Broken bonnet cables - unable to open bonnet.

[5imon]

Hi all,

I've managed to snap the bonnet cables on my 98 Z3. The bonnet is stuck closed and the leaver is just lose as if the cable has detached itself. I've removed the left kidney grill and tried pulling the centre cable between the two catches, to no avail...
Can I remove the bumper with the bonnet closed?
I've researched on here an across the internet but couldn't find anything that would help except going in from below with a couple of ratchet extension, I don't have a lift so this could be a slightly dangerous on trolly jacks!
Any ideas?

Thanks,

Simon.

 

[Ianmc]

Happen to me a year or so ago. Believe you have to access from below, remove under trays/trims etc. My Indy did the work and replaced all cables etc. Cable with mechanism was £18, bonnet release cable £12, new bonnet locks (x2) £11. A couple of hours labour.

 

[jaguartvr]

I think (someone please confirm) that the only way is to unscrew both bonnet pins. These have a slot in the end of them to allow you to unscrew them. Once undone the Bonnett will be able to be opened. You need to try and locate them from underneath the car, you will have to remove the front undertray.

 

[t-tony]

......
and don't work under the car with just jacks supporting it. Put some stands or st least blocks of wood under the car.

Tony.

 

[5imon]

Sounds like a job for the local indy...

 

[the Nefyn cat]

The first cable (release handle to catch) snapped on mine a couple of years ago, took the tray off underneath and managed to pop both catches from underneath. Didn't have to jack it up, either. Fiddly but do-able.