Parking Brake Failure - Again!
 

Parked on a hill and used the parking brake. When I returned I went to release the brake and once again - parking f'ing brake failure! Second time in two months. What the hell is going on with this? There have been quite a few postings here about this issue. Is BMW working on a fix? Any comments? Any SIB on this? Have to vent. I'm leaving tomorrow for a 4 month business trip and the last thing I want to do is leave this problem for my wife to take care of. Dealer will probably reset it (after waiting 2 weeks for an appointment) and once again say it's the first time he's ever seen an E70 with a parking brake failure.

Posted by BMW_tech on Bimmerfest forum (this guy seems to be on top of these types of issues......

"SI B 34 01 08
CAUSE
When the parking brake is activated with the engine running, the vehicle's service brakes are applied via the Dynamic Stability Control System (DSC). After the ignition is switched off, the DSC signals the EMF to apply the parking brake shoes at the rear wheel brakes. During the ignition cycle, the signal between the DSC and the EMF can be interrupted. If the signal is interrupted, fault code 6032 MECH FORCE is stored in the EMF module, and the parking brake warning is illuminated.

CORRECTION
This situation will be corrected via a software update, available as of March 2008.
(parking brake should only be switched on and/or activated with the engine switched off until available)"

So it looks like it is a known issue and there is a workaround (set parking brake AFTER turning off your engine & before removing the key.) Looks like a real fix (updated software is in the works.)

Hope this helps all of you with this problem.

jwhkc,

This is great info and thanks for sharing! I'll pass this to the dealer and see if the software update is available.

I got the brake issue too last week. My tech told me the same thing. Apply the handbrake after the engine is turned off until a software fix arrives.

However my tech told me the fix is due May 2008. So we will see. Also since I have comfort access and I do not have to use my key to start the engine, once I press the off button I can not apply the brake.

- will we all be able to get this update even if we haven't gotten the problem? I don't want to be stranded first, then only fixed after.

- the workaround - can you even apply the electronic parking brake after you power off the engine? Haven't tried but seems weird that it would do it.

Yes, you can apply the brake with the engine off as long as the key has not been released from it's slot. (Don't know about comfort access.....I do not have it.)

yes you can

ive got comfort access and even when the car is turned off , you can still apply the P brake .

try it :)

what'd be awesome is if they let you sit a computer aptitude test and if you pass, be allowed to download and apply your own updates to the vehicle

:iagree: :thumbup:

Software updates are going to be a cash cow for dealers. Once the warranty is up and new fixes/features are added, I'm sure it'll be a few hundred $$ to have them installed.