Bonnet won't open.

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Anonymous

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The bonnet release doesn't seem to click to open my 04 Z. I'v tried it most days when I get in the car and if I pull it any harder I think I'll break it. Anyone had experience with this as I don't want to go the stealer if I or a cheaper alternative can fix it?
 
Mine got very weak - dealer replaced it - unfortunately for me just out of warranty.

try some WD40 somewhere?
 
Get someone to press gently down on the front of the bonnet (remember it's aluminium so be gentle) At the same time pull the lever and it will open.

Do as gannet says then and grease the catch. Failing that adjust it or new cable
 
Mine was exactly the same and I was thinking I may need something replacing. However I gave the engine bay a quick clean the other week (with Muck Off) and was astonished by the amount of gunk in the latch... a real thick sludge that didn't look like much but took an age to remove. Once that was off it worked a lot easier. As said, just make sure you re-grease afterwards.
 
As far as adjusting, I did not think the mechanism was adjustable from previous posts about this subject.
 
I experienced this problem. Pressing down on the bonnet whilst pulling the lever allowed it to open, but then you've got to lubricate and work the mechanism to stop it happening again. I maintain the mechanism on a roughly quarterly basis to keep it smooth. I've heard of the wire to the lever snapping due to this, and I wouldn't want to pay dealer rates to get that replaced!

Apparently it's a problem with early cars that was fixed at the facelift; the catch mechanism is exposed to the elements behind the grille and prone to drying/clogging, but it's nothing that routine maintenance can't eliminate.

I hear that, in the event of the lever no longer operating the catch, you can trigger it manually by removing one of the grilles (apparently they pull out fairly easily) and reaching up to the mechanism, but I don't know the specific procedure.
 
I'll give these a go and let you know how I get on. The car has not been washed for like 2 months due to me being afraid of cold weather so it may be that as it is ridiculouslt filthy.
 
lacroupade said:
It opens? :w00t:
Click to expand...
:rofl:


Mine's similar - it feels like the lever's going to snap sometimes. I guess I could do with a new cable but am unsure if it's a standard cable or whether it's something I need to get from BMW. A previous car I had used a standard bicycle brake cable attachment, but TBH I've not checked the Z4 at all.
 
Checking oil?! I check my oil weekly, and I don't think I'm being over-cautious! I just don't trust the electronic measuring systems some cars have and always check manually
 
a11y said:
Checking oil?! I check my oil weekly, and I don't think I'm being over-cautious! I just don't trust the electronic measuring systems some cars have and always check manually
Click to expand...

That's what I am worried about as I haven't checked the fluid levels (especially the oil) for a few weeks :/
 
a11y said:
Checking oil?! I check my oil weekly, and I don't think I'm being over-cautious! I just don't trust the electronic measuring systems some cars have and always check manually
Click to expand...

Its a bit difficult without a dipstick....... :)
 
lacroupade said:
a11y said:
Checking oil?! I check my oil weekly, and I don't think I'm being over-cautious! I just don't trust the electronic measuring systems some cars have and always check manually
Click to expand...

Its a bit difficult without a dipstick....... :)
Click to expand...

not a problem for us prefacelift owners :P
 
lacroupade said:
a11y said:
Checking oil?! I check my oil weekly, and I don't think I'm being over-cautious! I just don't trust the electronic measuring systems some cars have and always check manually
Click to expand...

Its a bit difficult without a dipstick....... :)
Click to expand...


:oops:

DOH!

I forgot about facelift cars lacking that
 
pvr said:
As far as adjusting, I did not think the mechanism was adjustable from previous posts about this subject.
Click to expand...

You're right, but you can move one other other part of the bonnet or catch to align and be a better fit. There's no adjustment per se on the cable, lever, etc.
 
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