NEW BMW X3 - Opinion of the Handbrake on the new X3

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Thu 7 Jul 2011 11:02
NEW BMW X3 - Opinion of the Handbrake on the new X3 - ribble

I would appreciate your views on the Handbrake system on the new BMW X3 as it is button operated instead of traditional handbrake lever.thanks

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Fri 8 Jul 2011 15:23
NEW BMW X3 - Opinion of the Handbrake on the new X3 - craig-pd130

Can't speak about the X3, but I have an electronic handbrake on my Volvo, which is the first time I've encountered the technology. In that, you push to engage the brake and pull to release.

It will also auto-release (hill hold) if you just lift the clutch to the biting point and add some revs, but I still prefer to release 'manually'.

It was a minor irritation at first but after a month of ownership it's largely second nature.

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Fri 8 Jul 2011 16:24
NEW BMW X3 - Opinion of the Handbrake on the new X3 - unthrottled

VAG use them as well. It's a result of needlessly changing the brakes on the rear axle from drums to disks. Traditional handbrakes are a natural partner to drums but not disks. The consumer reaps what the consumers sows...

I forgot to add-on diesel powered cars, the correct use of the handbrake takes a lot of the strain off the DMF when starting from a dead stop. Since most drivers don't use the handbrake properly, some carmakers decided to take the operation away from them altogether.

Letting the clutch out at idle speed on a hillstart is really hard on DMFs. I've noticed on some later diesel engines are more 'stally' than the older ones, as the manufacturers decided to limit the fuelling available at sub 1000RPM in order to encourage people to pick the revs up before loading the engine.

Edited by unthrottled on 08/07/2011 at 16:38

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Fri 8 Jul 2011 18:26
NEW BMW X3 - Opinion of the Handbrake on the new X3 - Quicksilver

I have driven many cars with the electric parking brake. I hate it and would only have in on an auto-transmission car. In my opinion avoid if possible but very hard to find a vehicle that does not have it fitted.

I had to choose a new lease vehicle recently and it was very difficult to obtain a “normal” handbrake car. In the end I ended up with a electric handbrake car. However, this will probably never be used except in exceptional circumstances since I usually leave the car in gear, (non public parking) with the handbrake off.

Q.

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Fri 8 Jul 2011 20:39
NEW BMW X3 - Opinion of the Handbrake on the new X3 - jamie745

My S-Type has it, was one of the first cars to sport it apparently, and its....interesting.

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Fri 8 Jul 2011 20:44
NEW BMW X3 - Opinion of the Handbrake on the new X3 - unthrottled

Hmm. Mercedes and a lot of detroit's cars used foot operated parking brakes for decades. Not sure if they were 'electric' or not.

Doesn't really matter in an auto though, does it? I'd still apply the button/lever when parked though-don't really want to use the gearbox/engine to hold the car on a slope.

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Fri 8 Jul 2011 20:46
NEW BMW X3 - Opinion of the Handbrake on the new X3 - jamie745

In my years of driving an automatic ive never used the handbrake once so not having the lever there means very little to me.

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Fri 8 Jul 2011 20:56
NEW BMW X3 - Opinion of the Handbrake on the new X3 - unthrottled

How does that square with your comment above??

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Fri 8 Jul 2011 21:00
NEW BMW X3 - Opinion of the Handbrake on the new X3 - jamie745

I was saying its interesting because ive never encountered one before so ive been messing about seeing how it works! Hence my comment of it being interesting. Before hand, i never found brakes interesting.

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Sat 9 Jul 2011 10:03
NEW BMW X3 - Opinion of the Handbrake on the new X3 - craig-pd130

@ unthrottled -- interesting point about DMF strain and idle speed.

Both my previous Mondeo IV and the new Volvo have an anti-stall device operated by a switch on the clutch pedal. When lifting the clutch pedal, the switch causes rpm to rise from idle to around 1,100rpm for a couple of seconds, without any throttle input. Once the clutch pedal is released, rpm drops back to idle.

I don't use this for hill starts, but it proved useful in winter on snow / slush.

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Tue 2 Aug 2011 15:36
NEW BMW X3 - Opinion of the Handbrake on the new X3 - Jakeman

Hi I have been driving an X3 2.0SE Auto for the past 8 weeks and find the Electric handbrake ok, it just takes a few days to get used to it, and once you do you will wonder why all cars don't have them. As i have an Auto i cannot comment on how good it is with a manual box.

The auto hold (separate button)on the other hand is a real pain if you leave it on in normal driving as it stops the car prematurely when pulling up at lights but is great if you are stuck on a long hill as it works well with the auto box and the stop start.

8 weeks in and i am realing liking this car it drives well is economical 38.9mpg and has sheds loads of space.

J

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Tue 2 Aug 2011 17:49
NEW BMW X3 - Opinion of the Handbrake on the new X3 - unthrottled

Fair comment.

BTW-that economy is stunning.

Being of a pessimistic nature, I would worry about electronic gremlins with electric handbrakes eg failing to engage, disengage, disengaging when it shouldn't etc.

A cable operated handbrake mated to a drum is is a very simple device, and a failure won't leave you stranded. What happens if the battery goes flat with the electronic brake on?

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