Yes, I've tried Search.

Basically, I pull the cabin release but I think the cable has been stretched over time such that the latches are not being released...the hood doesn't pop up at all, even when I "wedge" something in the release area...

Are there any work-arounds that will allow me to release the hood latches via the front grill?

Thx.

I have the same problem. It may be that those 2 hood poppers aren't popping up the hood enough to clear the hood lock mechanism. Get another person to pull up the hood up while you have the cabin release all the way up. Then use the grill latch, etc etc...On my vehicle I notice that only 1 of the poppers aren't working and it sticks on the passenger side. They are screw-ins. If the small metal caps that retain the spring on the backside are still there, shoot the plastic part(the part that moves) with some wd40.
Hope this works!! If anyone knows the real name for these poppers, I'd like to know or I'll try doing a search at real oem

+1 on that. maybe hood release is catching but hood is not popping up. if that fails, try removing the handle and manually pulling it further (once its out, you can basically stretch it more). Unless its brokes (the cable) it will ultimately open it. If its broken, you will probably have to manually release it somehow from under the hood. I am sure it will be hard, but remember, if dealer can do it, so can you. its just a matter of finding out how to do this. - Please keep us posted as the results of such saga make this board so good.

+1 on that. maybe hood release is catching but hood is not popping up. if that fails, try removing the handle and manually pulling it further (once its out, you can basically stretch it more). Unless its brokes (the cable) it will ultimately open it. If its broken, you will probably have to manually release it somehow from under the hood. I am sure it will be hard, but remember, if dealer can do it, so can you. its just a matter of finding out how to do this. - Please keep us posted as the results of such saga make this board so good.
+1 to you. I've filed your reply in my head so I know what to do if that ever happens to me. :)

have someone pull the handle inside the car, and while they are pulling, try to pull on the hood by the grill.

it may work, hopefully!

btw, i love how whenever you post, you always use this...
:D



:D

Let me know if you figure this out. I can't find documentation anywhere, and I am missing a passenger side headlight so it's been real easy to un-stick the hood lately, but I know that when I get the light in I am going to need to know how to do this.

GL!

Your hood ejectors are most likely stuck down. Use some penetrating lubricant, such as WD-40 to re lube them so that the ejector pops up again.

Thanks all.

Had my wife pull the handle while I lifted the hood - worked fine.

Note that there is also a section of the hood release cable that runs from the right to left release, right above the radiator (it's very easy to see - not hidden). This cable has two threaded sections that can be turned against each other and that seem to tighten (or loosen) the cable. So, I tightened this a bit and think it should help.

Thanks again for the input, and a smile above for Sleepy...

This is timely for me. I tried to pop my hood last week and had the same problem. I'll try it in the morning. Hopes it works, I haven't driven my car since, becuase it sounds like I need power steering fluid.

Thanks again. I'll have the WD40 ready, too.

Glad to see it worked out!!

Should the hood pop up a smidge when the release is pulled from the inside? My hood doesn't even flinch, and it's a 50/50 gamble whether I can lift it after I exit the car. Both buffer stops have been recently replaced and they've been adjusted up about as far as they will go. Thanks!!

Yes, I've tried Search.

Basically, I pull the cabin release but I think the cable has been stretched over time such that the latches are not being released...the hood doesn't pop up at all, even when I "wedge" something in the release area...

Are there any work-arounds that will allow me to release the hood latches via the front grill?

Thx.
I had that same problem. The way u open the hood w/o noone around is stick a rag in between the realease handle and the side panel ...it will keep it from going down and u will be able to lift the hood open......Ur Hood stoppers are shot .they are spring loaded..I bet ur stoppers have no spring in them anymore.......thats why u cannot open the hood..I went to junkyard and got 1 for 5 bucks..easy fix

Thanks all.

Had my wife pull the handle while I lifted the hood - worked fine.

Note that there is also a section of the hood release cable that runs from the right to left release, right above the radiator (it's very easy to see - not hidden). This cable has two threaded sections that can be turned against each other and that seem to tighten (or loosen) the cable. So, I tightened this a bit and think it should help.

Thanks again for the input, and a smile above for Sleepy...

no problem!

:D

Should the hood pop up a smidge when the release is pulled from the inside? My hood doesn't even flinch, and it's a 50/50 gamble whether I can lift it after I exit the car. Both buffer stops have been recently replaced and they've been adjusted up about as far as they will go. Thanks!!

Should they - yes.

Did mine - no.

See if you can find someone to pull and hold the handle or else stuff a rag, etc., under the handle (as fully pulled as possible) and try it yourself...

I think I'll also have to look into new hood stoppers, as mentioned above...

So...you think your hood buffer stops w/ejector buttons need a little Lavitra to get up and do it's thang! That ejector thing stickin' up has to be "stiff" when you push on it. :rofl:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/hood%20buffer%20stop%20%20w-ejector.jpg

BTW, my hood does pop up...but it is NOT very visible...unlike the hoods on my e30/e32/e34 which moved a lot when the hood release was used. But again, those hoods oopened the traditional BMW way....backwards...after all these years, I still gotta get used to the hood opening from the front! :eek:

I had the same trouble a rag (or as I did) a beer can can prop it up long enough to go the the front and lift it. Are both the ejectors the same part #? I want to order two seeing as mine just pushed right through.