E36 3 series broken bonnet release!

[hellrot_e34]

A friend of mine is having an issue with his e36 3 series bonnet, the plastic release handle snapped off which in turn actually broke the cable which connects to it via the wound central section, theres a small portion of the wire still visible sticking out of the plastic shroud so would be assumed if yanked on with a pair of pliers it would do the trick, but no!! no matter how hard its pulled theres absolutely no movement at all and the latch refuses to pop, has anyone got a tip how to sort it? is it possible by removing the kidney grille that the latch is reachable from the outside? although i thought the bonnet had to be open in order to remove the grilles in the first place!!

[kev b]

Firstly try pulling the cable whilst someone pushes down on the front of the bonnet.

[hellrot_e34]

Also tried that, no joy whatsoever!