How to open stuck jammed hood from broken cable BMW e39 e38 or X5 BEST WAY in under 30 seconds !!!

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How to open stuck jammed hood from broken cable BMW e39 e38 or X5 BEST WAY in under 30 seconds !!! in this video i will show you how to get your stuck E39 hood open in under 30 seconds only using a screw driver. this works on bmw 525i 528i 530i 540i X5 740i 740il 750il
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[@mayate57ghhvjjk6]

I just open the hood of my X5 after watching your video, it took me less than one minute. Thanks a lot.

[@howardjuleslevy]

Came home this afternoon planning to change the oil in my 2000 e39 (335,000 miles). Parked in front of my house and went to pop the hood and "snap". Cable broke right at the inside release lever. First tried to catch cable with long nose pliers - no luck. Then googled and watch this video. Grill off easy. Passenger side latch released easily as cable is visible just as the video shows. Worked for a while trying to feel my way to the back bottom of the driver's side latch per the video. Finally, with short, stuby screwdriver, was able to release driver's side latch. Now have the hood down on a heavy towel and on the safety catch and tied down to the underneath frame. It goes to my go-to shop in the morning for a new section of cable. Told them I did half the work for them. Really appreciate the video - Thanks. Howard

[@bobafett64]

Just opened the hood on my 2000 BMW E39 520iAT following your instructions. My battery had died, and this was the easiest way for me to get into the car. Still useful video in 2022! A big thank you!

[@iulianyulionescu59]

If battery died, take of one blink ( semnalization ) off and put plus one size and minus other size and auto is opened…much easy,,,,🍻

[@H0B0MASTER]

Well it took 100 times longer than advertised, but I did get this method to work. Only useful info starts around the 4:37 mark. You'll almost definitely need a curved tool as well as a light and an inspection mirror. Get the tool in the right spo, and give it a good push. Mine moved but it didn't seem like it worked until I jiggled the hood up and down with my hand on the lever in the hood, and then it finally opened. Not the greatest video but it helped me, hopefully this helps someone too.

[@fantom10011]

Hey, I just want to let everyone know that I successfully opened my brothers 2002 525i today using this method. There are only two videos online showing this method. Thanks for the video. The latch to open the hood was very loose. So no pressure was going to the latches. I tried last night with just a flashlight a dental mirror and a screwdriver. Fail.. Fail.. I then tried in the morning with a mirror that has a light on it and a pick. I don't know what to call it, but it was hooked at the end, same size as a screw driver but hooked. Once you have the right tools, it will open so easily ! He is very correct! Literally 10 seconds with the right mirror with light and a tool that curves at the end, at least 45 degrees. Hope this helps. And thanks for video.

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

+Miles Riccardi Glad the video helped, that is exactly why i make these videos!!! Your money is still in your pocket and not the dealerships pocket excellent !!!

[@Hawtboizkayo]

Okay

[@rudeboirasta3629]

U didn't show us a example of u opening a stuck hood this vid was pointless

[@giffmann6]

THAT'S WHAT I WAS WAITING FOR. YOUR VID IS GOOD FOR UNDERSTANDING HOW THE HOOD CABLE IS CONNECTED, BUT IF THE HOOD IS CLOSED AND THE CABLE IS BROKEN, HOW DO U OPEN THE HOOD?

[@petersingz196]

No shit how to you open the hood

[@calebhuckaba812]

I’m glad I went to the comments before I watched it all. Thanks for commenting Rudeboi Rasta.

[@rudeboirasta3629]

@@calebhuckaba812 smh I knew right

[@billy2x547]

@@rudeboirasta3629 30 sec my ass! I been stuck on mines for 30mins now!

[@marktovstyga2578]

Just opened my 2001 530i, I also had to pull the usual lever to unlock the passenger side latch, but it worked! Thank you 🙏

[@robertparker9047]

Great info!! I had my 528i at a shop and they were about to cut a hole in the hood to get to the latch. This video saved me a ton of money and having to buy a new hood!!

[@jme_ppg_multiproducer]

dude thank you SOOO much . ive viewed about a half a dozen other videos and none of them went into the latch itself, they were all about the cable & spots to pull etc... your solution makes the most sense . Thank you

[@tommytran5962]

Nathan, THANK GOD you make these videos. I think you are one of the only people who has this kind of information. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING IT WITH THE WORLD. I honestly haven't tried it on my X5 yet, but will soon. Hopefully it works! My pull release snapped at the handle inside the car under the steering wheel. I'll get back on how the results are when I finally have the time to do it.

