replacing hood release cable

[///M42 sport]

My hood release cable was loose so i finally got around to replacing it. Took some pics while I was at it.


remove your grill, and back headlight cover


remove your headlight...three screws, then undo the 2 ten mm bolts holding the hood release latch and cable.


the cable runs along the fender and passes the firewall under the hood bracket. Remove the hood bracket so you can access the cable easier.


remove the knee bolster panel...3 screws


remove the panel around the pedals


remove the 2 ten mm bolts holding the hood release handle


here you can see the hood release cable running through the firewall


pic of the hood release mechanism


take the plastic cover off, and shows how the cable attaches to the hood release bracket


The hardest part is running the rubber grommet through the firewall

[e34john]

You have the P/Ns handy? Looks easy enough, I've been using what's left of the cable and a pair of channel locks to release the hood latch. Need new cable and handle.

[///M42 sport]

http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E30/2-doors/USA/325i-M20/LHD/M/1991/browse/bodywork/engine_hood_mechanism/

51 23 1 884 281 #1 hood release cable

you can also release the hood by sticking a flathead screwdriver in the hole shown below and turning

[mcskibadee1]

My brother needs to do this, thanks for the write up.

[mr ilia]

thanks, I will have to attempt to fix mine some day.

[GOT8SPD]

So my car has a problem opening the hood...i gotta pull on that thing hella hard and sometimes it still doesn't open...will this fix that problem?

[mcskibadee1]

Your mechanism and hood could be mis aligned. Try this, Have a friend push down on the BMW logo on the hood and then try and pull the cable. If it is easier then something is misaligned there or you need to lubricate the hell out of it.

[superleggera]

Thanks, this helped me out big time last night. That grommet is a PITA!

[SoundByte]

Sorry to necropost, but that flathead screwdriver trick is fucking cool. Coming from a lazy guy with a busted hood release lever...

[Mr. Tasty]

Sorry to necropost, but that flathead screwdriver trick is fucking cool. Coming from a lazy guy with a busted hood release lever...

I have been embarrassingly using this technique for the past 3 months. My cable snapped lol

[faja92]

I'm about to go and do the screwdriver trick to get my hood open now! The project can now recommence!