Handbrake issues

[listere30]

I recently purchased a 318i, but when i pull the handbrake on(when stationary obviously) the car does not move but the hand brake does not click and stay in place.
Has anyone else had this problem or know what it is and how to fix it?

[daimlerman]

At a wild guess,the lever is bent and is facing the sky!

They fail at the point where the thing changes from being round to being flat,if you can see what I mean....

Best option is a replacement s/h lever.

[listere30]

I'm new to the whole e30 world so I have no idea what you mean lol
will it be obvious to see if the cars on a ramp?

is there any other potentials that it may be?

[FinalD]

Sounds like the ratchet mechanism is knackered, likely due to the handle being bent (that is what I'm getting from daimlerman's post). Basically it'll be the end of the actual level under the centre console that is at fault, not the brakes or cables.

[listere30]

so simply take the centre console out and i will be able to see?

hope it is an easy fix because its a pain not having a hand brake!

[daimlerman]

so simply take the centre console out and i will be able to see?

hope it is an easy fix because its a pain not having a hand brake!

That's right.

The lever should be flat across it's top surface,my guess is that the bit you yank on is bent upwards.

I've tried,and failed,to bend straight and weld,and found that a replacement is the best option.

[Martinaston]

Worn brake shoes and then overtightend cable adjusters so its not even reaching the ratchet ?

[dooce]

Was it a prior drift car? I've seen them take the ratchet mechanism out completely so there is nothing holding the handbrake lever up when they are done sliding.