[@stevesenn6798]

Wow thanks. My cable just broke & I was freaking out but then thought maybe someone had it on u-tube. Now I can fix it. The kidney grill has to come out but from the outside I don't know a way without breaking the plastic clips. Only bummer.

[@brettwallace4909]

Hey Nathan I got a 2000 540 I with the wheel locked at the 1:00 position and the key won’t crank over how can I unlock the wheel in order to get the car to start

[@deadsinner2004]

My cable snapped inside the car cockpit right at the release lever. I tried removing the kidney grill at the front but was afraid of snapping the holding clips. So, inside the cockpit, I unscrewed the release lever, a couple of plastic panels and was then able to access the cable at the point where the lug was snapped off. I then attached a vice grip to the cable and gave it a good pull. This released the locking mechanism under the bonnet/hood and I was able to open it. I found this way much easier than removing the kidney grill. Hope this helps...

[@Aflagg1]

Very good and helpful video. thank you very much. this just happened to my 2001 BMW 525i, and I was thinking, how in the heck am I gonna get the hood open. you are a life saver my friend.

[@tylervision707maul]

528i BMW 1999 been trying for 2 days... to pull that cable, but nothing,, been trying to tear apart drivers side latch and see the end of the broken cable but cant reach it....

[@tylervision707maul]

Broke crumbling plastic out from release handle.. pulled on Broke frayed cable.. but nothing... pliers don't seem to help

[@tylervision707maul]

5 days now cutting plastic.. and metal with pocket knife.. finally got passenger side open.. now for drivers side.. nothing working so far

[@adareone]

After doing this I decided that I would update my cables and added a homemade emergency pull cable attached to the lock itself so now all I have to do is pop the grill off and pull the cable I made and BAM! it opens.

[@geary2]

Thanks for putting this up. The drivers side interior hood release is broken on my 530 xi. Ill put to use your video tomorrow. Your right on with the situation also, I have to fill my expansion tank with water.

[@1BMWdrvr1]

I've just watched a couple of your e46 etc. videos, trying to get inspired to take my 330 out and go for a drive. I just want you to know how impressed I am, that you are helping folks like this... I hope, and I know, it will come back to you when you least expect it. You are an example of what's "right" on the internet, really in our world. Well, it's starting to rain, so maybe tomorrow or Monday... I am old enough to say this... I am proud of you... Regards.

[@mikeb2496]

Nathan this video saved me big time! Just installed a new cable and soaked my latches for 2 weeks in oil. Put the new hood on and it was stuck even with new parts. The different hood pins were not lined up with my latches. By pulling the cables it gave it that lil bit needed to release. Thank you +100

[@brentrhodes3529]

Any explanation to why the passenger side goes down and gets tighter when you pull the latch to open it?? Its happening more and more often now.

[@Jake6680]

This video saved my bacon, thank you 🙏🏼

[@geoh7777]

Other guys show in their vids how to remove the drivers side yellow turn signal light unit so that you can reach in and grab the cable housing and pull on it. It is located up, but not very far in, so you would have to reach up to get it.

[@markmunafo225]

How are you supposed to pop the drivers side grill out from the inside to release the latch if the hood is closed because the cable is broken??? Duh…

[@Genecuellar]

While the hood is shut how do you manage to get the front grill out without damaging it in order to open the hood by a broken cable or latch?

[@brandongrant408]

Great video but how do you get the grill out when the hood is closed

[@plaguedblood]

Thanks man. It was getting pissed off and mad about it. Same issue here. Broke at the handle. You got my hood open. Thanks for the info.

[@ivannatasius3018]

Helo sir i want to ask u how about to open hood e36 m40 my cable stuck wont open the hood cause it's broken in the midle. Would u please give the solution to opened. Thanks

[@oldnickdonaldsfarm9720]

Easiest method of all to release the hood mechanism on the driver's side, is locate the unlock mechanism that he shows and uses a curved flathead to unlock. Instead feel the unlock mechanism with your middle finger to locate it, then put a leather glove on and push on the flange that he uses the screwdriver on with your gloved middle finger instead. It is fairly hard to do, but will unlock it easier than using the flathead if you don't have a curved flathead. If you're really tough, you might be able to do it without a glove on with your bare finger. Also first check to see if it is broken at the lever in the car. If it is, but you can't find the broken end, remove the panel above the foot controls and then pull the cable out, and use a vise grip to pull on the broken cable.

