Bonnet Catch help needed!

[Cavey1638]

Afternoon all,

Please can someone help. Just got back from York and opened the bonnet......no problem. Until I tried to close it. Will not lock down. The steel loop which hangs down from the bonnet appears loose. I have taken the plastic shroud off it. The bolt looks like it should be either pressed into or spot welded within the bonnet. There is no way to get inside as the picture shows. Any ideas?????

Cavey

 

[Dave1971]

By the looks of it that's a "Rivnut". I've not used them for quite a few years now but from past experience I'd say if you can move it to one side and fit a new one (on the near side this time ) thats the easiest way to go. I'd be surprised if it would take more than a call to a few local garages to find somebody to do it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz2yZNqGNqo

 

[Cavey1638]

Dear all,

Had a closer look at the inept piece of engineering. There appears to be a splined nut which I assume is pressed from the inside of the bonnet and possibly welded during construction of the bonnet. Spoke to BMW who are willing to fly the mechanic and bonnet over from where ever for a small mortgage.

The splined ring which fits inside the bonnet spins with the latch ring so I cannot even remove that. Really p****d off.

BMW suggested that the only way round is to weld the offending part. Open to any ideas.

Cavey


Well the saga continues. Unable to remove the latch ring as too tight and cannot get a good enough purchase on the nut inside. Have taken the charabanc to a local body shop. Plan is to cut a rectangular hole into the cavity. Remove the nut and replace with another plate with a nut welded to it. Some of the bonnet appears to be of alloy composite so welding may not be possible. Will let you know Monday what the answer is.

Thanks for you advice Dave1971. Looked at rivnut but common size is up to 6mm. The lug is 8mm and not sure if the plate inside is up to the job.

Cavey