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bmw e36 bonnet release
blakep82 - 24/10/09 at 05:15 PM

any sneaky ways to open the bonnet when the handle in the car doesn't want to work?

liam.mccaffrey - 24/10/09 at 05:41 PM

I know its not the same but you can open the bonnet of an old corsa from underneath by grabbing the bonnet catch .

Can you get at it from underneath?

blakep82 - 24/10/09 at 05:43 PM

i'll have a look tomorrow if the weathers not crap/i'm not too hungover

i don't think i can though. i can't even get a jack under the car without driving up onto some concrete slabs. its quite low. i'll be lucky if i can get an arm under it lol

McLannahan - 24/10/09 at 06:26 PM

Long flatbladed screwdriver through the grille?

Mark Allanson - 24/10/09 at 07:31 PM

Not what you want to hear, but its an air chisel through the top, both sides - a fairly regular problem with front end accidents.

loggyboy - 24/10/09 at 10:38 PM

quote:
Originally posted by McLannahan
Long flatbladed screwdriver through the grille?


E30s had a hole in the grille (slight right of kidneys) that allowed a philips head to be pushed in and turned, poping the bonnet. not sure if the e36 will be similar, not even sure they have the pop forward bonnet? but if it does mind ur head wen u try!

miikae - 25/10/09 at 12:19 AM

Just lifted this from Kelsey Forums for e36
...got the bonnet cable replaced today, t'was a bit cold outside with the snow but got it done in just over an hour, took the bumper off, took the 2 grills out and cut through the two retaining screws that hold the air deflestor for the Radiator (behind the grills). Then had access to the bonnet locks so was able to replace the cable.
Linky to another forum
HTH

Mike

[Edited on 25-10-2009 by miikae]

blakep82 - 25/10/09 at 11:49 PM

cheers guys will have a look tomorrow. think i'll just take it to the garage, and let them do it lol

britishtrident - 26/10/09 at 07:51 PM

Fairly standard trade ways to try and open it without causing damage to the body work.

If the cable isn't broken get somebody to push up and down on the bonnet while you pull the handle.

If the cable is broken at the handle end you might be able get at the cable behind the wheel arch liner.

You can pull the cable with pliers gripping the outer cable really hard so it grips the inner then when you pull both inner and outer move.