Checking the parking brake (BMW 3 Series E36)

The parking brake on vehicles equipped with disc brakes on all wheels acts on separate drum brakes on the rear wheels. They are located on the disc brakes of the rear wheels.

Since the brake shoes of the drum parking brake are rarely used on these models, corrosion of the brake drums or contamination of the brake shoes may occur. Therefore, it is recommended to drive about 300 m at a moderate speed with the handbrake slightly applied before checking the parking brake (tighten the handbrake until you feel resistance, then tighten the handbrake lever one more click).

Raise the rear of the vehicle.

Pull the handbrake lever to the 5th click. Turn both wheels by hand. You should feel a slight braking of the rear wheels.

Pull the handbrake lever 6 clicks. The rear wheels should now be difficult to turn by hand. If not, adjust the handbrake.

Lower the car.

The original article is posted on the resource BMWMAN.ru