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Thread: Spring to hold bonnet (hood) open

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Scotland, UK
    Posts
    61

    Default Spring to hold bonnet (hood) open

    Hi guys

    The spring at the front of my bonnet (inside the hinge mechanism) doesn't seem to be providing enough tension, meaning that the slightest wind can cause the bonnet to fall down! I know it's not the struts, as the front of the bonnet doesn't pop up either when you release it, it has to be lifted by hand.

    The spring itself seems to be fine, if I try twisting it with a screwdriver there is plenty of tension. So it seems it needs to be rotated one turn before being pushed back into the hole, to give it the required tension. As you can imagine this is near impossible without removing the bonnet, is removal the correct procedure for installing this spring?

    Cheers
    Paul.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Eastern Tennessee USi
    Posts
    14,843

    Default

    paul, pick up a new set of them, not expensive at all. i dont think you can adjust them by twisting them, your just creating some tension in there and i think it will release on you again.
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Posts
    1,235

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul_540i
    Hi guys

    The spring at the front of my bonnet (inside the hinge mechanism) doesn't seem to be providing enough tension, meaning that the slightest wind can cause the bonnet to fall down! I know it's not the struts, as the front of the bonnet doesn't pop up either when you release it, it has to be lifted by hand.
    Hi Paul, The struts are charged and provide the force to pop the hood up upon release and keep it up at full open. They are probably kaput if original, but cheap and easy to replace. I've done this on both my E34's - it really stinks when the bonnet busts you one when you're not expecting it!

    - Robin
    Robin

    72 Chevy K10
    01 E39 M5

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Richardson, TX
    Posts
    43

    Default

    Is it any kind of problem keeping the hood aligned when replacing the struts? I know that mine are wearing out, but that's the biggest worry that's keeping me from taking that on right now.
    If you ever discover that what you're seeing is a play within a play, just slow down, take a deep breath, and hold on for the ride of your life.

    -Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Sydney, Australia
    Posts
    308

    Default Replacing the hood struts won't change hood alignment

    .
    regards
    Phil

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Posts
    1,235

    Default It's really easy.

    Quote Originally Posted by garretb
    Is it any kind of problem keeping the hood aligned when replacing the struts? I know that mine are wearing out, but that's the biggest worry that's keeping me from taking that on right now.
    All you need is a little screwdriver to pop the metal clip out of it's groove and the old one slides right off. New one clicks on and you're done with that side. You can probably even do it without setting down your beer.
    Robin

    72 Chevy K10
    01 E39 M5

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    The OC
    Posts
    244

    Default

    I just replaced mine. My hood was really loose too (friend messed up his finger when it fell on him, lol) and replacing the struts is really easy. The old ones should pop right off, use a screw driver to loosen them up if you need to. They range anywhere from 10 bucks each on ebay, to 20 a piece from bavauto.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Japan
    Posts
    9,274

    Default there is an alternative

    Seen on a BMW Japan Club Meeting, just use your golf club in style

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Richardson, TX
    Posts
    43

    Default

    That's good to know. Sounds like I have something to add to the list of the minor fixes I need to tackle. I'll have to see what the local dealer charges with BMWCCA discount and compare it to BMA or some other online store.
    If you ever discover that what you're seeing is a play within a play, just slow down, take a deep breath, and hold on for the ride of your life.

    -Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Bay Area, CA
    Posts
    1,825

    Default

    I use a wooden stick from a broom. My lil struts are new and the hoood still falls sometimes.

    www.KaRealtySF.com
    Build Date: 05-1995 /Engine: m50tu /Automatic Transmission /ABS /NO ASC /Open Differential /EAT Chip

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