Normal Operation: Release

In similar fashion to the operation of a handbrake lever, the EMF is released by pushing the parking brake button in.

But in order that the parking brake function is actually cancelled, Terminal 15 must also be on and one of the following conditions must be met:

• Brake pedal depressed or
• Automatic transmission parking lock engaged.

That prevents the vehicle rolling away if another occupant of the vehicle apart from the driver presses in the parking brake button (child safety feature).

Once the parking brake is released, the function indicator lamp on the parking brake button and the indicator lamp on the instrument cluster go out.

Fig 1: Instrument Cluster Display - Parking Brake Released

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.