Parking Brake Cables and Levers

[Thecatmilton]

I have 323i rear disk brake trailing arms.

My parking brake cables snapped a few months ago. I replaced them today, but I’m worried that they are under too much stress. The angle the cables are bending at the lever looks somewhat harsh. Are the parking brake levers different for the 323?

[Beam318ti]

Not sure what you mean by the levers, but the parking brake cable for the 323i is unique to that model and is different from the 320i. I had trouble ordering the cables through the dealer so I ended up getting them through W&N when I last did the rear disc brakes on my car.

[mxl556]

Make sure that the parking brake lever is even and not wobbly (worn out bushing). If it is not even it will rub through the cable and the cable will eventually break.

Max

[cgifool]

Looks to me like the lever itself (34411117745) is common to all E21s. The cables are different as I'm sure you already discovered

The cable bend angle is what it is.. But it will be less extreme if the parking brakes are adjusted properly and you don't have to pull the lever up quite so much! How many clicks does it take you to lock the wheels? I believe it's only supposed to take 5-6.

My lever is pretty floppy but after looking into it I discovered the reason is because the driver-side hole in the bracket (the part welded to the floor) is worn out and oblong now so even a new brake lever won't fix the issue. So for me I think the easiest answer is to have someone weld a washer on the outside of the bracket.

[Thecatmilton]

Here are some pictures. The last cables snapped right where the metal cable guide part ends.

https://imgur.com/a/2ixQ0Uo

[Beam318ti]

If I recall correctly, there is a channel for the cables to come through on either side. Also, there are two hex nuts that should be on the end of each cable. These help to tighten and maintain the tension. If you only have one, it may loosen the tension on the cable over time.

Here are some pictures. The last cables snapped right where the metal cable guide part ends.

https://imgur.com/a/2ixQ0Uo

[okieflats]

e21 handbrake.jpg

[Thecatmilton]

I know the two nuts are missing. I have to find the other cable end that snapped. I know it is in or around my car stuff shelf somewhere. I may try the e28/e23/e24 parking brake upgrade since it has bearings. It also seems to have a longer channel for the cables to ride in.