Bonnet (hood) won't close. Please help.

F

FlyTvr

Member
My Z4 (Mk1, 3.0) is currently in the garage for an MOT. The mechanics can't close the bonnet. Initially they thought the catch was broken, but apparently have now decided that whatever is inside the bonnet (between the outer skin and inner skin) has sheared and now the bonnet will not latch down.

They've spoken to BMW who say that the car will require a new bonnet!!!

Guys, sorry for a half ar***d explanation, but that's all the information I have. :(
 
Sounds to me like the garage has ripped the catch out of the metal of the bonnet. I'd be speking to them about how exactly they did that. Impossible to tell the remedy without photos, but it could be as imple as fixing a new catch on or need alloy/steel welding of a new part.

I suspect BMW are saying new bonnet as it's not a repairable item by just bolting a new bit on
 
cj10jeeper said:
Sounds to me like the garage has ripped the catch out of the metal of the bonnet. I'd be speking to them about how exactly they did that. Impossible to tell the remedy without photos, but it could be as imple as fixing a new catch on or need alloy/steel welding of a new part.

I suspect BMW are saying new bonnet as it's not a repairable item by just bolting a new bit on
Click to expand...

My initial thoughts were along this line. I sometimes had to apply a little pressure to the bonnet whilst someone else pulled the release. I wonder if the garage pulled hard on the bonnet itself?

If this is the case, how can I prove it and where to I stand legally?

I really appreciate everyone's input on this - I'm pretty peed off right now :(
 
So, I ring them up and say -

"Sorry, but bonnet was ok when I brought the car in, but now it's broken."

They say "We didn't do it"

What next?
 
Easy, you took the car in with a bonnet that was seated in the correct position. Now it won't close.

If they say it was like it already ask them how you arrived with it closed correctly. Then ask them why they didn't notify you immediately when they inspected the car.

If they really mess you around you can issue "proceedings" - small claims court is now online. Quite easy and only costs about £25. Used it and was really easy, although did take a little while - their time to respond. We used it at a company I previously worked at, most people seem to get scared and pay up ASAP. Just make sure you give them a chance to respond before putting anything in motion - two weeks I think - I want this rectified by X otherwise I will get it fixed myself and take action to recover the costs. Put it in writing. Just don't be fobbed off.

If they do agree to fix the car, make sure you get a signed checkin.

I know it sounds a little severe, but it's not like a scratch which could have been done any time, you took the car in with the bonnet closed and now it wont.
 
PawnSacrifice said:
Easy, you took the car in with a bonnet that was seated in the correct position. Now it won't close.

If they say it was like it already ask them how you arrived with it closed correctly. Then ask them why they didn't notify you immediately when they inspected the car.

If they really mess you around you can issue "proceedings" - small claims court is now online. Quite easy and only costs about £25. Used it and was really easy, although did take a little while - their time to respond. We used it at a company I previously worked at, most people seem to get scared and pay up ASAP. Just make sure you give them a chance to respond before putting anything in motion - two weeks I think - I want this rectified by X otherwise I will get it fixed myself and take action to recover the costs. Put it in writing. Just don't be fobbed off.

If they do agree to fix the car, make sure you get a signed checkin.

I know it sounds a little severe, but it's not like a scratch which could have been done any time, you took the car in with the bonnet closed and now it wont.
Click to expand...

Exactly - Is the garage trying to say you drove it in on the safety catch popped open an inch for an MOT...they'd need to get real.

If the catch is shearted off without a shadow of doubt they did the damage.
 
Just spoken to them.

They say that the striker is attached to the bonnet via a captive fixing that is pressed and bonded into the bonnet. Hence why BMW are saying it's a new bonnet job :(

They've also assured that they did not slam the bonnet.
 
Well you have a choice to argue it out, spend £1k on a bonnet and paint job or fix it up.

I'd do 1 then 3, but it's up to you.
 
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