> even a normal hand brake needs adjusted and lubed every 10000 miles or so !

I have never heard of a handbrake that had a 10,000 mile service interval. What make or model of vehicle are you talking about?

not even on a hill? :D i kid, i kid

Most systems that use a cable operated latch need attention at this age, I'm a mechanic BTW ... sigh and whatever BMW has invented.. it hasnt managed to beat the laws of physics :rolleyes:

> Most systems that use a cable operated latch need attention at this age, I'm a mechanic BTW

I have worked as a mechanic in the past, but I am retired now. Perhaps my experience is unusual, but I have never seen a handbrake that needed any service sooner than about 50,000 miles or five years, except for a couple that came from the factory misadjusted and needed an adjustment in the first 100 miles. Typically, servicing the parking brake system at the time of brake pad/shoe replacement is more than enough service for a parking brake system that is used routinely. Of course, if it is not ever used, that is another situation. I currently have a Ford Focus with 49,000 miles on which the parking brake has never been serviced and works perfectly. And in climates like Phoenix with no Winter salt, my Mother's 1987 Cadillac has gone 137,000 miles with one handbrake (actually a footbrake) adjustment over the years.

Even BMW says the parking brake only needs to be checked, and adjusted if necessary, every 30,000 miles:

http://www.savagebmw.com/Service/con...tervals.htm#I1

Land Rover says to check it every 45,000 miles and adjust, if necessary.



Seriously, maybe a 1950's car needed handbrake service every 10,000 miles, but not newer cars. BMW simply screwed-up their parking brake system on the X5 and, in typical BMW fashion, will complete solve the problem in another year or two.