Bonnet stuck!

[beatson1]

H guys- wonder if anyone could help- went to open my bonnet yesterday and its stopped working- I pulled the bonnet release lever and the bonnet pops open as it should do but the catch does'nt seem to move so the bonnet can't be opened! I'm guessing the cables are therefore working as they should but its the catch itself that isnt working- anyone experienced this before? Its a 2006 Z4 Coupe.

Ive tried leaning on the bonnet whilst the lever is pulled but this doesnt help unfortunately.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[z4pilot]

It's a common issue with the Z4 - the centre catch seems to get gunked up with road grime which seems to stop the spring on the bonnet mounted part of the catch operating properly. Easiest way in, is to pull out one of the front grilles - right one when stood looking at the front (I think) and feel for the catch from underneath - then use a screwdriver or somesuch to push it back and release the bonnet. Once you've got it open, clean the mechanism and lubricate - I'd suggest a silicon rather than oil based lubricant as oil will tend to attract more dirt and you'll end up with the same problem again. Then just periodically check it's still working effectively - clean and lubricate as necessary - it's just one of the endearing features of the car!

 

[beatson1]

Brilliant! Thanks for your help- got it open and working again- much appreciated.

 

[simonlpearce]

Same happened to me. Only had WD40 to hand which i used to give it a clean and moving again, but ideally you want a lithium based lubricant on it to prevent it happening again.

 

[cj10jeeper]

If you want a permanent fix to it having opened the bonnet and cleaned the mechanism then do this:

Remove the plastic panel that cover the radiator. Has a couple of torx and several push fit clips. Trace the cable to where it enters the latch and with grip bent the ears a little further away from the latch. This has the effect of taking up slack in the cable and ensuring when you pull the level in the footw ell it fully releases the catch.

If you have an early Zed you can replace the 2 rubber bungs that the bonnet sits on with later generation spring loaded versions. They keep the bonnet taught and cause it to pop up on release.

 

[Taz]

i'd try a blast of wd40 once the bonnet is half un latched, don't be shy with it, maybe let it soak in then try again later

 

[cj10jeeper]

i'd try a blast of wd40 once the bonnet is half un latched, don't be shy with it, maybe let it soak in then try again later

You should never use WD40 on something like this. It's a water dispersant and in time dries into a thick goo and causes untold problem. Always use grease or if not available light oil

 

[Taz]

i'd try a blast of wd40 once the bonnet is half un latched, don't be shy with it, maybe let it soak in then try again later

You should never use WD40 on something like this. It's a water dispersant and in time dries into a thick goo and causes untold problem. Always use grease or if not available light oil

but as an emergency to try and get you in?

 

[cj10jeeper]

Emergency then perhaps, but he'd already opened it and the real emergency solution is as posted to pull a grille to open it

 

[Taz]

Emergency then perhaps, but he'd already opened it and the real emergency solution is as posted to pull a grille to open it

i'll shut up then lol