the rear while reversing - the car slammed into 'Park' and i smacked my head on the 'B' pillar :rofl:

incidently my car 'lurches' forward after i turn the engine off when i engage the parking brake and 'P'