Unlike many other cars, BMW’s hood doesn’t open like a traditional one. Instead, you need to pull two release cables in a specific sequence.
First, You need to jack up Your car. Then You can remove the wheel well liner and 10 screws (see picture below). Then you should be able to see the levers and pull them.
- Pull the hood release lever
Most cars open their hood by first engaging a release inside the vehicle, located beneath the dashboard and to the left of the steering column. The hood then lifts an inch or two while remaining partially engaged to the latch, allowing you to exit the car, slip your fingers underneath the hood and finish disengaging the hood latch. This process is fairly straightforward, but if the hood is stuck or fails to stay up once you pull the hood release lever, there may be a problem. The good news is that there are a few workarounds you can try to get the hood to open.
If you’re having trouble opening your BMW hood, you should first make sure that the hood release lever is fully extended. You can usually find this by putting your finger over the lever and pushing down lightly. If you hear a click and see the hood rise a few inches, it means that the hood release lever is fully extended.
If the hood does not lift, there is likely a problem with the hood latch or the cable that attaches to it. In this case, you’ll need to have the hood released by a service technician.
Before you call for help, however, try a few simple things to resolve the issue. If the hood latch is stuck, you can often free it by gently pulling on the hood release cable with your fingers or a hooked pick tool. Be careful not to touch the hot engine or other components while you’re doing this, as it can be dangerous.
The hood release cable can also get stuck if it is too tight or if it has popped out of the channel that it slides into. This can be fixed by lubricating the cable with penetrating oil or by having it replaced entirely. Another common problem that BMW owners experience is when one side of the hood latch fails to open. In this case, you’ll need a second person to hold the hood open while you try to disengage the other side of the latch.
- Pull the hood release cable
If you’ve pulled the interior hood release, but it’s stuck and won’t pop up, there could be an issue with the latch or a broken cable. This could also be caused by the hood latch being frozen, especially in cold weather. If that’s the case, try letting the engine run for a while to thaw it out. If that doesn’t work, try lubricating the latch with spray lubricant. This will give you more leverage and help it pop open.
If the hood is still stuck, you can try to jiggle it loose by banging on it with a bar or other object. You can also try to manually lift the hood up by hand and then lower it. If none of these methods work, it’s probably time to replace the hood release cable.
The hood release cable runs from the hood latch to the hood lever inside the cabin. This cable is very prone to cracking and moisture ingress, which can lead to it not working correctly. You can diagnose this by looking at the cable where it exits the firewall (circled in green). If it’s cracked and dry, there’s no need to replace it – simply reseal it with silicone sealant.
It is important to check and replace your BMW hood release cables regularly, as they are prone to breaking and can stop the hood from opening properly. If you’re not comfortable replacing them yourself, a local mechanic can do it for you. They’ll also be able to replace the latches if they’re worn or suspect that they’re part of the problem with the release cable.
The hood release mechanism on the BMW iX is different from other models, as there’s no traditional hood lever to pull. Instead, the hood opens by pulling two separate release cables located at the left and right sides of the dashboard. This double pull process is designed to make it easier to open the hood and save you from getting your hands dirty. This is why the iX has a “2X” indicator to remind you that you need to pull the release lever twice.
- Pull the hood latch
A faulty hood latch can cause the Check Control message to appear on your BMW’s iDrive screen when you turn on the car. Driving with a hood that isn’t latched properly can damage the engine and increase the risk of injury to passengers. If your hood latch isn’t working properly, you can replace it in a few simple steps.
The first step is to pull the hood release lever. This is located on the driver’s side kick panel, just above the brake pedal. Pull the lever toward you until you hear a click. The hood will pop open, and you can then close it by pushing the latch again.
If the hood is stuck closed or a hood release switch fails to work, it could be because of a broken cable. You can try to find the cable in the back of your car, but it may be difficult since it’s routed behind mechanical and electrical components, through structural body components, and through a firewall. If you can’t locate the cable, you can try using a wire or screwdriver to strike the hood at the location of the latch. Be careful not to dent the hood or the windshield.
Often, a loose or disconnected cable is the reason your BMW hood won’t open. Depending on your make and model, you might be able to see the black box that connects the interior latch and the front latch through the grill of your car. You can use a flashlight or headlights to see the latch and the cable. You can also try to feel the cable if you’re able to get access through your grill. Using a pair of pliers to pull the cable can sometimes help you to open the hood latch.
If you can’t open the hood, you can have your mechanic look at it for you. You might need a new latch or a new cable, or the hood might need to be closed more tightly. If you don’t have the money to get the hood fixed, you can try to prop it up with a rod or something.
- Pull the hood release lever a second time
If you are trying to open the hood and it won’t open, there may be a problem with the latch. A broken latch can be a difficult and time-consuming fix. Fortunately, there are several ways to troubleshoot the problem. First, try pushing down on the hood while someone else releases the interior lever. This can help the hood latch engage even if it isn’t working correctly.
If that doesn’t work, you can try removing the fender cover on the driver’s side. This will give you a good view of the engine bay and allow you to pull the hood release cable. This method can be a bit more complicated, but it’s worth it if you can’t get the hood to open.
Another common cause of a hood latch that won’t engage is dirt or grime in the release lever. You can clean the latch by spraying it with a cleaner, such as lithium grease. If the hood still won’t open, you may need to replace the latch or the cable.
The BMW iX has a unique hood opening mechanism. Instead of a traditional latch, it has two hood release cables that must be pulled simultaneously. These cables are located underneath plastic covers on the A-pillars and near the piston that raises the doors. You can also see them in this video.
You should also check that the hood sensor is not blocking the hood latch. Sometimes, the bracket that holds the hood sensor can bend downward over time. If this is the case, you can try bending it upwards to restore proper function.
Once you’ve cleaned the hood latch, you can apply lubricant to it. This will keep it from rusting and make it easier to open. You can find a hood latch lubricant at most auto parts stores. Be sure to use the right kind of lubricant, as some can contaminate the oxygen sensor, which can impact engine performance.
You can also try slapping the hood while a friend is pulling the interior lever. This can sometimes force the hood to open, especially if it is stuck because of a frozen latch.