Z4 Bonnet issue

[Z4MCSL]

So I just went out to top up screen wash on my 58 reg Z4 coupe

release catch is fine

but the mechanism under the hood is ridiculously tight and whatever I do I cant seem to unhook it in order to open the bonnet..

very frustrating!!! any advice????

thanks

[Mr Tidy]

When I had that problem on my 1 Series I managed to squirt a stream of WD40 onto the mechanism.

Left it to soak in for an hour or so and was able to open the bonnet. After that Stuck some grease on the pivots and never a problem after that.

[ian in lancs]

classic e85/86 problem - the bonnet latch seizes up from being exposed to road crap. Pull out the kidney grills and empty a can of wd-40 in the general area of the lock, cant access the lock directly though. Leave overnight etc. eventually it will free up. Clean up and grease lock.

[junglie]

ian in lancs said:

classic e85/86 problem - the bonnet latch seizes up from being exposed to road crap. Pull out the kidney grills and empty a can of wd-40 in the general area of the lock, cant access the lock directly though. Leave overnight etc. eventually it will free up. Clean up and grease lock.

This.

It happened to mine and this worked well.

[Z4MCSL]

thanks guys - love how quick Pistonheads replies are

MR TIDY...I may have the wrong person here but you havent got a Zenos have you?

[Mr Tidy]

Not yet! It must be someone else.

I've got a Z4 Coupe and a 325ti at present.

Which is partly what drew me to your post - when I went to view my first Z4 Coupe the seller had the same problem! Maybe that's why I got a good deal on it.

[Z4MCSL]

Hi Again,

So ive uswd the wd40 trick and still wont budge

Now needs oil and screenwash so its getting very frustrating!

Any ideas

[mmm-five]

It’s one of the service items that invariably gets ‘overlooked’ at both BMW and Indies.

Mine is opened up every week (to top up windscreen/headlight washer reservoir), so it doesn’t get a chance to seize, although I think I used lithium grease last time. I also spray graphite lubricant into the door/boot locks, and gummi pflege the rubber to stop the windows sticking in the cold.

[Mr Whippy]

You can force the cam (plastic iirc) up to release it, using a screwdriver via the kidney opening.

I broke mine by opening it that way by being a bit lazy, after having done it a few times without issue.

Greasing is bad as it attracts more dirt.

A new one is about £15. I’ve had my new one on years without grease and it’s now fine.

Or give it a really good clean then minimally lubricate it.

[T4R]

My 2006 Z4 e86 3.0si bonnet did this. I used long chisel under the released bonnet and then under the catch to lever it up which did the trick. Just slip it in there but ensure you have some protection and don’t forget your lubrication.

As it were.

[wiggy001]

I had this on my Coupe. Pull the kidney grille off and a long screwdriver on the mechanism will release it.

Mine was going to a dealer for a service and I got them to change the mechanism in exchange for a kidney and the soul of my first born.

[Mr Tidy]

wiggy001 said:

I had this on my Coupe. Pull the kidney grille off and a long screwdriver on the mechanism will release it.

Mine was going to a dealer for a service and I got them to change the mechanism in exchange for a kidney and the soul of my first born.

Glad I got mine sorted without that - my first born is yet to be born (AFAIK).

[JOK601]

Hi, it's been a while since anyone posted on this topic, however, I am now having the sticking bonnet issue.
I have managed to get the grill off but not sure where I should be using the screw driver - don't want to cause damage!
Thanks in advance

[Mr Tidy]

Sorry to hear that JOK601, but it's a common problem on many BMWs.

Hopefully this will help you:- https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=45&...

FWIW I've had 3 Z4 Coupes over the last 6 years and have often found the z4forum invaluable for solving problems.

[Sticks.]

JOK601 said:

Hi, it's been a while since anyone posted on this topic, however, I am now having the sticking bonnet issue.
I have managed to get the grill off but not sure where I should be using the screw driver - don't want to cause damage!
Thanks in advance

Did you try the WD40 solution as mentioned above? I didn't think it would work, but it did.

[JOK601]

Success! Thanks for all your help - after waiting for the WD40 to be delivered today, gave it a good spray and managed to get it to open. Hopefully it isn't a one off...

[Sticks.]

Excellent. I really didn't think WD40 would fix mine but it did and no problems since.