[c-hri-s]

I've a E92 335d on order ... it's an auto, as you know they all are.

My question is do people use the handbrake? My current car (an auto S4 Cab) says in the manual that you only need to use the HB on steep inclines, otherwise just shoving it into P is fine. I was wondering if this was any different for the Beemers .. I'm worried that I've only got 6 weeks to train myself to use the handbrake again ... something I *never* use

[dxb335d]

Hi dodgewah, the park will be fine, but i peronally always do both for security and peace of mind.

Carlos

[330cdsport]

You dont even need the handbrake in the 335d for hill starts either as it has "Hill Assist" which keeps the brake pressed for you until you accelerate away. Tis very handy and its surprising how soon you take it for granted.

I still pull the handbrake on when I 'Park' the car but just out of habit more than anything.

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by 330cdsport

You dont even need the handbrake in the 335d for hill starts either as it has "Hill Assist" which keeps the brake pressed for you until you accelerate away. Tis very handy and its surprising how soon you take it for granted.

I still pull the handbrake on when I 'Park' the car but just out of habit more than anything.

+1 on both things

[c-hri-s]

Thanks - sounds like I'll be okay then.

Umm, hill assist? Surely any auto shouldn't creep backwards anyway?

[Serjames]

autos and manuals have it... you'll like it

SJ

[mjh93sa]

Even works when you're reversing!

[Terza]

There's no need to pull the handbrake on level ground.. I never do..

[GhostsForge]

I use mine occaisionaly when parked

[SoYank]

I got into the habit of using the handbrake whenever I park my car or truck, on level ground or incline, against a curb or not. That's just the way I was taught to drive.

[beemerbird]

I apply the handbrake occasionally, just to stop it sticking or seizing up. Mainly at traffic lights, the one's you can pre-empt. Stick it in neutral and handbrake on.

[SoYank]

Technically, aren't you supposed to apply the handbrake after you've come to a complete stop at a STOP sign, look both ways, release the handbrake and procede? Yeah, right. A complete stop, you say? Even the police don't do that.

[ChrisMWard]

I've always used the handbrake on auto models. With an open diffed car if one wheel looses adhesion with the ground the car could move if just left in park.

The highway code says "you must apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle" and quotes some laws, [Laws CUR reg 98, 105 & 107, RVLR reg 27 & RTA 1988 sect 42].



Regards

Chris

[SDRX]

I always use the handbrake

My previous car was also auto and it just became a habit to apply the handbrake. I apply footbrake, into P, handbrake on, release the foot brake....... is that the right order?

[squeezebm]

Apparently it is best to use the handbrake at approx 35mph in a carpark and then add full revs in 1st gear to make your getaway

[simnew]

Also with an auto, its useful to use the handbrake to stop the hill assist malfunctioning in a car park - where it causes the brakes to grab unnecessarily when you are using creep to park close to something. With an auto the hill assist is largely redundant and has not been correctly callibrated in my opinion. The ZF gearbox doesn't help with its sudden torque converter engagement. Jaguar drivers suffer a lot from this and there's even a website called thelurch.com which describes the fault and which the BMW also suffers from....

[Serjames]

Simnew, I've not experienced this...

weird, what is your build date and are you running the lates ZF and BMW software ?

SJ

[330cdsport]

Originally Posted by simnew

Also with an auto, its useful to use the handbrake to stop the hill assist malfunctioning in a car park - where it causes the brakes to grab unnecessarily when you are using creep to park close to something. With an auto the hill assist is largely redundant and has not been correctly callibrated in my opinion. The ZF gearbox doesn't help with its sudden torque converter engagement. Jaguar drivers suffer a lot from this and there's even a website called thelurch.com which describes the fault and which the BMW also suffers from....

Yep I know what you mean, I do experience this at times - but thought it was due to the extra torque of the remap.

[simnew]

HI SerJames

Not sure about the software versions to be honest. My car was built early March 06. The torque converter lurch is at its worst when on a steep incline going downhill and when it comes in it causes a slight but noticeable thump from the back... The hill assist comes in on the slightest incline and I find it a real nuisance when trying to park in tight spaces. Just when you want it to move forward it doesn't. The Auto really doesn't need hill assist. Raising the handbrake disables it and suddenly the brakes can be properly feathered....

[NFS]

Originally Posted by simnew

Also with an auto, its useful to use the handbrake to stop the hill assist malfunctioning in a car park - where it causes the brakes to grab unnecessarily when you are using creep to park close to something. With an auto the hill assist is largely redundant and has not been correctly callibrated in my opinion. The ZF gearbox doesn't help with its sudden torque converter engagement. Jaguar drivers suffer a lot from this and there's even a website called thelurch.com which describes the fault and which the BMW also suffers from....

Hasn't the 'lurch' problem been ironed out now by software updates?

I experienced this to some extent in my 530d. I found that the box didn't change down to 1st gear until you were almost at a standstill. The 'lurch' seemed to be the car deciding to drop to 1st at the wrong moment.

I got round this (and the delay in torque converter lock up), by dropping the car to 1st myself in M mode as I approached roundabouts etc.

(I tend to mainly use my handbrake to assist in rapid changes of direction)

[Dave_3]

Originally Posted by simnew

Also with an auto, its useful to use the handbrake to stop the hill assist malfunctioning in a car park - where it causes the brakes to grab unnecessarily when you are using creep to park close to something. With an auto the hill assist is largely redundant and has not been correctly callibrated in my opinion. The ZF gearbox doesn't help with its sudden torque converter engagement. Jaguar drivers suffer a lot from this and there's even a website called thelurch.com which describes the fault and which the BMW also suffers from....

That is my website (http://www.thelurch.com). That was my car. That was my response to Jaguar's complete indifference towards a now proven fault. That is why on every Jaguar forum people are aware of "The Lurch". And the reason I no longer drive a Jaguar - nor will I ever again buy a new Jaguar. I also spoke with a few 5 series owners also at the time and hence why I quote the EXACT same issue described in a BMW TSB.

I had countless software updates and a gearbox oil change, new torque converter, but now I hear of a lot of complete gearbox exchanges on up to 05 cars. As Jaguar move onto the XK/XF platform with the new gearbox, I wouldn't expect any new solutions to appear.

The updated (TU) ZF unit in the 335D is faultless by comparison. None of the 2 variants of the Lurch I outline on my website.

I agree. The brake assist you can feel when parking very slowly (it is grabby, especially in reverse), and also I notice it slightly when slowing briskly (gives the impression you have suddenly lost mass, and the brakes hang a few seconds).

I am now in the habit of applying the handbrake myself everytime I leave the car. The "auto" handbrake on the Jag was "sticking" on and I burned them down to metal within 13,000 miles of gentle driving (pics and video on my website). Not the first car with rear discs when this has happened to me. Does your linkages no harm to use the handbrake now and again.

D.