Member
Hi, I have a 2001 320ci se and today had the very unsettling experience of my bonnet (hood for our American friends) opening without warning at about 60 mph. As far as I am aware the bonnet was locked in the down position and I have been driving the car for over a week since I last had the bonnet raised without trouble. I’m not an idiot, have been working on and around cars since I passed my test 26 years ago and I know if a bonnet is shut correctly or not. I was hoping someone could give any information whether this has happened to any other motors in this range or if I have just been very, very unlucky. I now have the joy of trying to get my insurance to pay out for the damage ( needs new bonnet, windshield, roof has damage along top of windshield rubber).
I am probably looking at writing the car off if the insurance will not pay out as it’s only worth a grand if I’m lucky, but I would like to know if this has happened to anybody else. Btw the car passed its mot without fail last month.
Member
What is the condition of each hood/bonnet latch? Are the hood/bonnet “bars” in good shape?
Member
Latches are greased and grease collects crud (technical term). Enough crud can stick the latches enough so they don't close. Solution is to remove and soak in solvent until they're nice and clean. Then a little carefully applied lubricant (here we go again) and bob's your uncle. Be sure to snug down the bolts.
Latches don't open on their own. I'm going with operator error on this one.
Charlie
Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to add value to these threads, either by pictures or by descriptions, so the next person with the same or similar problem stands on your shoulders.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks