I can barely squeeze my hand under the hood with it propped open and it doesn't seem possible to wedge a larger something to open it more, but I managed to grab hold and get it open. I lubed everything up and it seemed to be ok...until it did the same thing 2 days later. This time while attempting to open the hood I pulled and suddenly I was holding 2 feet of cable. Need to warn people about this, cuz this opens a whole new can of worms and Ive yet to get it open 3 days later.... I feel the best option is to remove the tire and splash guard behind it and the cables are right there with plenty of room to maneuver....still was helpful, I appreciate people like you taking the time to help....
Life saver. Like you I saw a lot of different method of dealing the jammed hood but your by far was the easiest. Had the same issue with my 2011 335ix. Following your suggestion I failed the first time. Hit braver and got a 2x4 and really pulled the driver side up where I could really get my hand under the hood. Ultimately I used a vise to pull the wire and it worked. Thanks ver much.
This is fantastic. I mucked with it using the rod trick for a good long while without success. Was ready to give up. I then stumbled upon this video. I had my hood open in less than 3 minutes. Now I've hit them down liberally with corrosion fighting lubricant. Couldn't have done it without this video. Thank you for taking the time to document this. 5 stars :-)
Your a genius! Should run for President! I used a close hanger from the dry cleaners too, wrapped it around once, bent the ends then used a heavy hand towel to pull and it worked. 👍🏾
Gerald , I spent all day trying anything I could think of and no dice. The next day I was prepared if necesary to sawsall that same latch. Then like you I, as a last desperate try wedged a 2x4 under the left side and put the hook end of an electricians fish tape onto the right side cable. I pulled out the 2x4 and held the hood open slightly with my left and yanked the tape with my right. Success!!!! I only wish I had seen you excellent video sooner. I wouldn't have wasted all that time and aggravation>
This worked. I would add that if pulling on the cable does not seem to work, have someone actuate the hood release lever from inside the vehicle while you pull on the cable. After I got my hood open I lathered down the mechanisms with Lithium Grease and tested the latches with a screw driver to make sure that they would open with the lever. The Lithium Grease worked and my hood opens with the lever as it is supposed to now. This was a great technique. I would use three people for the job ideally. one inside the vehicle, one lifting on the drivers side of the hood and the other destroying his wrists reaching for the cable.
Thanks...this helped a lot. I could not get enough of a gap for a board like you.... but was able to get a broom stick in from the front ... in front of the headlight, enough where I can see the cables and use a hook tool to grab it and pull. Interesting that it didn't just pop open after pulling on the cable but once I closed the hood, pulled the hood release latch from inside the car then it opened up. People, lubricate and test those latches many times before you close the hood again.... if your springs are bad in the latches you will have to replace. I suppose you could remove the one bad latch temporarily too.
@@tommawe8991 Hi Tom was just reviewing this post and had the same problem, was able to get the passenger side (at the time the only side stuck) to release using another method (the wire through gap above the headlight) and was so happy I almost posted a video myself. After lubricating the latches and checking that both released while the hood was open, multiple times, I closed the hood. Went to open it and no NEITHER side will open :( May I ask how you were able to finally get yours to open?
Thanks for the vid. Both patches on mine are stuck but you gave me the idea to remove a wheel and the plastics liner to access the cable. Going to try it tomorrow
hey man thank you so very much I had the passenger weather stripping all ripped out I was prying stuff I was scratching my front hood and this was way easier Big Ups
took me four days to get the left latch open, right latch still wont open... left latch took pliers to broken cable from inside the drivers side of car, machete under the hood, pulled on cable after removing grill,, used a knife to slide left side, used handle release from front of car.. I dont know what worked but finally the left side seems to be up a inch or so, now the right one.. could take four more days\
There it’s a hole underneath the front tires, turn your wheel to the right and remove the square plastic and stick you hand grap the cables it’s much easier 😉
I had my passenger side latch stuck and I tried this (I wedged a thick towel instead of the wood). Unfortunately it's not working for me. I have an 09 328xi. When I pulled on the cable under the hood nothing budges. It's like the latch is jammed so tight it won't move. I took the hood release lever apart and the wire was hanging on by a thread (probably over use, could be from my pulling on the cable to hard like you warn against in the video). I put locking pliers on the cable and can still release only the drivers side. I still have the stuck passenger side. I'm not sure if the latch on that side isn't connected any more or something caused this thing to spontaneously fail and jam.
