Handbrake adjustment on E39

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   got my NCT on Friday and I'm told they fail you if you're handbrake hasn't pulled up by the 7th click.  Mines at the 9th.  TIS CD says its sufficient not to make an adjustment until the 10th click.
I just want a quick adjustment to get me thro' the NCT, so I had a quick look under the handbrake cover and there looks to be 2 locking screws for the adjustment screws for each cable.  I'm guessing just release the handbrake, open the 2 locking screws, turn each adjustment screw same rotation distance to take up the slack and lock back up again.
Am I heading in the right direction?

Edited by Toxic

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Toxic Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 14-October-2003 Location: Ireland Status: Offline Points: 841	Topic: Handbrake adjustment on E39 Posted: 04-August-2004 at 13:18
	got my NCT on Friday and I'm told they fail you if you're handbrake hasn't pulled up by the 7th click. Mines at the 9th. TIS CD says its sufficient not to make an adjustment until the 10th click. I just want a quick adjustment to get me thro' the NCT, so I had a quick look under the handbrake cover and there looks to be 2 locking screws for the adjustment screws for each cable. I'm guessing just release the handbrake, open the 2 locking screws, turn each adjustment screw same rotation distance to take up the slack and lock back up again. Am I heading in the right direction? Edited by Toxic
	Tom E39 1997 523i Oxford Green (Sold) ___________________________

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Toxic Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 14-October-2003 Location: Ireland Status: Offline Points: 841	Posted: 09-August-2004 at 13:36
	got sorted. it was the two adjustment nuts under the handbrake gaiter. NCT passed but the imbalance between the 2 wheels was 42%. ANything above 50% was a failure. It also locks now on the 5th click. Edited by Toxic
	Tom E39 1997 523i Oxford Green (Sold) ___________________________

kbannon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Admin Group E39 525i Sport Individual Joined: 09-October-2002 Location: 64 Zoo Lane Status: Offline Points: 15508	Posted: 09-August-2004 at 14:02
	congrats on passing the test - obviously your lights were aligned correctly! <edit> I have noticed that mine is also high up, taking many clicks to hold it on a hill - surely it is not normal? </edit> Edited by kbannon
	Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE 1997 E39 523i 2003 E39 525i Sport Individual

Toxic Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 14-October-2003 Location: Ireland Status: Offline Points: 841	Posted: 09-August-2004 at 14:55
	Killian, like I said, mine had to go to the 9th click to get it to engage. As far as I can see, there is nothing wrong with adjusting at the handbrake itself. I saw on a US forum site that it had to be done at the wheels. If that's the case, then why is there an adjustment available at the handbrake? YANKS!!! I needed it done quickly cos the NCT was approaching. It took me 5 mins to do. If you need the procedure, let me know, but it's straight forward enough. Tom
	Tom E39 1997 523i Oxford Green (Sold) ___________________________

kbannon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Admin Group E39 525i Sport Individual Joined: 09-October-2002 Location: 64 Zoo Lane Status: Offline Points: 15508	Posted: 09-August-2004 at 14:58
	No I know from my E30 how to do it but Im just windering if this is a common problem on the E39, where you need to pull the lever up to the rooof in order for it to engage properly
	Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE 1997 E39 523i 2003 E39 525i Sport Individual

Toxic Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 14-October-2003 Location: Ireland Status: Offline Points: 841	Posted: 09-August-2004 at 15:15
	Killian, I doubt it's a common problem. Like any car or bike, cables stretch over time and it's not uncommon for a 7yr old car to show these signs. I've had the cable adjusted on a previos car with similar mileage for the same thing.
	Tom E39 1997 523i Oxford Green (Sold) ___________________________

Dergside Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 16-May-2004 Location: Mid West, Ireland Status: Offline Points: 4000	Posted: 09-August-2004 at 18:21
	On the e39 and on my old e36 I've always had to get the handbrake adjusted at just about every service and it usually deteriorates quickly again. Too soon to say yet with Mrs D's e36. I've never had the problem on any of my e30's, not sure I've ever had one of them adjusted.
	Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93. Prev: e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci. e39 523i SE. e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE. e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i.