Where is the handbrake located on the Borgward BX5?
2 Answers
The Borgward BX5 is equipped with an electronic parking brake, which is located next to the gear lever, adjacent to the auto-hold button. The electronic parking brake is marked with a circle containing the letter P. The electronic parking brake functions on the same principle as a conventional mechanical handbrake, but it replaces the traditional parking brake lever with a button. The electronic parking brake, also known as the electronic parking brake system (EPB), integrates temporary braking during driving with long-term parking braking, both controlled electronically. How the electronic parking system works: The electronic parking system operates similarly to a manual mechanical parking brake system, using friction between the brake shoes and the brake drum or between the friction pads and the brake disc to secure the vehicle. However, it replaces manual operation and mechanical linkages with electronic buttons and motor actions, hence its full name: Electronic Control Mechanical Parking Brake System. Functions of the electronic parking system: The EPB system can automatically apply the parking brake after the engine is turned off, making parking convenient and reliable while preventing accidents. By using advanced electronic control technology to replace the traditional mechanical handbrake, it avoids unsafe situations such as forgetting to engage the handbrake when parking or forgetting to release it when starting. It can also serve as an emergency braking system during driving.
Back when I drove the Borgward BX5, the parking brake was positioned right next to the gear lever, adjacent to the driver's seat. You could easily spot the electronic button marked with the letter 'P'. It wasn't the traditional pull-up handbrake but an electrically controlled one—just a light press to lock the wheels when parking, and it automatically released when starting the car, making things much more convenient. The central console never got in the way when I carried stuff around, and operating it was super smooth. I remember once when a friend borrowed the car, they immediately praised the user-friendly design on their first try, saying the button was effortless to find. The electronic parking brake also helps prevent forgetting to engage it, though it's important to check the button's responsiveness during regular maintenance to avoid mishaps.
