Need help with handbrake handle removal.

ulrichd · 08-27-2009, 04:33 PM

I can't believe with all the mods I have done to my car this &%$@* handbrake handle is defeating me. I am trying to install the Performance handle and boot. The plastic piece behind the handle won't move and so I can't see what's holding the handle on.

Figures the first part I don't order from Dan at United so I can't bug him about this.

Any advice?

ulrichd · 08-27-2009, 04:47 PM

Never mind, I got it. There is a tiny hole at the end of the handle. Push in a small screwdriver while pulling on the handle and it comes right off.

Really pleased with the look of the performance shifter and handle with the piano black trim. Sorry for the lousy pic.

S54dan · 08-28-2009, 10:33 AM

Shoot me an e-mail if you can't figure something out

Regardless if it's from Tischer, we're all enthusiasts here and that's what we are on here for... to help enthusiasts

Alow · 08-28-2009, 12:02 PM

Hrm.. I didn't find the hole but I just pulled on it and it came out pretty easily. I also like how it looks.

I got mine from Dan btw. Great item! matches the SSK and perf steering wheel perfectly.

Jaguar66 · 08-28-2009, 12:58 PM

!

miro2296 · 08-28-2009, 01:16 PM

Looks really good! How you like the SSK?

ulrichd · 08-28-2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobMason

When you say at the end of the handle, do you mean all the way at the back of the brake handle, or near where the plastic part of the grip is located?

It's in the recessed part between the end of the handle portion and the plastic piece right behind it. Might be partially hidden by some stitching. And it's on the driver's side.

Jaguar66 · 08-28-2009, 02:26 PM

!

driftdriven · 09-02-2009, 10:26 PM

ulirichd, where did you get the brake handle boot in alcantara? And how much

rm163603 · 09-04-2009, 06:51 AM

I just picked this the performance ebrake grip and gaiter yesterday.

I just removed mine by pulling on it.

One thing I am dissapointed in is that the silver part is clearly painted plastic, I wish it was real metal like the performance gear lever.

I'm tempted to keep the alcantara boot and replace the grip with my old perforated leather one which I think I prefer....

1SerieStud · 03-21-2011, 05:36 PM

Now how did you remove the handbrake boot? I thought it would be like the shifter, where the handle has to come out before the boot....but apparently you did them the other way around.

Dackelone · 03-21-2011, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1SerieStud

Now how did you remove the handbrake boot? I thought it would be like the shifter, where the handle has to come out before the boot....but apparently you did them the other way around.

Someone should make a DIY on this! I see a Perf SSK in my future soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan@United

Shoot me an e-mail if you can't figure something out Regardless if it's from Tischer, we're all enthusiasts here and that's what we are on here for... to help enthusiasts

Dan, what a great thing to say. +1.

Dackel

1SerieStud · 03-22-2011, 06:14 PM

Did both of them today (shift knob + boot and handbrake + boot). Pretty straight forward. Also, I got a set of dealer installation instructions for the SSK (which apparently is not compatible with N55 cars - it does not show up on the system as an upgrade for N55 and I think it's because the N55 throw is already shorter than the stock N54 throw), so I just ignored the short shifter part and used the knob/boot removal/installation part of the instructions

They look and feel great!

outsider · 04-22-2011, 06:55 PM

This was just rattling my brain as well!!

I couldn't find the tiny hole the OP described. I ended up just pulling and then slightly pulling toward the side and off it came.

Satalite · 04-24-2011, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by outsider

This was just rattling my brain as well!!

I couldn't find the tiny hole the OP described. I ended up just pulling and then slightly pulling toward the side and off it came.

Stumped me for 30 minutes. After searching e90 you just the damn handle hard (toward the dash... it should pop off) make sure you don't smash your dash though!

Install is reverse like everyone stated. There is a small plastic piece that I put back on that goes behind the handle...? Didn't know what this was but put it back on anyway.

jkoral · 11-08-2011, 03:36 PM

Installed the performance ebrake handle/boot this evening. It wasn't clear to me where the hole was either, but squeezing the sides (or perhaps top/bottom - don't recall) and pulling with enough force popped it off easily enough.

When reinstalling be sure to push the handle all the way until it locks. Even when it looks like it's on all the way, if you pull when the brake is in the down position it shouldn't budge at all.

