Stuck Bonnet

[ktnez99]

As this thread title states, my Z3’s bonnet is stuck. The release handle in the driver’s footwell is off as we tried last Saturday to get the bonnet mechanisms to release. No joy though and I’m desperate to get it open.
Has anyone any experience of this problem and if so, how did you get the bonnet to open? Is anyone able to help me resolve this please? I can travel.

 

[black fingernail]

SWMBO broke the first cable on hers, you're in for some fun and games.
There are two cables, one from the handle to the first latch, then one between the latches, if there is still any 'springiness' in the handle, the first cable is intact, so you will need to pull on the middle cable to release the passenger side latch.
If the handle is 'floppy' then the first cable is broken, both latches need fiddling with.
The only way in is from underneath, I was advised on other forums to remove the drivers side headlight, far too drastic, expensive and unnecessary.
Lift the front of the car up on stands and remove the front cover, lay under with a good little torch, you can just about get to the cables and latches with long implements. The intact cable can be pulled with a hook made from coat hanger wire, both catches need popping together, the levers need pushing towards the drivers side, with an assistant lifting the front of the bonnet a little as you do it, it is hard to explain how it is manipulated, but you will see when you get into it.
When you have done it, replace both latches and cables and dose them with lots of grease.
It is not the easiest of jobs, Good luck.

 

[black fingernail]

I don't know how to link it, but I just used search to find my write up 'Stuck Bonnet '.
I hope this helps, I cut and pasted this:- (god I'm useless with these computers!!)

Had an afternoon of fun today.
SWMBO decided to check the oil, and couldn't open the bonnet, the cable was not operating anything.
I managed to pull the o/s kidney grille off without any damage (I don't think it had been fitted correctly), anyway, I could just see the cable that goes between the two locks, I jammed my hand inside and managed to give it a pull with just my fingertip, pop went the n/s lock and nothing else!
I did a search on various forums, ideas varied from smashing the o/s headlight out!!! to air sawing bits off!!!
One suggestion concurred with my next plan of attack.
I raised the front of the car up and removed the undertray, on my back, once my eyes adjusted to the gloom and the little light of my phone, you can just see half of the o/s lock, the half that carries the cable to the other side. The arm and cable are in a little recess where I managed to get a long flat screwdriver into it, by twisting, the arm can be moved towards the o/s and popped the o/s lock. PHEW.
It turned out that the inner cable is intact and seems to be stainless steel, but the outer cable is rotten at the end and no longer attached to the lock.
I cut the cable a couple of feet back and removed the outer cable, tied a loop in it so it just fits above the o/s headlight.
The bonnet can now be opened by pulling the loop of wire (using a bit of rag, it's a bit cutty).
New parts are on order, judging the condition of the cables, if I'd known, I would have changed them earlier and saved a lot of worry and hassle.

 

[black fingernail]

These cars are getting on a bit, and the bonnet release mechanism is not the most robust. Even though the latches and the bit of visible cable may look ok, they most likely will not be, for the small cost involved, and it is a simple job, (with the bonnet open). If it hasn't already been done, I very strongly recommend replacing the whole kaboodle, cables and latches and dollops of grease.

 

[ktnez99]

@black fingernail funnily enough, have new cables, latches and good quality secondhand underside bonnet clasps which Malc @Mazza kindly provided.

 

[ktnez99]

I don't know how to link it, but I just used search to find my write up 'Stuck Bonnet '.
I hope this helps, I cut and pasted this:- (god I'm useless with these computers!!)

Had an afternoon of fun today.
SWMBO decided to check the oil, and couldn't open the bonnet, the cable was not operating anything.
I managed to pull the o/s kidney grille off without any damage (I don't think it had been fitted correctly), anyway, I could just see the cable that goes between the two locks, I jammed my hand inside and managed to give it a pull with just my fingertip, pop went the n/s lock and nothing else!
I did a search on various forums, ideas varied from smashing the o/s headlight out!!! to air sawing bits off!!!
One suggestion concurred with my next plan of attack.
I raised the front of the car up and removed the undertray, on my back, once my eyes adjusted to the gloom and the little light of my phone, you can just see half of the o/s lock, the half that carries the cable to the other side. The arm and cable are in a little recess where I managed to get a long flat screwdriver into it, by twisting, the arm can be moved towards the o/s and popped the o/s lock. PHEW.
It turned out that the inner cable is intact and seems to be stainless steel, but the outer cable is rotten at the end and no longer attached to the lock.
I cut the cable a couple of feet back and removed the outer cable, tied a loop in it so it just fits above the o/s headlight.
The bonnet can now be opened by pulling the loop of wire (using a bit of rag, it's a bit cutty).
New parts are on order, judging the condition of the cables, if I'd known, I would have changed them earlier and saved a lot of worry and hassle.

This makes a lot of sense and thanks for sharing your experience. Now all I need to do is find someone or persons to help sort this massive problem.

 

[Geoff Crispin]

This makes a lot of sense and thanks for sharing your experience. Now all I need to do is find someone or persons to help sort this massive problem.

How did you get on ?