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Keymasher View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Keymasher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Tips
    Posted: 19 Apr 2021 at 11:52am
Hi guys , new here, can anybody point me in the direction of opening the bonnet with a ,i'm guessing a broken cable somewhere, cheers... 2001 320d e49
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rpennington View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rpennington Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Apr 2021 at 1:40pm
Hi
What you trying to open the bonnet with screwdriver,chisel? I’m only asking because you don’t say what you’re trying to open the bonnet with.
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Keymasher View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Keymasher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Apr 2021 at 1:54pm
I've opened the bonnet by the inside lever but the grill lever is not releasing the bonnet fully?
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Mike Fishwick View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Mike Fishwick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Apr 2021 at 3:22pm
I presume thatyou are referring tothe bonnet safety catch, which prevents the bonnet from flying up if not locked down properly.

I have had this problem on my Z3, and eventually got it open.  The problem was that the rubber buffer which the safety catch lever presses against when operated.  It had hardened with age, so the lever was not achieving its full travel.  I carefully trimmed a small amount off the visible side, and have had no more trouble.

You could try directing a hair drier or heat gun under the bonnet in the area of the safety catch to soften the rubber stop.
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Keymasher View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Keymasher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Apr 2021 at 4:07pm
Thanks, I'll give that a go Thumbs Up
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NickDE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Apr 2021 at 7:13pm
The mechanism can get really stiff if not regularly lubricated. Take the kidney grill out and see if you can get some WD40 into the catch.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rpennington Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Apr 2021 at 9:21pm
Just be careful with the kidney grille because they are made of plastic & will break or melt/distort very easily due to age & being brittle. You won’t be able to remove the kidney grilles without opening the bonnet
1999 E46 323i se Saloon - sold
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2014 F30 335d xdrive msport plus pack
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Mike Fishwick View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike Fishwick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Apr 2021 at 5:11pm
If the internal lever releases the bonnet a little, but the lever near/in the grille moves but does not fully release it, the route for the heatgun is between the bonnet and the front scuttle.  This assumes that you can move the grille lever, but that it does not free the bonnet.

Have a look at the mechanism on a similar model, and try to imagine what would give you the symptoms experienced.


Edited by Mike Fishwick - 20 Apr 2021 at 5:13pm
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NickDE View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NickDE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Apr 2021 at 6:26pm
Originally posted by rpennington rpennington wrote:

You won’t be able to remove the kidney grilles without opening the bonnet

I usually struggle to keep them in place on E46s. I've ended up cable tying them on to stop them falling out !
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rpennington Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Apr 2021 at 11:04pm
Originally posted by NickDE NickDE wrote:

Originally posted by rpennington rpennington wrote:

You won’t be able to remove the kidney grilles without opening the bonnet

I usually struggle to keep them in place on E46s. I've ended up cable tying them on to stop them falling out !
When I had my e46 they were a tight fit. I tried to take mine out because i wanted to clean any muck out from behind them but struggled so i didn’t bother.

1999 E46 323i se Saloon - sold
2011 E90 325d msport - sold
2014 F30 335d xdrive msport plus pack
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