2003 BMW 325i Emergency Brake Handle Repair

A demonstration of how to repair an emergency brake handle that stops functioning like it should; it doesn't stay "up" in the locked position, hence you can't apply the brake. Here's a quick easy long-lasting fix.

[@WhyWeGolfYT]

Even after 6 years, this video has been a godsend! Fixed my E46 M3, thanks man!

[@ramiebrahim4711]

You are amazing. Got my E39 handbrake working again with this. Dealership quoted $120 in parts and $600 in labor.

[@paulterhaar4862]

Same here, I already bought a used handle to replace it. It seems the metal lip at the bottom got bend outwards.

[@mohamedshahbazmoghal6919]

Brilliant idea and fix. Worked a treat for me too! No expensive garage repair!

[@daynnight6392]

You just shared one video and that is it? You are a real hero buddy. Thank you🎉

[@therealspiz]

Thanks for this video I had to live with this issue for over 3 yrs

[@cinekmotovlog]

Just have the same issue in my e39, this video saved me. Thank You brother!

[@pauliusgruodis137]

Thank you! I thought the handbrake was a goner, but this tutorial worked perfectly!

[@FNSNDIT]

Thank you! Helped me fix my BMW Z3

[@Ben-Hawy]

Thanks man, you saved me a lot, I was trying to figure out how this mechanism works

[@bungendores_finest]

Thanks so much for sharing this buddy, my 1995 Honda Accord had the same issue and I’m going to do the same. Only difference is that the tab that locks on the teeth is metal and not plastic like the BMW so I guess that’s good knowing it’s strong.

[@stephencapps5147]

Thank you for sharing this , I had the same fault on my 330ci BMW , after watching this video ,this simple fix worked on mine too

[@akinmenekse]

Hello from Istanbul, my friend. Thank you for the insightful and beneficial information you've provided.

[@ilikepingpong]

Amazing.
Thank you so much for this. My plastic button somehow snapped (1993 Subaru) and I'm headed to the junkyard, but just needed to see how all that works before I dig into it. Looks I can just unhook and pull out the button, in theory.
Thanks!

[@chair5906]

thank you for the fix! just bent the tab back no need for zip ties

[@paultsaliagos1759]

My '95 M3 won't pass inspection cause my brake is doing the same thing. It's put away for the winter, but when the warmer weather comes around, I'll do this. It might save me $175, which is what a new lever costs.

[@GIORGI02051986]

That cable tie not needed. Small part of the mechanism, which is going out is holded by the small iron piece, which is deformed. It is tooth like near between the bolts, on the iron cover of handbrake, simply you must pull that iron tooth piece in its place. I had the same problem on my e46 today and i solved that easily.

[@Tunehead99]

for some reason I out the hook down like u said and played with the lever and the button now it's good even with the zip tie.

[@GAS.M3]

I tried this with my M3 and it worked. Thank you so much for this, great job. 😬👍

[@undergroundlegend198]

Have repaired mine, thanks for this video

[@N0-id84]

Good video, worked exactly how u explained it!💯

[@paulterhaar4862]

Thank you so much for your video!!! It saved me al lot of time and work. I've had the same problem in my '97 E39 523i and I've just fixed it without replacing the entire handle which I already bought (30$).
The piece that holds it in place is that metal lip right next to where you've placed the zip-tie at the bottom. Somehow it got bend outwards and I've just bend it back in place. Still gonna put a zip-tie there like you did just to make sure.
Thanks again for your video!

[@markhamilton8681]

Glad it was helpful!

[@letsrollout7307]

mark ma man . how did you even get the bottom and spring to even come out ??? you didn't show that at all . my 550i wouldn't stay up neither and it sucks cause I can't get the dame thing to come out .

[@alfredgr1212]

Very good idea. Thank you, you saved us from inconvenience and expense!

[@scottyjr5860]

This video was a life saver appreciate the post brotha 🤙

[@markhamilton8681]

Thanks, I'm happy it helped

[@davidharris5736]

given you a thumbs up but when I did it the zip tie keeps moving went to a piece of wire, that moved going to try a piece of flat metalbent in a u shape and fixed in place. Mine had a flat metal tab formed on the brake handle which broke.

[@leef2020]

Very useful video, thanks! Got the trigger to work w/o the zip tie for now.

[@ryans413]

This happened to my car the button in the end was sticking out of the handle and it was very lose and not catching. Unfortunately for me I had to take the seats out remove the centre console and couple of trim peace’s very gently not too break any old clips and I just had to pop the ratchet peace back in place somehow it got knocked out of adjustment

[@ethanthomas8689]

Cheers mate, great fix!

[@edwinlara3150]

Thanks Bro, you're the Best, justo the trouble i had, fixed now.

[@juicewrldclips6523]

Maybe use a metal zip tie so it doesn’t go bad again?

[@soccermmg128]

I think the black plastic piece/lever broke off of mine and looks like it shattered. Any chance you have a video of how to fix that?

[@markhamilton8681]

unfortunately I don't have an idea for that . . .

[@Oldtimeytools]

Super useful thank you!

[@cosmicdustparticle7481]

Nice video. Thanks for your efforts

[@diqualita]

Thank you so much , I'm going to try it also, i will let you if it's the same case!

[@0xteknogeek]

This is the first video I've seen where someone shows what the button rod looks like on another car. The handbrake button on my E36 keeps popping out because the U-shape hook slips off the pawl in the ratcheting mechanism. However, mine has no rubber on the hook, only the grommet under the spring. does anyone know if the rubber hook was a new part on the E46? or should this be on my E36 too?

[@danielfmontero]

Thank you very much

[@abcdefzapp7671]

Thanks for the video

[@shaniking17]

Good idea next time use a copper wire instead of zip tie and it will last longer

[@fandykaryanto2141]

Same with e36?

[@christiansanchez9902]

Thank you. Work for me. 100%

[@musicbank5404]

thank you ,worked for me

[@Thomas_1979]

Thank you very much.it works for me

[@sandilenene2047]

Thank you so much it works very well

[@Medic397]

Sweet!

[@aparfeno]

Thanks for the video. I guess you don't have to even remove the boot completely

[@markhamilton8681]

you know something . . . you're right! Thanks

[@digitalspreee1221]

Good freaking vid i fixed that b.s. error

[@tonycardo874]

Thank you

[@aniyahhayes2973]

What other things can you do?

[@markhamilton8681]

a lot of things

[@belmingutic6081]

Thanks maan❤❤❤😊

[@GMRone]

Nice

[@ahmadzakimuzakilubis50]

Bro, just bend the tiny metal. Then the rachet dont get out. Solved on my e39

[@paulterhaar4862]

Yep, just did the same.

[@CnngLngst69]

I've done that many times and now the metal tab is stressed and about to break. So zip tie repair it is!

[@randomfiles3936]

Thx.

[@Sandeep_In_America]

Hey put more helpfull videos lyk this

[@ryan4372]

I love you. Marry me.

[@e36fanatics]

definition of ghetto fix

[@markhamilton8681]

No - that's ghetto fabulous!

[@alangun3531]

Your should try out as a FM radio DJ ,great clear voice
Great straight forward video