I have the same exact problem with the 07 328i and I did just like he instructed with the two by fours I pulled the wire and nothing didn't hear that click neither and it's still jammed on the passenger side
@@seahawksforever9504 Yes, I used a long narrow screw driver and did like in the video at 0:0:37sec, pushing the release. I then replaced all the hood release cabling and latches and it's been working good. It took me at least 90min to eventually release that passenger side latch. It was a test of patience for sure! It seems like I had to slightly bend the screwdriver, but I can't recall exactly as it's been a few years. Good luck!
@@briancrum4458 I used a 2x4 wrapped with a towel and placed it between the driver's headlight and hood. I shove my hand inside and pulled the long black wire which open the passenger side lock. I removed the passenger hood square latch which used 1 screw. So now my hood locks in the middle and driver side lol
my hood is so tightly closed I cant get anything between the hood and the car itself... I'm not sure how you actually did that I'd like to see it... if I tried to get something between the hood and the car it would bend the hood or damage the fender... I have a 2002 bmw 745li and hood is stuck like glue
Do you have the "handle" latch that sticks out of the grill? If you do then I'm not sure how you would unlatch it. I have the same issue with my dads 04 745i. If you figure it out let me know. Good luck man!
It did not bend my hood. I just used it to keep it propped open since I did not have anyone else to help me. Sorry for the late reply, and I hope you figured it out!
Hi Samantha, have you tried tugging on the other cable that runs parallel to the one you tugging? You might be pulling on the notch that is already released. I hope this helps. Good luck!
Hey guys/gals.. i gotta put this out there.. if both your latches are stuck cause the wire snapped, and you're poking your car with a screw driver to no avail.. try buying a wifi endoscope camera.. i set it up on my cell phone, propped my phone up on my hood and inserted the camera so that while i was moving around with the screw driver i could see what i was poking at. Eventually i found the right thing with the camera and just moved the screw driver around until i saw it.. then moved it right into the right position and POP! the hood unlatched.. go on ebay and search "wifi endoscope camera". Get the one with the rigid cable.. peace (my app --- www.heythere.us)
I can barely squeeze my hand under the hood with it propped open and it doesn't seem possible to wedge a larger something to open it more, but I managed to grab hold and get it open. I lubed everything up and it seemed to be ok...until it did the same thing 2 days later. This time while attempting to open the hood I pulled and suddenly I was holding 2 feet of cable. Need to warn people about this, cuz this opens a whole new can of worms and Ive yet to get it open 3 days later.... I feel the best option is to remove the tire and splash guard behind it and the cables are right there with plenty of room to maneuver....still was helpful, I appreciate people like you taking the time to help....
Thanks man using your hand is so much smarter than a hook. After a month I’ve opened my hood. I wish you many months without a oil or coolant leak ;)
Life saver. Like you I saw a lot of different method of dealing the jammed hood but your by far was the easiest. Had the same issue with my 2011 335ix. Following your suggestion I failed the first time. Hit braver and got a 2x4 and really pulled the driver side up where I could really get my hand under the hood. Ultimately I used a vise to pull the wire and it worked. Thanks ver much.
This is fantastic. I mucked with it using the rod trick for a good long while without success. Was ready to give up. I then stumbled upon this video. I had my hood open in less than 3 minutes. Now I've hit them down liberally with corrosion fighting lubricant. Couldn't have done it without this video. Thank you for taking the time to document this. 5 stars :-)
Cookie Jarvis I was losing my mind as well. I’m glad it worked for you!
