Member Since: 02 Dec 2005
Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire
Posts: 6100
Is it OK to rely on P and not use the EPB?
Been asked before I know but searching for this brings back rather a lot of threads to wade through!!
The EPB is fine on my current D3 but having had many bad experiences of it screaming after off-road use I wondered what the general opinion was on using the Park position in the Auto Box and thus never using the EPB? Is it likely to wear the mechanism after time and does it hold securely if left unattended on a hill etc ??2020 BMW X1 18d XDrive X-Line Auto
27th Apr 2009 10:21 am
NeilD
Member Since: 01 Dec 2008
Location: Sunny Surrey
Posts: 4845
I never use the park brake, on any of my auto cars. If I was parked for a while on a 25% hill then I might consider it, but the gears cant simply 'pop out' IMHO.
Only ever use 'P' unless I'm on a steep hill and I've never had issue with epb (yet )Pot Noodle Challenge Winner 2011
I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person
27th Apr 2009 10:29 am
Bodsy Site Sponsor
Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
When I had my merc, I never used to used the (mechanical foot/handbrake) at all. Only ever used P.
There are stories of the Parking pin being over-strained, but TBH, I've NEVER seen any cases of this failing either in real life or on other forums I've been on.
Having said that, I DO use my EPB all the time. I've had one series of screeching and after being adjusted about 8 months ago, all is fine. If I get the screecher again, I'll just go through the EPB adjustment process Bodsys Brake Bible
Clock/ SNOTM /3Flash / 4x4Info /BT Update /Service Reset/Error Codes / Gearbox Reset See It Here
27th Apr 2009 10:31 am
Gareth Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26702
I would think it would be cheaper to fix the epb, rather than fix an auto box. So I use the epb all the time. The old car was a nightmare for epb failures, the new one is perfect so far, but its not got muddy yet.
The mud and grit will grind down the epb shoes regardless of whether you use it or not IMO. Also, not using it would possibly increase the likelyhood of it siezing on when you did eventually use it. So, my theory is that I want to know when it needs adjusting, and do it as part of planned maintenance, rather than be caught out unexpectedly.
Also, I have read in the manual that using a park brake that is screaming will cause further damage. I think this may have been the root cause of a few chaps problems, in that they (including me) persisted to use a screeching brake. I think it damages the epb unit.
27th Apr 2009 10:32 am
SN
Member Since: 03 Jan 2006
Location: Romiley
Posts: 13710
blueanchorinn wrote:
Only ever use 'P' unless I'm on a steep hill and I've never had issue with epb (yet )
yep - me tooSteve N | 21MY Defender | 08MY Discovery 3 (history) | 06MY Discovery 3 (ancient history)
27th Apr 2009 10:53 am
Shrinky
Member Since: 05 Jul 2007
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 2515
and me. have done that with all my cars and swmbo does in her car Global Warming.... I'm luvvin it
27th Apr 2009 11:04 am
Pelyma
Member Since: 06 Jan 2005
Location: Patching, Sussex
Posts: 15496
I always go into N apply epb, take my foot off the brake and go into P. That was how LRE told me it should be done and I've never had a screamer on either car.DS3 TDV6 HSE - Silver with Alpaca (old one) Gone
DS3 TDV6 HSE- Silver with Alpaca (new one) Gone
D4 HSE Lux - Montalcino Red Gone
Porsche Cayenne V8 Diesel S
27th Apr 2009 12:03 pm
zig
Member Since: 09 Sep 2005
Location: Scotland
Posts: 619
In the UK the Highway Code Rule 239 states "you MUST apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle".
However, the park mechanism, on the automatic gearbox, will have been designed to hold the vehicle on slopes for those countries where drivers are only required to use park on automatic gearboxes (as is I believe the case in the US - perhaps US members can advise).
It should be be noted that there have been 2 recalls relating to the use park on the automatic gearbox:
Out of specification component within the automatic gearbox parking brake interlock system resulting in the park not being engaged (replacement part fitted). (UK VOSA R/2005/156 and US NHTSA 05V502000 apply)
It is possible to remove ignition key, after a period of time, when not in park (software update required) (US NHTSA 06V131000 applies)
27th Apr 2009 12:17 pm
MikeT
Member Since: 31 Aug 2008
Location: Lancs
Posts: 260
I generally only use the auto Park and with occasional use on the EPB. No problems to date.
The LRE instructor told me, without prompting, that there was no need to use the EPB for general use.
27th Apr 2009 1:44 pm
Pelyma
Member Since: 06 Jan 2005
Location: Patching, Sussex
Posts: 15496
MikeT the opposite of what I was toldDS3 TDV6 HSE - Silver with Alpaca (old one) Gone
DS3 TDV6 HSE- Silver with Alpaca (new one) Gone
D4 HSE Lux - Montalcino Red Gone
Porsche Cayenne V8 Diesel S
27th Apr 2009 2:48 pm
MacLeod 313
Member Since: 18 Apr 2008
Location: away
Posts: 10723
Pelyma wrote:
I always go into N apply epb, take my foot off the brake and go into P. That was how LRE told me it should be done and I've never had a screamer on either car.
Thats exactly how I have always done it, the only problem I have had with my EPB is the Module went, and that was under warrenty.
Jason
27th Apr 2009 4:56 pm
TallPaul
Member Since: 03 Jan 2008
Location: Near Reading
Posts: 1214
Buy a proper D3 with a gearstick, then it applies the EPB for you when you switch of the ignition, regardless of what you do with the gear selection
27th Apr 2009 5:00 pm
MacLeod 313
Member Since: 18 Apr 2008
Location: away
Posts: 10723
Ahhhhhhhh yes, but they are the SPECIAL models with 3 pedals, last time I looked I was only born with 2 legs
27th Apr 2009 5:02 pm
CFB
Member Since: 02 Dec 2005
Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire
Posts: 6100
TallPaul wrote:
Buy a proper D3 with a gearstick, then it applies the EPB for you when you switch of the ignition, regardless of what you do with the gear selection
But then when the EPB fails you are stuffed off-road as you can't stop the car rolling unless you switch off and leave in gear 2020 BMW X1 18d XDrive X-Line Auto
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
The wife does though.... 
| 08MY Discovery 3 (history) 
MikeT the opposite of what I was told
