Replacing handbrake lever

[samcoombes]

Hi Guys

So my indy tells me the handbrake lever is worn and needs replacing. I'm hoping to find a used one, but wondered if anyone can give any tips for replacement? I know the centre console has to come out - how easy are the actual cables to remove and replace (one of these has snapped too!)

The Indy wants £560 for the job all in (including a new handle) so i'm looking to DIY it.

Thanks 

[X5Sport]

Don't bother with a used one!  Get the part number off Realoem and go hunting for options.

There are a couple of folks on here who have changed them in the past.

[samcoombes]

Using the part number on OEM a new lever is nearly £200 from BMW  :blink:

If anyone can offer some advice, on the cables in particular, that'd be grand 

[fenj66]

i dont know about replacing cables, but regarding the handbrake lever itself, is it the quadrant thats the problem, i.e. the teeth on the ratchet? if so, if you do get it out of the car, you could get it on a workbench and hacksaw the tooth profile back again. i did it but managed to do it roughly, in situ.

[samcoombes]

Thanks for that - I did consider it, yeah maybe worth a go to avoid a load of hassle! 

[Steamyrotter]

Refurbed mine too

Finaly got it out and then filed the teeth back in it.

First time in ages that it actually held it in place!!!

[samcoombes]

Did you remove the seat, centre console etc to get it out? Might it be possible in situ with the sides of the centre console removed?

[Sanj]

[quote="samcoombes"]
Did you remove the seat, centre console etc to get it out? Might it be possible in situ with the sides of the centre console removed?
[/quote]

Very tight in there doing it that way. The centre console is a pain to remove but will make access 10 times easier...

[samcoombes]

Thanks - ok.

Any tips on replacing the cables?

[Pete]

I had a new mechanism fitted for £130. Get a new Indy.

Whereabouts are you?

[Steamyrotter]

I took the side panels off the centre console, but left the console in.
Was quite a pain getting the handbrake lever out, but doable.

In fact getting it back in was worse!!!

[X5Sport]

[quote="Steamyrotter"]
Was quite a pain getting the handbrake lever out, but doable.

In fact getting it back in was worse!!!
[/quote]

Take your gearbox out again next time.... >:D

[samcoombes]

I'm in Dorset.

£120 fitted? The part is more than that even with a good discount....?

[Steamyrotter]

[quote="X5Sport"]
[quote="Steamyrotter"]
Was quite a pain getting the handbrake lever out, but doable.

In fact getting it back in was worse!!!
[/quote]



Take your gearbox out again next time.... >:D
[/quote]


Now I CAN manage that alright.....

::)

[Huxsta]

I refurbished mine in situ with a dremel !! Not ideal but worked on every tooth.