How to Adjust the Handbrake on the BMW 5 Series

To adjust and align the handbrake on the BMW F36, only a few steps are needed. As we can see in the video, this procedure is the same for the 5 Series E39, as shown in the video, BMW 1 Series E81, E87, BMW 3 Series E46, E90, E91, E92, E93, BMW 5 Series E60, BMW 7 Series E38, and BMW Z3. Start by gently removing the leather cover over the handbrake and the surrounding plastic to expose the two bolts holding the cables.

Once you find the two bolts, loosen them completely to relieve tension on the cables. Now, remove the right rear wheel.

Loosen the bolts while the car is still on the ground, then lift the car with the appropriate jack and remove the wheel. Once the wheel is removed, you can finally see the inner disc.

Looking through the holes in the disc, you should see the gear that adjusts the handbrake shoes. Using a flathead screwdriver, turn it upward until it becomes tight and you can no longer tighten it. After this procedure, you need to turn the notches on the gear 12 clicks downward.

Once this is done, move to the front wheel. Repeat the same procedure with the only difference being that this time the gear should be turned downward to tighten it completely, and then the 12 clicks should be done upward.

Finally, after completing these steps, return to your handbrake. Pull it up and proceed to tighten the nuts until both discs no longer turn, and finally, secure the nuts and check that the handbrake warning light functions correctly.