Help - bonnet won't open!

[grahamw48]

Well, I got the car back from the garage after the clutch replacement. (Series 1 280i)

Just discovered the bonnet release cable appears to have become disconnected.

How do I open it now ???

Also just realised the garage still have my 'bible'.

This has really spoilt my weekend !

[SEVANS]

It may be possible to get at the catch from underneath the car with a long stick. Worked on the 200 but the engine is slightly smaller so there was enough room to get at it. It isn't easy but I can't think of another way.

[bobfrance]

You may be right. The bonnet catch is usually offset from the centre and only the gearbox is in the way.
I did wonder about the possilility of sliding a flexible ruler under the bonnet and trying to undo it that way.

(Mental note: must replace worn bonnet release cable on mine!)

[jmorgan]

Could we e mail the responses? Might be a better idea.......or am I being too paranoid?

[bobfrance]

You're being too paranoid.

[SEVANS]

jmorgan said:

Could we e mail the responses? Might be a better idea.......or am I being too paranoid?

Did think about it but I just couldn't see anyone getting under a Wedge with a long stick trying to release the bonnet.......

[grahamw48]

SEVANS said:

It may be possible to get at the catch from underneath the car with a long stick. Worked on the 200 but the engine is slightly smaller so there was enough room to get at it. It isn't easy but I can't think of another way.

Thanks SEVANS -
Just going to try your idea. (There is a lip along the edge of the bonnet, which would make it difficult to slide anything through there.)

I'm pulling out what hair I have left.

[jchase]

I had this problem on my 2+2 280i. I had to undo the two bolts securing the bonnet pin from under the car using every socket extension I had. Lockily the bolt heads were welded to a plate on the inside of the bonnet. This whole operation resulted in a broken rusty bolt, so I had to fabricate a new back plate, but I did get the bonnet open.

hope this helps.

[grahamw48]

Thanks jchase.

I'll put her up on ramps tomorrow, and have a go.

[jmorgan]

bobfrance said:

You're being too paranoid.

Ok, guilty as charged sir. Mind you, that ice cream van has been outside for a few hours.....

[nads]

Hi,
this won't be any help for now but I notice that the previous owner of my V6 wedge tied a piece of string to the release cable mechanism, which hangs down near the gearbox in the engine bay. I pressume this was to counter the problem you mention. Won't be any use to you for now - but perhaps in the future...

(Also, having a quick look under the bonnet, there may just be enough room for the 'long stick' idea if you try the n/s between the gearbox and exhaust.)
If I can work out how to attach a photo, I'll try to send one showing the area.
Good luck.

>> Edited by nads on Wednesday 1st September 17:37

[grahamw48]

Thanks Nads.

On Friday I'm taking her back to the garage that did the clutch. They had the bonnet off, and they've got a ramp. So they can bl**dy fix it !