Your a genius! Should run for President! I used a close hanger from the dry cleaners too, wrapped it around once, bent the ends then used a heavy hand towel to pull and it worked. 👍🏾
New BMWs for everyone! lol
@@SHABATHANG 😂😂😂 we wouldn’t have anything to work on, maybe start a family then!
Gerald , I spent all day trying anything I could think of and no dice. The next day I was prepared if necesary to sawsall that same latch. Then like you I, as a last desperate try wedged a 2x4 under the left side and put the hook end of an electricians fish tape onto the right side cable. I pulled out the 2x4 and held the hood open slightly with my left and yanked the tape with my right. Success!!!! I only wish I had seen you excellent video sooner. I wouldn't have wasted all that time and aggravation>
That's awesome! Im glad it worked out for you. :-)
This worked. I would add that if pulling on the cable does not seem to work, have someone actuate the hood release lever from inside the vehicle while you pull on the cable. After I got my hood open I lathered down the mechanisms with Lithium Grease and tested the latches with a screw driver to make sure that they would open with the lever. The Lithium Grease worked and my hood opens with the lever as it is supposed to now. This was a great technique. I would use three people for the job ideally. one inside the vehicle, one lifting on the drivers side of the hood and the other destroying his wrists reaching for the cable.
Lets hope the wrists don't get too banged up lol. Im glad it worked out for you.
Very helpful! Just worked on my 2006 wagon. Much gratitude!!
Im glad it worked for you brotha!
Thanks...this helped a lot. I could not get enough of a gap for a board like you.... but was able to get a broom stick in from the front ... in front of the headlight, enough where I can see the cables and use a hook tool to grab it and pull. Interesting that it didn't just pop open after pulling on the cable but once I closed the hood, pulled the hood release latch from inside the car then it opened up. People, lubricate and test those latches many times before you close the hood again.... if your springs are bad in the latches you will have to replace. I suppose you could remove the one bad latch temporarily too.
Awesome and it works like a charm!!
But now my hood is stuck again!!
I am in exactly the same situation, but both sides are now stuck, so i cant even get my hand in to pull the cable!
@@tommawe8991 Hi Tom was just reviewing this post and had the same problem, was able to get the passenger side (at the time the only side stuck) to release using another method (the wire through gap above the headlight) and was so happy I almost posted a video myself. After lubricating the latches and checking that both released while the hood was open, multiple times, I closed the hood. Went to open it and no NEITHER side will open :( May I ask how you were able to finally get yours to open?
Thanks for the vid. Both patches on mine are stuck but you gave me the idea to remove a wheel and the plastics liner to access the cable. Going to try it tomorrow
@markwright If you can find an extra pair of hands to assist you it might make your life a little easier. Good luck to you man!
Hey Mark were you ever able to get your hood open, both sides on my E93 are stuck too :(
Dude you just save me a whole lot of time this video worked perfect if you pull the cable
Nick Xavier Im glad it helped you bro.
hey man thank you so very much I had the passenger weather stripping all ripped out I was prying stuff I was scratching my front hood and this was way easier Big Ups
Rob Lacroix I'm glad it helped you out!
Thank you! This was a big help!
took me four days to get the left latch open, right latch still wont open... left latch took pliers to broken cable from inside the drivers side of car, machete under the hood, pulled on cable after removing grill,, used a knife to slide left side, used handle release from front of car.. I dont know what worked but finally the left side seems to be up a inch or so, now the right one.. could take four more days\
Thanks mate. it worked. one of the cables(passenger) is too loose so I probably going to have to change it at some point
Thank you wery much, you helpe me as hell!
Perfect it worked...man you made my day thanks a million.
What do you do when the Cable snaps and you can’t pull it?
7 months late but use the first step.
Thank man just bought my wife a 2010 E90 and that shit had been pissing me off since the 2nd day 🤬🤬🤬
Sos grande Gerardo 🙌😳 eso fue perfecto
This only works where there isn't a giant strip of rubber...yours is missing and I can't wedge anything through
Very helpful! (what a junk this e90!)
Hey bro I got a 330i 06 and I followed ur instructions and pulled the cable and heard a pop but the latch is still stuck. Any ideas?
