Loud Grinding Noise after Setting e-Brake / Parking Brake Malfunction

[SaturnX]

Hey Everyone!

New to the F15 world here (2014 X5 xDrive35d, 93,000 km), just upgraded from an E46 for some more space and I've just ran into my first issue.

This afternoon after parking in my driveway I did my usual routine.

1. Put car in Park
2. Set Parking Brake
3. Turn off ignition

Then I'm not sure if it was a timing thing, but right as I opened the door I heard a super loud grinding noise (my neighbours could definitely hear it on the other side of the road), and then I got a "Parking Brake Malfunction" Error on iDrive.

So I started up the car again, and it seemed like the error cleared - all systems check out and was able to easily shift into gear and head around the block. The Parking Brake WAS NOT engaged when I started up the car (at least according to the instrument cluster).

I'm going to do a bit more investigation - but has anyone else experienced this? Any insight?

Thanks!

[turboawd]

Maybe the cable broke?

[SaturnX]

Thought that at first... but this doesn’t seem to be consistent. Just took it out for a spin. Engaged / disengaged the brake several times and it seemed to work without issue. The brake is also engaging since I’ve tried with/without and when it’s not engaged I can clearly feel the roll back after putting it in park if I don’t engage.

The only thing I can think of is that the rear brakes were done (pads/rotors) just before I bought it off my father-in-law.

But it wasn’t done by a Dealer or Indy Mechanic that knows BMWs - actually our local Ford dealership since they were doing the safety certification for the sale. Normally I’d have them done by my Indy that I’ve been taking my e46 too, but for brakes figured there was no risk having Ford work on it.

[SaturnX]

Well I've finally determined the issue. I hadn't heard the sound in a while and over the past weekend I set my brake and all looked good. When I locked the car with my fob I heard the grinding sound again.

The next morning I was greeted with a parking brake malfunction indictor and the brake failed to release. I was forced to release it manually with the emergency release in the trunk to get moving.

Needless to say - it's the parking brake actuator.. and with everything going on, can't get to my indy for the repair, so I've ended up with a $2300 CAD bill from the dealer. The part alone is $1600 CAD.

Annoyed, but a conclusion nonetheless. Hope this may help someone else who runs into the same issue.

[JamesInSJ]

Originally Posted by SaturnX

Needless to say - it's the parking brake actuator.. and with everything going on, can't get to my indy for the repair, so I've ended up with a $2300 CAD bill from the dealer. The part alone is $1600 CAD.
.

Ouch. Looked online and yeh...even $1200 USD for that part online, not from a dealer. I really hate the fact BMW went to the electric parking brake. Fancy electronics = big money repairs.

[TOPEC]

Originally Posted by JamesInSJ

Ouch. Looked online and yeh...even $1200 USD for that part online, not from a dealer. I really hate the fact BMW went to the electric parking brake. Fancy electronics = big money repairs.

guess u havnt sat in any other brands of cars made in the last few years?

[turboawd]

Do you always set your park brake?

[scotty339]

I use Auto Hold each drive. Guess I'll start budgeting haha.

Thanks OP for the update.

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by scotty339

I use Auto Hold each drive. Guess I'll start budgeting haha.

Thanks OP for the update.

That doesn't use the parking brake

[scotty339]

Originally Posted by turboawd

That doesn't use the parking brake

http://www.bavarianmw.com/guide-544.html

100% it does. It uses the drum style parking brake inside the rear rotors.

Edit to add reference.

[jch1511]

Originally Posted by SaturnX

Thought that at first... but this doesn’t seem to be consistent. Just took it out for a spin. Engaged / disengaged the brake several times and it seemed to work without issue. The brake is also engaging since I’ve tried with/without and when it’s not engaged I can clearly feel the roll back after putting it in park if I don’t engage.

The only thing I can think of is that the rear brakes were done (pads/rotors) just before I bought it off my father-in-law.

But it wasn’t done by a Dealer or Indy Mechanic that knows BMWs - actually our local Ford dealership since they were doing the safety certification for the sale. Normally I’d have them done by my Indy that I’ve been taking my e46 too, but for brakes figured there was no risk having Ford work on it.

Are you certain Ford dealer didn't cause the damage when they did your rear brakes? First time I have heard of this issue.

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by scotty339

http://www.bavarianmw.com/guide-544.html

100%. It uses the drum style parking brake inside the rear rotors.

Edit to add reference.

Not sure what you mean exactly.
Hold function keeps the normal brakes applied. Parking brake uses the drum on the rear rotors.

[scotty339]

Originally Posted by turboawd

Not sure what you mean exactly.
Hold function keeps the normal brakes applied. Parking brake uses the drum on the rear rotors.

Did you look at the link I put? The Auto Hold chapter is found in the Parking Brake section.

The Auto Hold is a function of the Parking Brake being applied on and off across the rear axle.

I am not aware of many systems where all 4 of the disc brakes are actuated via either the ABS Module/Brake Booster ect. for the use of an auto hold function. Hill assist is different.

I was coming back to edit my original comment but you had already replied. I had meant to write 100% it does, as I believe you are incorrect. But I've been wrong before.

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by scotty339

Did you look at the link I put? The Auto Hold chapter is found in the Parking Brake section.

The Auto Hold is a function of the Parking Brake being applied on and off across the rear axle.

I am not aware of many systems where all 4 of the disc brakes are actuated via either the ABS Module/Brake Booster ect. for the use of an auto hold function. Hill assist is different.

I was coming back to edit my original comment but you had already replied. I had meant to write 100% it does, as I believe you are incorrect. But I've been wrong before.

I think you need to reread your link. It does not say the parking brake is used.

[booma]

is anyone still following this post? I will add some info re my 530 d GT as having same issue

[jfandl]

Originally Posted by booma

is anyone still following this post? I will add some info re my 530 d GT as having same issue

The thread got bumped to the top of the list so maybe someone will respond. I'm somewhat familiar with the issue.

Note: Auto hold is done by the ABS system which controls the disc brakes while the engine is running (it might have to be in D, I don't recall)

Rear brakes when parked are controlled by ABS system which calls the brake actuator located above the rear axle. It's a separate controller with two cables. Buy a new, aftermarket one on amazon for $260 (for my X5).