I wasn't sure of this change because of the plastic handle. It matches the top of the performance shifter, whereas I would have preferred it to match the metal sides of the performance shifter. Nonetheless, it looks better than I thought in person. No regrets.

EQUANT · 03-27-2012, 02:06 PM

Just replaced my plain leather handle with the M perforated handle.

Be VERY careful when removing the old handle!! I couldn't locate any hole so i pulled/ pushed quite hard on it; while releasing i managed to bust one of my fingers pretty bad. Might help to put a soft towel over the old handle while doing this, to avoid hurting yourself or damaging any trims.

After removing it was just a matter of cutting the old zip-tie, replacing the handle and putting in a new tie.
Very happy with the way it turned out (except for my busted finger

)

kin74 · 03-28-2012, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EQUANT

Be VERY careful when removing the old handle!! I couldn't locate any hole so i pulled/ pushed quite hard on it; while releasing i managed to bust one of my fingers pretty bad. Might help to put a soft towel over the old handle while doing this, to avoid hurting yourself or damaging any trims.

After removing it was just a matter of cutting the old zip-tie, replacing the handle and putting in a new tie.

Thank you for the suggestions, I'll do the same replacement (standard vs Msport) soon, just have to find the time...

I noticed that you still have the fake leather boot and not the Msport one, if you're interested I have one to sell (PM me).

Edit: ops, you don't have a 1er so it doesn't fit.

EQUANT · 03-28-2012, 08:50 AM

Is there a different, M, boot? Didn't know that.

AudiKiller · 03-30-2012, 07:22 PM

that looks sick man I cant wait to pick my 135 up in a few weeks and start doin mods like this

