How can I open bonnet because bonnet catch ain't working .... any advice welcome....
Bonnet catch ain't working
- Thread starter TAB1300
- Start date
You may want to take the handle off and try and pull it with more give. The footwell plastics will have to come out for that. Use a pair if pliers if needed.
You'll need to remove a grill otherwise. The best way I've found to do this is to put a belt (ie trouser belt) behind the slats (spread across as many as possible) and give it one sharp tug with the belt taught. You will break 1, 2 clips if you're unlikely but it will do no harm to the grill and it will all go back properly.
That will give you access to the latches to pull by hand. You may be lucky and can pull the central bridging cable between the 2 latches and it will open.
I've found that it's those 2 central latches that actually need replacing rather than a cable previously. They are only about £12 each from the dealer. If you want to do a full overhaul the main cable is about £25 and the bridging cable £10. They are known as Bowden cables if you look them up. It was £60 total for me for a full release system overhaul (didn't replace top pins) and it was the best £60 ever spent on a Z3 as my bonnet now pops open like new.
You will need a lot of patience to put it all back together as the cable assembly is fiddly. But study the routing carefully before you remove the old and it will help. If you have air con you will probably need to remove a headlamp to get access to change the latch. The rubber grommet through the bulk head is also a bit fiddly to push home. And make sure you route the cable properly in the footwell around the relays. Take lots of photos!
You may also need to make adjustments to the upper pins to get everything to shut properly after your repair. Don't put the grill back until it's all working properly. Try opening and shutting 20 times to be sure. If you're really unlucky the bonnet may need jiggling on it's hinges but that's a tip more for those who have just replaced their bonnet.
It's not rocket science but be prepared to spend several hours on it to get it right.
You'll need to remove a grill otherwise. The best way I've found to do this is to put a belt (ie trouser belt) behind the slats (spread across as many as possible) and give it one sharp tug with the belt taught. You will break 1, 2 clips if you're unlikely but it will do no harm to the grill and it will all go back properly.
That will give you access to the latches to pull by hand. You may be lucky and can pull the central bridging cable between the 2 latches and it will open.
I've found that it's those 2 central latches that actually need replacing rather than a cable previously. They are only about £12 each from the dealer. If you want to do a full overhaul the main cable is about £25 and the bridging cable £10. They are known as Bowden cables if you look them up. It was £60 total for me for a full release system overhaul (didn't replace top pins) and it was the best £60 ever spent on a Z3 as my bonnet now pops open like new.
You will need a lot of patience to put it all back together as the cable assembly is fiddly. But study the routing carefully before you remove the old and it will help. If you have air con you will probably need to remove a headlamp to get access to change the latch. The rubber grommet through the bulk head is also a bit fiddly to push home. And make sure you route the cable properly in the footwell around the relays. Take lots of photos!
You may also need to make adjustments to the upper pins to get everything to shut properly after your repair. Don't put the grill back until it's all working properly. Try opening and shutting 20 times to be sure. If you're really unlucky the bonnet may need jiggling on it's hinges but that's a tip more for those who have just replaced their bonnet.
It's not rocket science but be prepared to spend several hours on it to get it right.
Good info Rob.
Tony.
Tony.