View source for How to Open the Hood From Outside

By [[RetiredDoc]], Wed Jul 13, 2005

Original thread: [https://forums.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=11743 How to open any e28 hood from outside the car.]

Here's a technique to use to open the hood when the cable breaks.

1. First step is to make a simple tool. This bent metal rod started life as a gardening or plant stake. I clamped one end in a vise and made the two bends you see here. This allows it to be used to pull on the driver's side hood latch, and to push on the passenger's side hood latch.

 [http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/RetiredDoc/hood1.jpg] 

2. To open the latch on the driver's side, insert the tool as pictured here. There is no need to remove any parts of the grille, or anything else for that matter.

 [http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/RetiredDoc/hood2.jpg] 

3. The tool is inserted through the space just above the left outer headlight and angled upwards towards the latch.

 [http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/RetiredDoc/hood3.jpg]

4. The end of the tool is used to hook the latch as pictured here. It's actually easy to do this by feel. Once the latch is hooked, pull to release it, and the driver's side of the hood will pop open slightly.

 [http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/RetiredDoc/hood4.jpg] 

5. On the passengers' side the tool is inserted just above the right outer headlight, and angled upwards to push on the latch.

 [http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/RetiredDoc/hood5.jpg] 

6. Once you have the tool seated against the latch, as pictured here, give a push and you're in.

 [http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/RetiredDoc/hood6.jpg] 

[size=75][Edit by RetiredDoc on [TIME]1121294358[/TIME]][/size]
[[Category:Tech FAQ]]