Bonnet release lever

[Z3newbie!]

Probarbly going to be lots of questions now we have an MOT!

Bonnet release lever feels like it does nothing and bonnet will not push down and lock, it does stay shut up to the manual release lever under the front of the bonnet but not all the way down to work from the lever in the car.

Any ideas?

 

[t-tony]

It if won't push down and lock it should have failed the MOT.

Tony.

 

[Z3newbie!]

I’m not going back to complain!

 

[t-tony]

You should!

Tony.

 

[Duncodin]

Personally I wouldn't like driving it unless it's locked down. Look at the catches under the bonnet see if you can move them. Might just need a bit of movement and lube. Or maybe the cable is rusted solid.

 

[Z3newbie!]

Thank you. I will find the catches tomorrow and see what they are like.

 

[mwpe]

If the bonnet is not latching down properly it is worth replacing the latch mechanism and cables, they tend to sieze up with age. They are simple and cheap to replace and if they end up siezed in the closed position, it is very difficult to get the bonnet to release.

 

[ExMX5owner]

Probarbly going to be lots of questions now we have an MOT!

Bonnet release lever feels like it does nothing and bonnet will not push down and lock, it does stay shut up to the manual release lever under the front of the bonnet but not all the way down to work from the lever in the car.

Any ideas?

Mine did the exact opposite would not open, in fact I nearly broke the handle off trying to get it to open, a little bit of CRC on the catch to free it up and its been good as gold since..

 

[Z3newbie!]

If the bonnet is not latching down properly it is worth replacing the latch mechanism and cables, they tend to sieze up with age. They are simple and cheap to replace and if they end up siezed in the closed position, it is very difficult to get the bonnet to release.

Is it a difficult job?

 

[Mazza]

I have a couple of slam plate catches and the small bowden cable that joins them.
Let me know if you need them….

 

[Z3newbie!]

So I cleaned the springs and rods on the bonnet and the catches.
I was able to encourage out the catch on the bonnet bit to let me shut it securely and then opened it again with a little jiggling.
The catches did not pop out again so had to coax them back out again and repeat.

how do I actually fix this longer term, happy it is locked shut now though.

 

[Duncodin]

Maybe a bit more jiggling and oil. But if it's really stuck then it may be the cable that's duff.

 

[AntStark]

25 year old cable will have had it..I’d replace the lot for piece of mind ..he says having had the parts for his in the boot for the best part of a year

 

[Z3newbie!]

25 year old cable will have had it..I’d replace the lot for piece of mind ..he says having had the parts for his in the boot for the best part of a year

Where do you get the parts and is it just the cable?

 

[mwpe]

I replaced the cable and latches on mine a few years ago, very simple job, OEM parts from Sopers.

 

[AntStark]

Where do you get the parts and is it just the cable?

Replacing both catches and the 2 cables. BMW part unfortunately but not that bad price.

 

[Andyboy]

No need to buy new catches unless you want shiny new stuff. The old ones can be easily fixed - grind off the head of the rivet and the steel closing plate comes off and the inner plastic cover. Remove the spring inside (not under much tension), thoroughly clean it all up and reassemble with grease and a longish 10mm bolt and nut to replace the rivet. A new cross cable between the two is a sound plan though.