Emergency Release

Emergency Release: The parking brake is manually released directly through the gear drive mechanism.




The tools in the vehicle tool kit to release the parking brake are:


CAUTION: Make sure the transmission is in the Park position before releasing the parking brake!


To release the brake, the extension rod is inserted through a guide tube located in the luggage compartment floor in front of the spare wheel recess (1). Maintain pressure on the tool.




Using the open end wrench and the screwdriver handle, turn the release tool in a counterclockwise direction (2). The cable tension release will be felt during this procedure.


NOTE: After a power failure/interruption, it is possible that the vehicle can not be moved after releasing the parking brake using the emergency release. The parking lock of the automatic transmission can still be engaged. Refer to the automatic transmission section for the emergency mechanical parking lock release procedure. The parking brake may only be used again if it is released manually after a power interruption. If this is not performed, the the parking brake may fail to operate correctly!


Resuming Operation after Emergency Release: When the voltage supply has been restored after the emergency release, the parking brake push button must be pressed 3 times at intervals of approx. 5 seconds to initialize the system. This procedure is also described in the Owner's Handbook and Towing Instructions for BMW 7 Series.

- 1st press - The control module attempts to release the brake. Since the brake has been released mechanically by the emergency release, the motor cannot run back and blocks. The control module recognizes a disengaged setting.
- 2nd press - The motor will move forward applying the parking brake. The control module detects an engaged setting. The "P" indicator light illuminates in red.
- 3rd press - The motor will run backward releasing the parking brake and the "P" indicator light goes out. The parking brake is ready for operation.