I tried to find this answer by searching but couldn't. I want to replace my emergency brake handle and can not get the old one off. I am sure there is a trick or something that releases the handle but I am baffled. I have pushed, pulled and poked everything I can see. Help!

 

The handbrake boot will be zip tied to the base of the handle. You have to pop out the boot from the base. There is a different base on the Gen 1 AND Gen 2.

Gen 1 R50 R52 R53


http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2005-Cooper-R53-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_W11B16A/Interior/Parking_Brake/




Gen 2 R55 R56 R57 R58 R59

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2007-Cooper-R56-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_N14B16A/Interior/Parking_Brake/




The handle has a clip in the front, easy to remove the front cap, then pry up the little clip at the front that holds it on. Then slide the handle forward so it will not re-clip back in and at the base which also has to be loosen , then it should slide forward and off a little. Next lift up the ebrake boot and clip it out. Reverse the boot over the handle and clip the zip tie ( if it still there ). Then put the boot back down and the handle should be free. Install in reverse.

Thanks