Where Is My Hood Latch???? 1988 635csi

[verde2002]

I don't have the hood release lever to open the hood on the kick panel like I have seen in photos. There is a button on the left lower side of the steering wheel at knee height, is that it? If so how does it work if the battery is dead? Is there an emergency mechanical pull system somewhere?

[CANDOO]

LOOK(this means get down on your knees) under the dash on the left side for the handle. ALL E24s have mechanical hood releases. The handle will be horizontal.( this means front to back.) sORRY- IT WILL BE VERTICAL IF THE HOOD IS LATCHED.

[Der Krieger]

If you don't have that handle down by the kick panel, it's likely someone broke it off. The button has absolutely nothing to do with your hood. It is the power window circuit breaker.

[cruzd2]

if you don't have that handle down by the kick panel, it's likely someone broke it off. The button has absolutely nothing to do with your hood. It is the power window circuit breaker.

^^^^^true story!

[M6csi]

Are you doubly sure the hood release is not there? The ones on the E9s are hand operated, whereas the E24 release levers are foot operated. Also, the E24 units are rather hidden in the closed position, so one can overlook them easily.

[verde2002]

Are you doubly sure the hood release is not there? The ones on the E9s are hand operated, whereas the E24 release levers are foot operated. Also, the E24 units are rather hidden in the closed position, so one can overlook them easily.

You weren't kidding when you said they are hidden. I had to lie on my back just to see it. I was surprised when a normal look down there wasn't enough to expose the lever. So is it really supposed to be opened and closed by your foot?

[M6csi]

Actually hand to open and foot to close.

[carsnplanes]

You weren't kidding when you said they are hidden. I had to lie on my back just to see it. I was surprised when a normal look down there wasn't enough to expose the lever. So is it really supposed to be opened and closed by your foot?

Not really. it is a reach when you use your hand to stow it pushing it forward and up. There is a slight bend at the forward end for your finger to pull it down and mostly have to find it by feel. ...but no, you can't pull it down by your foot however if you are careful, you may be able to stow it back using your foot. A firm snap can be felt a lot better by you finger/hand to know it's locked.

[BoldUlysses]

You weren't kidding when you said they are hidden. I had to lie on my back just to see it. I was surprised when a normal look down there wasn't enough to expose the lever. So is it really supposed to be opened and closed by your foot?

You can use your hand. I would—less potential for snappage. Also, you may already know this, but when you close the hood, don't slam it! Lower it gently into place and latch it using the hood release lever.

[SharkInfested]

You can use your hand. I would—less potential for snappage. Also, you may already know this, but when you close the hood, don't slam it! Lower it gently into place and latch it using the hood release lever.

+1 to Bold's second point. This is a MAJOR peeve of mine when others have closed my hood (which I haven't allowed for many years). It actually hurt me each of the few times I saw it happen. GENTLY lower, then latch.

[bimas]

I even saw a few mechanics trying to force the good down by pushing on it. Painful.

[E24ureka]

Huh, never gave a thought to using my foot to close the hood latch. Will ceases never wonder..........
dws

[M6csi]

It's the way I've been doing for 20 years now. Probably designed to operate when closing with either hand or foot. Foot method, use your left foot when seated. Just a natural push forward with foot, do it once, and see how natural and effortless it feels.

The release cable is probably one of the most robust component on an E24, still on my original and have never heard of one snapping either. On the other hand, the almost identical system used on the E9 does break fairly often.

[espoe]

I happen to be changing my cable right now. I pulled the grommet off the end of the cable. The problem was the mechanisms got a little hard to operate so I pulled too hard on the handle and that was that.

Just be sure your locking mechanisms are operating freely and the cable will outlast you.

[Flash635]

The hood release is in the same place even for right hand drive cars, it's bloody annoying to sit down and belt up only to realise you haven't locked down the hood and the lever is on the other side of the car.

[Der Krieger]

The hood release is in the same place even for right hand drive cars, it's bloody annoying to sit down and belt up only to realise you haven't locked down the hood and the lever is on the other side of the car.

The Good News is, it hardly matters. I've driven literally hundreds of miles with it unlatched - until I noticed it sticking up ever so slightly.

[BoldUlysses]

The Good News is, it hardly matters. I've driven literally hundreds of miles with it unlatched - until I noticed it sticking up ever so slightly.

I drove to work and back a few times with it unlatched. I remember the engine noise being slightly louder than normal, which is what tipped me off....

[abouzmm]

It is above the foot rest. Turn towards the engine bay. You'll feel the tension as you squeeze it up.