XSeries-forum

Hi there. I've learnt a lot from the members this forum so wanted to give something back. Here goes...

My handbrake ratchet must have sheered/warn down and mot time was fast approaching so i set about researching how to change the handbrake lever. All of the info led me to believe this was a big job involving moving of the centre console... and a second hand part was £75. Not great.

So I found a bit of a shortcut by removing the drivers seat (it's a right hand drive), and prying out the side cover of the centre console with a screwdriver to reveal the lower part of the handbrake mechanism...

From here you will see part of the ratchet (the part with the teeth) and the wire connections with the double nuts on). I loosened off the nuts (taking note of their positions before undoing them) and pulled the handbrake up as far as it would go. This exposed the ratchet part with the teeth thay were worn down.

Now i simply used a semi-circle type metal file to get the teeth back in shape and this worked an absolute treat.

No need to remove the centre console or buy a new part. A £4 file did the trick.

I did take pictures but i'm uploading this on my phone and cant seem to get them on... will try to add them when i get on the laptop to help people visualise the fix.









IMPORTANT NOTE...
*Do your research on seat removal... disconnect the battery before unplugging your seat. (Yes this is annoying but must be done!)

Hope this is useful to someone in future and saves you a few £££££

Thanks for that one.
It might come in handy one day.

If you’re disconnecting the battery to avoid airbag faults, you can just take out fuse 44 (double check the fuse number my memory might be bad!) and then you can disconnect airbags without getting a fault light

No problem Alan cheers mate.

And sleepyfolk great point that... might come in handy that for me in future and save messing with the spare wheel etc

Quick note to say it sailed through the MOT yesterday and the handbrake has been operating perfectly since filing in the new teeth.

Another year before having to worry about that again!!

I tried This and It worked a treat. Didnt unplug seats, just unbolted and moved back to access handbrake

You are a genius mate!!! Stumbled across your solution by pure chance when looking for a handbrake lever. At the same time, dreading all the faff to replace the lever.
Tried your method. Can't believe how easy it was to do.
All working perfectly now and cost me nothing except about half hour of my afternoon!

And to the Forum as well

Hi! I just want to say a huge thanks to you because I was having a bad time with this ratchet, thanks to this post an your instructions I was able to repair it! Even I changed the whole ratchet and it was OEM BMW and came with the same problem! I really appreciate your instructions!!!