Parking brake
This section provides a comprehensive explanation of the parking brake of the BMW 5 Series (7th generation), from operation and safety notes to the emergency braking function while driving. The Automatic Hold system is also presented in detail, including all displays and functional limits. A central guide to safe parking and starting on gradients.
Principle
The parking brake secures the stationary vehicle against rolling.
Safety notes
WARNING An unsecured vehicle can move off on its own and roll away.
There is a risk of accident. Before leaving the vehicle, secure it against rolling away.
To make sure the vehicle is secured against rolling away, observe the following:
- Apply the parking brake.
- On inclines or downhill, turn the front wheels towards the curb.
- On inclines or downhill, additionally secure the vehicle, e.g. with a wheel chock.
WARNING Unattended children or animals in the vehicle can set the vehicle in motion and endanger themselves or other road users, e.g. by the following actions:
- Pressing the Start/Stop button.
- Releasing the parking brake.
- Opening and closing the doors or windows.
- Engaging selector lever position N.
- Operating vehicle equipment.
There is a risk of accident or injury.
Never leave children or animals unattended in the vehicle. When leaving the vehicle, take the remote control with you and lock the vehicle.
Overview
Parking brake
Applying
When the vehicle is stationary
Pull the switch.
LED lights up.
Indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up red. Parking brake is applied.
While driving
Use while driving serves as an emergency braking function: pull and hold the switch. The vehicle brakes firmly for as long as the switch is pulled.
Indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up red, a signal sounds and the brake lights come on.
A Check Control message is displayed.
If the vehicle is braked to approx. 3 km/h, the parking brake is applied.
Releasing
Releasing manually
With driving readiness switched on: Steptronic transmission: press the switch with the brake pedal depressed or with selector lever position P engaged.
Manual transmission: press the switch with the brake pedal depressed.
LED and indicator lamp go out.
Parking brake is released.
Automatic release
The parking brake is released automatically when moving off.
LED and indicator lamp go out.
Automatic Hold
Principle
The system supports stop-and-go traffic by applying and releasing the brake automatically.
The vehicle is held automatically when stationary.
On gradients, the vehicle is prevented from rolling back when moving off.
General
The parking brake is applied automatically under the following conditions:
- Driving readiness is switched off.
- The driver's door is opened while the vehicle is stationary.
- While driving, the parking brake is used to brake the vehicle to a standstill.
Display
The indicator lamp changes from green to red.
Safety notes
WARNING An unsecured vehicle can move off on its own and roll away.
There is a risk of accident. Before leaving the vehicle, secure it against rolling away.
To make sure the vehicle is secured against rolling away, observe the following:
- Apply the parking brake.
- On inclines or downhill, turn the front wheels towards the curb.
- On inclines or downhill, additionally secure the vehicle, e.g. with a wheel chock.
WARNING Unattended children or animals in the vehicle can set the vehicle in motion and endanger themselves or other road users, for example through the following actions:
- Pressing the Start/Stop button.
- Releasing the parking brake.
- Opening and closing the doors or windows.
- Engaging selector lever position N.
- Operating vehicle equipment.
There is a risk of accident or injury.
Never leave children or animals unattended in the vehicle. When leaving the vehicle, take the remote control with you and lock the vehicle.
NOTE When the vehicle is stationary, Automatic Hold applies the parking brake and prevents the vehicle from rolling in car washes. There is a risk of property damage. Deactivate Automatic Hold before driving into a car wash.
Overview
Automatic Hold
Making Automatic Hold ready for operation
With driving readiness switched on:
Press the button.
The LED lights up.
The indicator lamp lights up green.
Automatic Hold is ready for operation.
When the vehicle is restarted, the last selected setting is retained.
Automatic Hold keeps the vehicle
The system is ready for operation and the driver's door is closed.
After the brake pedal is pressed, e.g. at a traffic light stop, the vehicle is automatically secured against rolling.
The indicator lamp lights up green.
Pulling away
To move off, press the accelerator pedal.
Brake releases automatically.
The indicator lamp goes out.
Automatic application of the parking brake
The parking brake is applied automatically when the vehicle is held by Automatic Hold and driving readiness is switched off or the vehicle is left.
The indicator lamp changes from green to red.
The parking brake is not applied automatically if drive readiness is switched off while the vehicle is rolling out. Automatic Hold is also switched off.
Switch off drive readiness
Press the button.
The LED goes out.
The indicator lamp goes out.
Automatic Hold is switched off.
If the vehicle is being held by Automatic Hold, also apply the brake pedal when switching off.
Malfunction
If the parking brake fails or malfunctions: After exiting the vehicle, secure it against rolling away, e.g. with a wheel chock.
After a power interruption
To restore the parking brake's functionality after a power interruption:
- Switch on standby mode.
With the brake pedal pressed or selector lever in position P, pull the switch and then press it.
The process may take a few seconds.
Any noises are normal.
The indicator lamp goes out as soon as the parking brake is ready for operation again.
The parking brake of the BMW 5 Series G30/G31 ensures a secure stop in every situation. Whether applied manually or automatically, it reliably prevents the vehicle from rolling away, including on inclines and downhill gradients.
Functions such as Automatic Hold further enhance everyday comfort without compromising safety. The BMW 5 Series G30/G31 combines modern technology with simple operation for maximum safety.
This keeps the vehicle a model example of well-engineered safety systems, even when stationary.
Test yourself
A quick BMW 5 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.