hood cable might be on its way??

[elitesales305]

hey community,
when i pull the lever to open hood, seems like im cocking a desert eagle..
anything i should look for to see if the cable or something is about to go??
don't wanna pull on that lever one day and not be able to access engine bay..

any tips/pointers??

thanks

[zx10guy]

All I can say is get it replaced as soon as possible. I had the same issue with my hood release too. I had to really pull on the release lever to get the hood to pop. Then over time, the lever travel got longer and longer to the point where pulling the lever all the way wouldn't get the hood to release.

Fortunately, I was still under warranty and had the cable replaced.

[desertman123]

Man you already know what we're gonna say

Just spend the money

[Gangplank]

Is there a way to lubricate it?

[N54Yankee]

One of mine snapped last week and I had it replaced yesterday. My Indy replaced both since one broke the other was likely to do the same sooner then later. Cable stretch was really obvious as the new pull is much shorter then it had been. One gets used to long pull as it happens slowly, akin to the saying of boiling a frog slowly in water.
Over the years I have sprayed the hood locking mechanism with white lithium and that definitely freed up the pull putting less resistance on the cables and extended their life but it was inevitable they were going to go.

[iminhell1]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Is there a way to lubricate it?

Yes.
The junction box under the hood, on the upper radiator support, open it and soak it in your choice of lightweight oil (WD-40, Knock'er loose, Liquid Wrench, etc). Though it's a stopgap it may help.



I replaced my interior section of the cable few months back. Cable didn't break. The sheathing of it got thin and slipped. So there was nothing holding it.
Not easy to replace but not difficult by any means. Finding the hole through the firewall and hitting it was a little challenge. Can't see shit in there. But hooking it back up and stuff, easy.

Release is really easy now, no effort at all.

[ultimated]

Memories...
My first DIY job on my first BMW was replacing the hood release cable on the 1989 E30 vert. It was silver with cardinal red interior, so pretty. Learned how to adjust valves, replace valve cover gasket, bleed brakes and install short shift kit. Things were simpler back then.

[elitesales305]

thnx for your input.. figured id start amassing the parts/technique before im left with the handle in my hand ;(

[Gangplank]

@elitesales305

Here ya go.

DIY How to replace BMW e82 hood release cables. https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1517188

[elitesales305]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

@elitesales305

Here ya go.

DIY How to replace BMW e82 hood release cables. https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1517188

you sir, are the man!!

[Gangplank]

Originally Posted by elitesales305

you sir, are the man!!

Just helping out a brother in need. Pay it forward!!

[i128]

Originally Posted by elitesales305

hey community,
when i pull the lever to open hood, seems like im cocking a desert eagle..
anything i should look for to see if the cable or something is about to go??
don't wanna pull on that lever one day and not be able to access engine bay..

any tips/pointers??

thanks

I have a brand new OEM cable for sale, (I sold the car, never installed it)
PM me if you're interested.

[Dackelone]

A few months back my hood release also felt like it was gonna snap soon. It was getting harder and harder to open the hood with the latch pull. I just sprayed some WD40 on the latch pin socket on the front cross over support(with the hood open) - that seemed to fix the problem. Try some lube first before replacing your cable(s).

Dack

[Mineral///M4]

Mine has never worked since I bought it over two years ago. Previous owner coached me into removing the passenger side kidney then grab the black cable and pull down. Replace kidney then open the hood. Very easy to do.

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by Alpine1

Mine has never worked since I bought it over two years ago. Previous owner coached me into removing the passenger side kidney then grab the black cable and pull down. Replace kidney then open the hood. Very easy to do.

Is it easy to remove the grill? I'm opening my hood pretty often to put the car on a battery tender and fear I'm going to lose the cable sometime soon.

[PA135ii]

Mine had the same symptoms a couple years back. Long pull hard to get it to release. dealer told me better to get it done before it breaks. Mine was corroded/rusted.

[Mineral///M4]

My car has aftermarket black kidneys. For mine yes very easy to remove the kidney. Grab the cable & pull down hard. I actually like it this way better.

[elitesales305]

soooooooooooo,
might not need a cable as im currently shopping for a vehicle..
i will baske in my bimmer glory soon.. will keep my peeps posted when its finalized.. don't wanna jinx it!