Do You Need to Press the Electronic Parking Brake When Parking a BMW?
2 Answers
Yes. The following are the relevant details: Electronic Parking Brake Operation: Starting: Depress the brake pedal, ignite the engine, then press the electronic parking brake button to release the parking brake and shift from P gear to other gears. Parking: After entering the parking space, depress the brake pedal, shift into P gear, and then press the electronic parking brake button next to the gear shift. Notes on Using the Electronic Parking Brake: Pulling the electronic parking brake during normal driving, the BMW 5 Series electronic parking brake system operates with the same logic as other cars, but the response speed is slightly slower than other series. After pulling the electronic parking brake button, it takes about 1 second to feel the ABS braking, and the same applies when releasing the button—the ABS system continues to operate for about 1 second before shutting off. How the Electronic Parking Brake Works: The electronic parking brake is now a standard feature in most car models. Besides saving space and having an elegant appearance, it offers the advantage of one-touch operation for female drivers, avoiding the issue of the traditional handbrake not being tightened enough and causing the car to roll. The working principle of the electronic parking brake is the same as that of the mechanical handbrake, except for the control part. Both achieve parking brake control through the friction generated between the brake disc and the brake pads.
I drive a BMW 3 Series myself, and I've developed a habit of pressing the electronic parking brake button after parking. This habit is quite important, especially when parking on slopes or uneven roads. Without engaging it, the car might roll slightly. Once, I almost hit the roadside guardrail, which gave me quite a scare. BMWs do have automatic features like Auto Hold, which automatically locks the brakes, but manually pressing the parking brake gives me extra peace of mind—it's like having a double safety net. Plus, it's simple to operate; just a quick press of the button on the center console, no extra hassle. In daily driving, developing this small habit can prevent many potential dangers—safety always comes first. Now, every time I park, I instinctively reach out to press it—it's become muscle memory. Don't find it annoying; using it more often is good for the car too.
