Z4 Worn Handbrake Ratchet

[Woody70]

Hi All, I bought a 2004 Z4 3.0i last year and the guy I bought from explained the handbrake didn't work. No problem I thought, probably an easy fix. I took it to my local garage to have a look and it turns out the handbrake ratchet is worn so the handle won't click into position and stay on (I leave it in gear to stop it rolling away).

I had a look for a 2nd hand part online but no joy. The local garage tried to order a new handbrake mechanism from BMW - they say the Z4 E85 is now classed as a classic car (not sure whether that's a compliment or not!) and the parts are only available in the US. So BMW order the part from the US and have it shipped to Germany for assessment. On receipt they promptly reject it as sub standard.

So I'm stuck with a handbrake that doesn't work and an impending MOT which will probably be a fail.

Has anyone else had this problem? Does anyone know where to source the part or even know a specialist auto metal works that can make the part?

 

[Olliebeak]

I have the same problem with my e85 Z4 2003, renewed the rear discs, pads and handbrake shoes. The handbrake lever with only click and hold on the first three settings , if the lever is pulled up further it wont hold and can be pushed to the floor. I presume the ratchet is worn although have'nt had a good look yet after struggling with the cable release spring below the lever. I have not tested the efficiency of the handbrake yet and hope my mot tester is sympathetic. I also cannot find a new part although I have only looked on eBay, there are several Z4 at breakers and this may be an alternative if a new one cannot be obtained via dealers.
It must be a poor quality part or bad design to fail at this age. I must say the Z3 handbrake set up is much better particularly in terms of adjustment.
Might have to remove the centre console and find out whats going on, if you find a solution please let me know.

 

[colb]

Propshaft has to be taken off to access the underside tray of the handbrake to get it out, here is a link to the Russian TIS pages you may have to translate the page to English

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Once out see if the ratchet teeth can be reprofiled using a file so they engage better.
TIS page on adjustment here

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[Olliebeak]

Thanks for the info, quite a simple task really!!

 

[Woody70]

Propshaft has to be taken off to access the underside tray of the handbrake to get it out, here is a link to the Russian TIS pages you may have to translate the page to English

Сайт закрыт

Once out see if the ratchet teeth can be reprofiled using a file so they engage better.
TIS page on adjustment here

Сайт закрыт

Thanks Colb, I think my ratchet is too worn to be repaired so I really need a replacement part - easier said than done it seems.

 

[Woody70]

I have the same problem with my e85 Z4 2003, renewed the rear discs, pads and handbrake shoes. The handbrake lever with only click and hold on the first three settings , if the lever is pulled up further it wont hold and can be pushed to the floor. I presume the ratchet is worn although have'nt had a good look yet after struggling with the cable release spring below the lever. I have not tested the efficiency of the handbrake yet and hope my mot tester is sympathetic. I also cannot find a new part although I have only looked on eBay, there are several Z4 at breakers and this may be an alternative if a new one cannot be obtained via dealers.
It must be a poor quality part or bad design to fail at this age. I must say the Z3 handbrake set up is much better particularly in terms of adjustment.
Might have to remove the centre console and find out whats going on, if you find a solution please let me know.

Apparently its a common failing on the E85 Z4 so as you say must be down to badly designed part or a quality issue. I've never had this issue on any other car I've owned.

 

[Olliebeak]

I could not find a solution to my handbrake problem so I have now sold the car as I didnt fancy lying on my back removing the propshaft, exhaust and underbody shields, just to locate the problem. I did find a breaker on eBay who had a e85 handbrake lever for £80.
I was looking to buy another Z4 but now having second thoughts.

 

[Olliebeak]

Gone over to the other side and bought a SLK , couldnt find a Z4 in my price range that didnt have handbrake issues.
I have for sale a Z4 wind deflector for standard roll bars secured by velcro £60 plus post and a new set of Z4 drivers handbook, service record and other docs £20 plus post.