Auto Handbrake

[DW35]

Hi all,

I've noticed just under the parking light on my 57 plate it says 'auto h'.

Is this just something there due to common instrument panels used across the range and a feature only added to later X5's? I think it's something I might find handy rather than putting the car into 'park' all the time.

Thanks

[X5Sport]

Whereabouts are you looking?

If it's on the light switch then it's auto headlights (knob rotated fully left) if you have them fitted.

If behind the handbrake button then that's your auto parking brake and activated by pushing the button which brings a green light on in the dash and the button illuminates and it puts the parking brake on when you stop.  It doesn't put the transmission in 'P' though, just applies the handbrake and releases it as soon as you touch the throttle again.

[DW35]

I mean the instument panel...so when I put the hand brake on I get a red (p) on the dash...but just under it, I noticed this auto H.

I read about the auto handbrake on here before and looked all over and couldn't see any button to activate this and there is no mention in the handbook. This got me thinking it was a feature added to later models.

When you say behind, do you mean under the handbrake button? i've not noticed anything as yet...will take another look tonight.

I was hoping it does have an auto handbrake as to save me leaving my foot on the brake or putting the car in park. Plus it makes it a little easier for the wife who through the fear of never having driven an auto or a large car, hasn't been in the drivers seat once in the 6 weeks we've had the car.

Thanks again

[IvanG]

There's a button just below the parking brake. It's the Automatic Hold function, which automatically holds the car in place when standing. When driving up inclines it prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards. When activated the LED in the button lights up and the indication AUTO H appears in the instrument panel. I have it on my 2011 40d M Sport. Here's a photo from a 5 series GT showing the button...

[DW35]

Thanks for the pic...

That settles it then...that is not somethng I have...it must have been a feature added to the later models.

[X5Sport]

It was certainly visible from 2008 onwards in the US at least according to the handbooks.  Perhaps it was an 'option' which then became standard?

[pvr]

I have that as well (look in my gallery pictures). Standard on the 40d M sport at least in 2012.

[leosayer]

[quote="DW35"]
I was hoping it does have an auto handbrake as to save me leaving my foot on the brake or putting the car in park. [/quote]

Even if you haven't got auto-hold, you could leave it in D and put the handbrake on.

I've always been told that it's better to do that than put it in and out of P all the time.

[X5Sport]

[quote="leosayer"]
[quote="DW35"]
I was hoping it does have an auto handbrake as to save me leaving my foot on the brake or putting the car in park. [/quote]

Even if you haven't got auto-hold, you could leave it in D and put the handbrake on.

I've always been told that it's better to do that than put it in and out of P all the time.
[/quote]
Which is exactly what 'Auto Hold does anyway - just applies/releases the handbrake for you.  I was always taught that shifting in and out of 'Park' was not best practice as it wears the park pawl.  That was on old generation 3-speed transmissions though..

[DW35]

[quote="X5Sport"]
[quote="leosayer"]
[quote="DW35"]
I was hoping it does have an auto handbrake as to save me leaving my foot on the brake or putting the car in park. [/quote]

Even if you haven't got auto-hold, you could leave it in D and put the handbrake on.

I've always been told that it's better to do that than put it in and out of P all the time.
[/quote]
Which is exactly what 'Auto Hold does anyway - just applies/releases the handbrake for you.  I was always taught that shifting in and out of 'Park' was not best practice as it wears the park pawl.  That was on old generation 3-speed transmissions though..
[/quote]

It didn't even cross my mind to do it this way! Thanks

I always kept the handbrake for overnight etc but I guess whatever increases the longevity of the car wins my vote.