Subject: Check the bowden cable... Author: badunit : member since December, 2005 : 158 posts Posted on: 2009-10-21 22:53:11

The cable has to release the lock on the hood first before the ejectors will pop the hood up. Sometimes the cable gets stretched. When you get the hood open, the bowden cable runs along the drivers side fender. The cable comes in two pieces that connect inside the engine compartment along that fender. The plastic coating on the cable wears and adds slack to the tension of the cable and thus, does not release the lock.

I simply used electrical tape to replace the worn out plastic coating and to take the slack out of the cable to repair mine. If you have problems opening the hood to make the repair, do this. Pull the hood release lever inside the car. Crouch down close to the pedals and you will see the cable leaving the lever. Use some needlenose pliers to grab the cable and pull. That will release the hood lock for you. I had to do that to open the hood until I did the repair. Hope that helps.

badunit
99 740i Sport
bairritzblau metallic
Duluth, GA USA

• Hood won't pop open even with new ejectors - bimmer2u 2009-10-17 21:32:47 (38 views)
  • Check the bowden cable... - badunit 2009-10-21 22:53:11 (16 views)
    • I'll check the cable. Good Idea. (nt) - bimmer2u 2009-10-24 17:11:35 (8 views)
  • Just FYI - you shouldn't open the hood by grabbing the - sealbeach740 2009-10-18 01:52:52 (16 views)
  • Yup, You simply screwed them IN too much.....I had to screw in both - Snitch740i 2009-10-17 22:34:58 (19 views)
    • Must be SNL joke - lots of keyword in there. (nt) - bmw635 2009-10-17 23:55:40 (22 views)
      • ^^^Lmao @ Peter.. ....Was it too long? (nt) - Snitch740i 2009-10-18 01:49:56 (20 views)
        • Must have a t least 6-8 screws in there with many styles: - bmw635 2009-10-18 14:30:32 (16 views)
          • LOL!! (nt) - bimmer2u 2009-10-20 20:21:26 (9 views)
  • I had the same issue ... not the buffer bumpers ... I took off the hood latches - aaron00740il 2009-10-17 21:40:59 (18 views)
    • I'll try the silicone and lithium grease idea. (nt) - bimmer2u 2009-10-20 20:20:13 (9 views)