Hood release troubles

[bcurrie]

Hello,

Ive just taken my e36 out of winter storage, and my hood won't open anymore.

I know broken release cables are common and I have replaced mine in the past. This time is different, the release handle still has spring tension on it, and removing the signal light to pull directly on the cable does not work like it did the first time I had to replace it.

I fear that this time it is the centre Bowden cable between the latches that is broken. Does anyone have a good non destructive way to get the hood open?

[scooper]

Have someone push down on the hood while you pull the lever. Try it again.

[XnWarden]

Remove the kidney grilles and then unbolt the hood pins that hold it down. Kind of a pita