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JohannaHof

BMW X6 E-Brake Failure Causing Multiple System Issues

Hi all! Having trouble with my 2012 BMW X6. The electronic parking brake stopped working completely and triggered multiple system failures. Now I'm dealing with disabled hill assist, multiple error codes, and warning lights in the cluster. Looking to hear from anyone who's dealt with similar e-brake issues in their X6. What was the actual problem and how did your workshop resolve it? Any info would be really helpful.

4 comment(s)

PBrandtXpert

Hi! I have some experience working on BMWs and had a similar issue with my 2014 BMW X5 35i last year (also had an X3 before). The symptoms were exactly like yours, electronic parking brake failure, hill assist warnings, the whole deal. Turns out my brake caliper's electric motor was shot. Took it to my regular workshop and they diagnosed it pretty quickly. The repair set me back around 505 Euro, but it fixed everything, no more warning lights or system failures. Before I share more specific details about what they did during the repair, could you tell me if you're getting any specific error codes? Also, does your parking brake make any unusual sounds when you try to engage it? This would help me understand if you're dealing with the same issue I had.

JohannaHof (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience! I have my X6 at 49459 KM since the latest service and I'm getting similar symptoms. When I try to engage the brake, there's actually a clicking noise followed by a warning message. My brake warning light stays on constantly now. Haven't gotten it diagnosed yet but your caliper motor issue sounds pretty similar to what I'm experiencing. Did your regular shop need to order special parts or were they able to fix it same day?

PBrandtXpert

Hey again! Thanks for the additional details. Yeah, that clicking sound followed by the warning message is exactly what I experienced with my X5, it's like déjà vu! About your question, my shop actually had to order the parts. They couldn't fix it the same day because BMW caliper motors aren't typically kept in stock. In my case, it took about 3 days to get the part and complete the repair. They had to order a complete new brake caliper assembly since the motor is integrated into it. Just a heads up, while waiting for the parts, my mechanic advised me to be extra careful when parking, especially on inclines. I used to leave it in gear (mine's manual) and turn the wheels toward the curb as a safety measure. If yours is automatic, make sure to leave it in 'P' and maybe use wheel chocks if you're parking on any kind of slope. Since you mentioned your mileage is around 49K km, it's relatively low for this type of failure, but these electronic components can sometimes act up regardless of mileage. Mine failed at around 62K km, so not too far off from yours. Want me to share the exact part number they used for my repair? Might save you some time when you take it in.

JohannaHof (Author)

Thanks a lot for all this detailed info! Yes, please share the part number, that would be super helpful when I take it to the shop. It's actually a relief to hear I'm not the only one who's dealt with this issue. The clicking sound matches exactly what you described, and knowing it's likely the caliper motor gives me a good starting point. A bit worried about the 3-day wait for parts, but I'll definitely follow your advice about being extra careful when parking. I've actually been leaving it in 'P' and using a brick behind the wheel just to be safe, guess I was on the right track there! I'll get it booked in this week and make sure to mention the caliper motor issue to them. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It's given me a much better idea of what I'm dealing with and what to expect with the repair timeline and process.

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