Check parking brake is ON warning

Billy Boy · February 4

Hi, on my 2016 2 series active tourer 220i Iget a message come up on screen when I switch on or off my ignition. I of course checked that the parking brake is definitely on and working satisfactory. I know what the problem is as occurs on other bmw models as well as bmw mini's. It is almost certainty a small broken spring in the gear selector unit that is located inside the car and is used to select Park/Drive/Reverse etc. Bmw know all about this spring and there is an article on how to replace it on Utube. However bmw will not replace the spring but will replace the whole selector unit. Does anyone know the cost of having this unit replaced by bmw. I spoke to bmw and they will not give me an answer. They tell me that they will have to plug in reader to check what the problem is and that test is £160. I have a Bmw assured warranty and I don't know if this unit is covered for replacement under this warranty. Any info on this matter would be appreciated.

Regards Billy Boy

Greydog · February 5

Morning William

Welcome to the Forum

BMW Main Dealers for many years have not "Repaired" anything they replace complete units then retain the failed part denying in many cases the aftermarket repairers any access to find a fix. By the way BMW are not alone there are many other Manufacturers operate in the same way.

Try ringing a BMW parts dept and asking how much the unit is? Or use www.realoem.com for the Gearshift unit part number then Google for a price. The repair video's will give an idea of time to help guess at calculating workshop hours most Main Dealers are now in exceess of £200 p/hr

Me personally if there are video's available I would have a go at replacing the spring if you can get one? If not either a second hand or complete unit swap

Dave

Billy Boy · 2025-02-27T15:36:00Z

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the info about my Check Parking Brake warning indication. I have had it fixed by BMW. I was overjoyed as it was fixed (at no charge) as I have a BMW Assured Insurance that covers this item. Just as well because BMW charge £160 just to plug in a code reader, I did not pay for this as it was covered by the Insurnce.a Service and MOT at the same time. I paid £411.00 for this Insurnce so it was money well spent.

Many Thanks again for your input.

Billy Boy