Perfect well done that bar idea can cause to much uneccessary damage. Thanks
I need someone to do the driver side when the latch comes uniones at the latch.
There it’s a hole underneath the front tires, turn your wheel to the right and remove the square plastic and stick you hand grap the cables it’s much easier 😉
Dashi Do where the hell were you a few years ago when I was looking for a fix!?😂😂
This helped a lot thank you!
I had my passenger side latch stuck and I tried this (I wedged a thick towel instead of the wood). Unfortunately it's not working for me. I have an 09 328xi. When I pulled on the cable under the hood nothing budges. It's like the latch is jammed so tight it won't move. I took the hood release lever apart and the wire was hanging on by a thread (probably over use, could be from my pulling on the cable to hard like you warn against in the video). I put locking pliers on the cable and can still release only the drivers side. I still have the stuck passenger side. I'm not sure if the latch on that side isn't connected any more or something caused this thing to spontaneously fail and jam.
I have the same exact problem with the 07 328i and I did just like he instructed with the two by fours I pulled the wire and nothing didn't hear that click neither and it's still jammed on the passenger side
Did you figure it out? It seems BMW owners mainly have this problem!
@@seahawksforever9504 Yes, I used a long narrow screw driver and did like in the video at 0:0:37sec, pushing the release. I then replaced all the hood release cabling and latches and it's been working good. It took me at least 90min to eventually release that passenger side latch. It was a test of patience for sure! It seems like I had to slightly bend the screwdriver, but I can't recall exactly as it's been a few years. Good luck!
@@briancrum4458 I used a 2x4 wrapped with a towel and placed it between the driver's headlight and hood. I shove my hand inside and pulled the long black wire which open the passenger side lock. I removed the passenger hood square latch which used 1 screw. So now my hood locks in the middle and driver side lol
Ngl this definitely helped
Perfect! Thanks so much!!!
Lisa Reed you’re welcome!!!
my hood is so tightly closed I cant get anything between the hood and the car itself... I'm not sure how you actually did that I'd like to see it... if I tried to get something between the hood and the car it would bend the hood or damage the fender... I have a 2002 bmw 745li and hood is stuck like glue
Do you have the "handle" latch that sticks out of the grill? If you do then I'm not sure how you would unlatch it. I have the same issue with my dads 04 745i. If you figure it out let me know. Good luck man!
Great explanation
Is there any risk of bending the hood, when you are jamming wood between the hood and fender?
It did not bend my hood. I just used it to keep it propped open since I did not have anyone else to help me. Sorry for the late reply, and I hope you figured it out!
You're amazing bro
I pull the cable but all I hear is clicking and nothing releases, any ideas? 😔
Hi Samantha, have you tried tugging on the other cable that runs parallel to the one you tugging? You might be pulling on the notch that is already released. I hope this helps. Good luck!
@@SHABATHANG I ended up taking it into the shop and they said my cable seemed to be stretched, but thank you for the help!
@@samanthajdiaz how much did they charge for them to fix it?
Why was it stuck? Did anything happen with your cable?
I honestly do not know why it got stuck. Since I got it to open it never happened again (knock on wood).
Dude!!! Thank you!!! Haha just did this!
Omg 😱 thank you so much 🤩
No good if your cable is broken.
How do u slip the wood into that?
That's what she said.
flawlessly!!
So where's the example
Hey guys/gals.. i gotta put this out there.. if both your latches are stuck cause the wire snapped, and you're poking your car with a screw driver to no avail.. try buying a wifi endoscope camera.. i set it up on my cell phone, propped my phone up on my hood and inserted the camera so that while i was moving around with the screw driver i could see what i was poking at. Eventually i found the right thing with the camera and just moved the screw driver around until i saw it.. then moved it right into the right position and POP! the hood unlatched.. go on ebay and search "wifi endoscope camera". Get the one with the rigid cable.. peace (my app --- www.heythere.us)
Did you remove the front grill first????
Bro I'm President of a BMW club look us up.
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