Can a BMW Still Be Driven if the Parking Brake Fails?
3 Answers
BMW cannot be driven if the parking brake fails. Below is relevant information about the parking brake: 1. Parking Function: When the engine is running or the vehicle is moving, the parking brake acts on the disc brakes of the front and rear axles through the DSC hydraulic system. 2. Dynamic Braking Function: Pressing the parking brake button while driving will execute a specified braking via the DSC system, monitored by the ABS regulation function. Braking continues as long as the button is held. 3. Auto Hold Function: Pressing the parking brake button marked with AUTO-H activates this function, indicated by a green LED on the button. After emergency braking to a complete stop, the DSC hydraulically maintains the vehicle in a stationary state.
From a safety perspective, you can still drive a BMW if the parking brake fails because the main braking relies on the foot brake. As long as you can slow down by pressing the brake pedal, driving is not a problem. However, parking poses significant risks: if parked on a slope, the car may roll away, leading to accidents or fines. I once tried an emergency solution—parking on a flat surface and using rocks to block the tires to prevent rolling. It's recommended to immediately visit a professional shop to inspect the braking system, including whether the foot brake is functioning properly, to avoid escalating issues. Safety should always come first—don’t take chances by continuing to drive. Delaying repairs could lead to more severe failures and higher towing costs.
As an experienced driver, let me share some tips: You can still drive the car even if the parking brake fails, as long as the foot brake works properly. When driving a BMW, the risk is minimal as long as you avoid highways or slippery roads. Parking is key—find a flat spot, park securely, and engage the correct gear (use P for automatic transmission or reverse for manual). Temporarily blocking the wheels with a wooden wedge helps. But don’t delay repairs—a friend of mine ignored it until the handbrake completely failed, making emergencies hard to control. Spending a bit on parts is trivial compared to safe driving.
