Audi A4 Electric Parking Brake

[MaxNg]

I'm about to change my 07-vintage A4 for a newer model A4, but have some concerns about the "electric" parking brake fitted to these newer models. I observed some comments about malfunctioning parking brake in Autotrader.

Also did a search on here, but nothing found.

Any comments/thoughts?

[Cupramax]

Its form over function, im no fan of them but ive had no issues with the three A5's since 2010 which have the same system as the A4.

[RammyMP]

I've got a 4 year old A5 and never had a problem. I think it's good to be honest. Better than the one in the wife's Evoque, that holds you too long before releasing. The only problem I've heard is a chap at work had a 55 plate Passat and the brakes freeze on when the weather is very cold. He used to blow torch them to heat them up and they'd release.

[annodomini2]

The C5 A6, or B6 Passats which have the gen1 system suffer from the motor housings cracking and letting water in, which screw the gubbins inside.

[PVN]

A friend of mine has a 2010 A4 with the electronic handbrake. Returning home from holiday he was unable to release the parking brake. He called out breakdown recovery who, after one hour, were able to release the hand brake but then found it could not be applied. They advised the car should go to Audi. The Audi garage had the car for one week before discovering that the ecu which controlled the parking brake was faulty. Cos of repair was in the region of £500.00.

He now has the dmf failing at only 40,000 miles. Audis are not bulletproof!

[Dr G]

They work well and self adjust; doesn't take long to get used to. Do see them sometimes a little slow/squeaky if they're not used but they clear themselves up just fine.

[MaxNg]

Thank you very much for these responses.

I guess that one may just be unlucky and have a failure, as described above. However, on balance, I like Audis generally, and in particular the ergonomics/cockpit layout so will still go for a newer one anyhow. How to educate my wife might be a bit of a challenge!!

Many thanks again and a Merry Christmas to you all!