Into day 3 having my own Z and the Bonnet Release cable has snapped, or so I guess as it has gone limp at the release handle and no amount of twisting and pulling and shoving or so called secret tips with "masonic" like nudges etc.. will get the bonnet open.

 

Has this happened to anyone else before and if so how the devil to I get my bonnet open?

 

My other car is a BMW535, 2 years old and I have only ever opened the bonnet a couple of times to top up the windscreen washer bottle.

 

If things carry on like this I may as well take up residence outside in the garage!

Bummer or what! Worth a look to see if the cable has come out of the bonnet release lever rather than at the bonnet end,if so you can pull the cable with a pair of pliars.

 

However if it`s under the bonnet area your stuffed! the only way in is from below, remove all the plastic under tray covers and look up to the catch area, this will be easier if you have an aftermarket filter fitted, but basically you need to trip the lever across to release the bonnet,it may be easier if an assitant press`s down on the bonnet to make the catch move will less force.One point though have a new cable ready before you start or there is little point in getting the bonnet up. Good Luck matey Jeff TT

I've got a bonnet release cable if you need one, at a very reasonable price too :-)

 

AndyZ (01634 221783 or geewhizz@onetel.net.uk)