DIY: BMW E70 X5 Parking Brake Module Replacement

Had to replace the parking brake mechanism after the button popped off. It's a pretty common occurrence and unfortunately you have to replace the entire unit for $60-70. It only takes about 20-30 minutes to do it yourself and save several hundred dollars taking it in if you're out of warranty.
www.ecstuning.com/ES168663/ ($51 - without auto-park button)
www.ecstuning.com/ES207256/ ($48 - with auto-park button)

[@KirkTheGod]

I like how you mention it takes about 20-30 minutes to change the mechanism but you just did it in under 8 minutes :)

[@anhtuantran9699]

Thanks Chris. I bought the part $60 on Amazon and replaced it in 30 minutes. BMW dealer in my area charged $176 just to "look at it". The other dealer quoted $400 to replace it.

[@michaelplatis6074]

This video was spot on, except i did not have to remove the knob; it moved out of the way with the cover, on a 2013. One less step. the whole thing took 10 minutes. Buy the trim removal kit. Works great. Thanks for this video.

[@xinglaizhuang1088]

Thank you for your video. I ordered switch from Amazon, spent 15 mins to fix the problem.

[@johnj05]

Thanks for the video, im a mechanic at GMC. Doing used cars and needed to do this. Great video.

[@andrewcameron1050]

Thanks Chris T, only took me 10 minutes. Replacing the bonnet badge took longer :)

[@nsangwaallenngwira1062]

This DIY video is well documented i managed to have mine changed with no problem thanks Christopher Taylor!

[@cliffgreenberg468]

It took about a half hour, but I had to gather the tools too. Mine is a 2012 E70 X5d. Some notes: I did not have to do anything to the iDrive module, just left it in the trim piece. Also note that the connector on the brake switch is latched in to the switch at the front and back so a small pair of pliers can release both latches easily. The hardest part was finding my small torx driver set, the T20 fore the first level removal and small, I think it was T15 for the switch screws.

[@michaelgibbons8410]

Yeah, I tried with just fingers to remove idrive knob, no luck. Used trim removal tool on each side, pried up gently & it lifted right off. Make sure it's aligned properly to put it back on, goes back on quite easily.

[@thanh.kha17]

Big thanks all the way from Australia for this video Chris! Saved me $140aud (quoted from BMW service).

[@billmorgan4933]

Thanks. Took about 10 minutes. That tiny torx screw driver I think is T8, or that's what worked for me.

[@michaelgibbons8410]

Just finished this project on our 2008 X5, original switch dated 2007. Great video, all worked out perfectly, even gave the balky iDrive controller a good clean out... here's hoping on that bit. Great video, thanks for posting!

[@xchr23va]

Thanks man! I replace mine thanks to your video very helpful and took me 10 minutes tops

[@tessconner5642]

thanks - just saw mine is cracked and this really helps!

[@JuanitoSu]

Great video and tutorial! This just happened to me as well on my 2010 BMW X5. Good thing I can still operate the Ebrake, but it is annoying. How is the new unit working out for you?

[@glennwallace9203]

You kind of glossed over the hardest part, removing the black trim....what a pain. Mine was stuck resolutely on the LH side next to the shifter at the narrow point.

[@PhilTopness]

Just perfect. Thank you!

[@drewcollins7505]

thanks for your help???

[@howquick]

This is a VERY common problem. Easy to fix the button...not replace it....but good video 👍

[@drewcollins7505]

Help Needed.