08-27-2009, 04:33 PM	#1
ulrichd Colonel 210 Rep 2,233 Posts Drives: 128i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (6)	Need help with handbrake handle removal. I can't believe with all the mods I have done to my car this &%$@* handbrake handle is defeating me. I am trying to install the Performance handle and boot. The plastic piece behind the handle won't move and so I can't see what's holding the handle on. Figures the first part I don't order from Dan at United so I can't bug him about this. Any advice? Attached Images
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08-27-2009, 04:47 PM	#2
ulrichd Colonel 210 Rep 2,233 Posts Drives: 128i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (6)	Never mind, I got it. There is a tiny hole at the end of the handle. Push in a small screwdriver while pulling on the handle and it comes right off. Really pleased with the look of the performance shifter and handle with the piano black trim. Sorry for the lousy pic. Attached Images
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08-28-2009, 10:33 AM	#3
S54dan I no longer work for United BMW! 307 Rep 3,330 Posts Drives: E46 M3, E46 330i ZHP, E36 325i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (36) Garage List 1994 BMW 325i [8.50] 2005 M3 [9.66] 2005 325i [8.00] 2003 330i ZHP [9.00]	Shoot me an e-mail if you can't figure something out Regardless if it's from Tischer, we're all enthusiasts here and that's what we are on here for... to help enthusiasts __________________ BMW CCA, PCA, & CHIN Motorsports Instructor.
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08-28-2009, 12:02 PM	#4
Alow Lieutenant 38 Rep 456 Posts Drives: E82 128i, F36 430i GC Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kansas City, MO iTrader: (3)	Hrm.. I didn't find the hole but I just pulled on it and it came out pretty easily. I also like how it looks. I got mine from Dan btw. Great item! matches the SSK and perf steering wheel perfectly.
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08-28-2009, 12:58 PM	#5
Jaguar66 M Power 41 Rep 1,469 Posts Drives: '09 ///M-Sport 135i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Rafael iTrader: (3)	! Last edited by Jaguar66; 04-10-2010 at 06:27 PM..
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08-28-2009, 01:16 PM	#6
miro2296 Colonel 57 Rep 2,251 Posts Drives: '08 Montego Blue BMW 135i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Round Rock, TX iTrader: (1)	Looks really good! How you like the SSK? __________________ ------------------------------------- BMW 135i/6 Speed/Montego Blue/Formula One Ceramic Tint/JB4 G4/AA Sport Intercooler/19 inch Iconz 880Z(19X8.5 & 19X10)/PSS 225/35 & 265/30/E93 M3 front sway bar/TRW front and rear Control Arms/BMS Drop In Filter/Dinan Exhaust/BlackLines/Upgraded \\\M RSFB
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08-28-2009, 02:26 PM	#8
Jaguar66 M Power 41 Rep 1,469 Posts Drives: '09 ///M-Sport 135i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Rafael iTrader: (3)	! Last edited by Jaguar66; 04-10-2010 at 06:27 PM..
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09-02-2009, 10:26 PM	#9
driftdriven Captain 53 Rep 905 Posts Drives: BMW 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	ulirichd, where did you get the brake handle boot in alcantara? And how much
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09-04-2009, 06:51 AM	#10
rm163603 New Member 1 Rep 21 Posts Drives: E82 135i N54 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: England iTrader: (0)	I just picked this the performance ebrake grip and gaiter yesterday. I just removed mine by pulling on it. One thing I am dissapointed in is that the silver part is clearly painted plastic, I wish it was real metal like the performance gear lever. I'm tempted to keep the alcantara boot and replace the grip with my old perforated leather one which I think I prefer....
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03-21-2011, 05:36 PM	#11
1SerieStud Brigadier General 183 Rep 3,939 Posts Drives: '11 VO 1M (498 of 740) Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Jacksonville, FL iTrader: (11)	Now how did you remove the handbrake boot? I thought it would be like the shifter, where the handle has to come out before the boot....but apparently you did them the other way around.
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03-22-2011, 06:14 PM	#13
1SerieStud Brigadier General 183 Rep 3,939 Posts Drives: '11 VO 1M (498 of 740) Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Jacksonville, FL iTrader: (11)	Did both of them today (shift knob + boot and handbrake + boot). Pretty straight forward. Also, I got a set of dealer installation instructions for the SSK (which apparently is not compatible with N55 cars - it does not show up on the system as an upgrade for N55 and I think it's because the N55 throw is already shorter than the stock N54 throw), so I just ignored the short shifter part and used the knob/boot removal/installation part of the instructions They look and feel great!
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04-22-2011, 06:55 PM	#14
outsider The Show Goes On 8 Rep 155 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (5)	This was just rattling my brain as well!! I couldn't find the tiny hole the OP described. I ended up just pulling and then slightly pulling toward the side and off it came.
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11-08-2011, 03:36 PM	#16
jkoral Lieutenant Colonel 1023 Rep 1,967 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 LBB 6MT Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: MA iTrader: (7)	Installed the performance ebrake handle/boot this evening. It wasn't clear to me where the hole was either, but squeezing the sides (or perhaps top/bottom - don't recall) and pulling with enough force popped it off easily enough. When reinstalling be sure to push the handle all the way until it locks. Even when it looks like it's on all the way, if you pull when the brake is in the down position it shouldn't budge at all. I wasn't sure of this change because of the plastic handle. It matches the top of the performance shifter, whereas I would have preferred it to match the metal sides of the performance shifter. Nonetheless, it looks better than I thought in person. No regrets. Last edited by jkoral; 03-28-2012 at 07:07 AM.. Reason: typo
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03-27-2012, 02:06 PM	#17
EQUANT First Lieutenant 28 Rep 317 Posts Drives: 320d Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bucharest iTrader: (0)	Just replaced my plain leather handle with the M perforated handle. Be VERY careful when removing the old handle!! I couldn't locate any hole so i pulled/ pushed quite hard on it; while releasing i managed to bust one of my fingers pretty bad. Might help to put a soft towel over the old handle while doing this, to avoid hurting yourself or damaging any trims. After removing it was just a matter of cutting the old zip-tie, replacing the handle and putting in a new tie. Very happy with the way it turned out (except for my busted finger ) Attached Images __________________ BMW 320 dA LCI, BMW PPK - 197HP, 2010, sapphire black, steptronic Last edited by EQUANT; 03-27-2012 at 03:24 PM..
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03-28-2012, 08:50 AM	#19
EQUANT First Lieutenant 28 Rep 317 Posts Drives: 320d Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bucharest iTrader: (0)	Is there a different, M, boot? Didn't know that. __________________ BMW 320 dA LCI, BMW PPK - 197HP, 2010, sapphire black, steptronic
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03-30-2012, 07:22 PM	#20
AudiKiller New Member 1 Rep 21 Posts Drives: AW 135i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Baltimore iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i [0.00] 2009 BMW 135i [0.00]	that looks sick man I cant wait to pick my 135 up in a few weeks and start doin mods like this
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