Today I replaced the parking brake cables on my 07 Mini because one of them wouldn't completely release. I watched a few YouTube videos which made things easier, pretty simple and basic task. The videos I watched usually show to hammer a 12 point 12mm socket on the inside cable end to flatten the prongs that hold the cable to the floor board. That did not work to well; what did work was using a 12mm 6 point socket, apply a little pressure and turn it a few times with a ratchet, the cable almost falls out on it's own when doing that and you don't smash your fingers either.

Another issue I had was that the first set of cables I ordered did not fit because the mount at the caliper bracket was wrong, despite the fact they where listed for my car. I guess they changed the style sometime during the 2007 model year (mine was built in September 07), I had to buy the 2008 cable version. Hope this will help someone not to make the same mistake I made.

 

Yes they can be a paint with the little prong. Their is a little tool.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...r-caliper.html