[@tommytran5962]

My pull release on my 03 X5 just snapped. I can see that it snapped at the handle inside the car. I will try your method of using a vise grip and pulling, hopefully it works.

[@AnthonnyAndria]

Your comment is more usefull than all the 3 or 4 videos of Nathan trying to explain how the mecanism works...

[@edwardforgacs4172]

If you're unlucky enough to have the cable break or the junction box come apart, good luck getting this done in 30 HOURS. Suggesting it can be opened in 30 seconds is patently ridiculous. There's a reason he doesn't show you how to do that in situ, I am still not sure if it's even possible. I spent over an hour looking for the tabs to open without any success. Just to confirm - I could not even SEE the tabs, to pull the latch on the driver side cable, let alone open them.

[@kiwiwifi]

Hi Nathan any advice for getting the hood open for is unfortunates who have an E46?

[@davidswoopejr.6814]

Thank you! Your knowledge and teaching saved me money and time!

[@Peace_ishappiness]

Will this method work on a, 2002 BMW X5.?

[@renatederuiter-starmans4633]

Hello, can you show which tool(s) you've used PLEASE?

[@michaelblunt3119]

I used this video to open my hood after the bowden cable broke from the handle too. It is accurate and you just have to pay special attention to the bottom of the lock and where the two cables meet. That's where you have to concentrate your efforts to hook your pliers and pull the latches open. If the cable breaks in between the two latches, then you'll have to do the same technique with the other latch if there's enough clearance. Maybe also try to fish for the remaining cable and pull it.

[@thinklikeido]

So am I supposed to take out the driver's side kidney grill before the cable snaps ?

[@mikeb2496]

Works for the e36, popped blinker light out and the right kidney grill. Pulled on the center cable it popes the left latch, pulled behind the marker and it released the right latch

[@helderbastos4311]

Nathan, I don't knowhow to thank you man... done in 10 seconds. thanks a lot.

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Just send over $10,000 to my PayPal link on my main page and we will call it even lol

[@helderbastos4311]

done... lol Thanks again mate.

[@kbam1329]

thanks man for making this as easy as it should be. YOUR THE MAN!!!!!

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

No problem happy it helped

[@goawayson3156]

My man Nate. Shits been stuck (driver) for weeks. You just schooled me and I did it 2 secs, of course after feeling around for a min and learning what's there. Short flat head is all you need.... BOOM.

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

+GoAway Son better than bending the hood like the one video on here lol

[@sheldonbond9990]

Does this apply to a '99 328i? I can't seem to find any info for my specific model about this, and I'm desperate for some direction lol. So far, the only info I've seen is to remove the post bolts like you mentioned, and there isn't enough room due to the plastic and radiator fan to get to all of them.

[@pizzellam]

Dude thanks much for the video you save me so much time and energy I actually was able to flip the latch with my finger didn’t even need a screwdriver

[@steviepere1822]

Does e36 and e46 use the same hood latch?

[@danielspeesesr5719]

Know anything on getting my 2008 328xi hood open? Thanks!

[@micahharris1422]

Hi Nathan, how can you open an e46 2004 325i?

[@allanbraxxs]

Thanks buddy I got my hood open because of your vid. you where on point, I live all the way in Barbados and my car is a right hand drive, thanks again good vid

[@Photostudioww]

I guess it take more than 6:45 mins since we didn't see it done in that time. But I see it.👍

[@lowelife22]

How you gonna push it from the backside of its closed?

[@pauljcampbell2997]

Thank you very much. Very helpful.

[@David-ff5qq]

Good video I’m going to try it later on my 04 325

[@stevenmalvasio5639]

Thanks got it open through corner light. Now gotta try to install everything

[@reginafioto3933]

Hi Nathan, I have a European made diesel 530i BMW estate (station wagon) from 2006.The hood release cable works, however the little latch you must manually push down or up at the very tip of the hood in the middle does not work. It won't move at all. Any ideas?

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

+Regina Fioto Alot of the time if you can get the hood open you need to lubricate the mechanism , if the hood will not open then that is a whole different thing.

[@RONZiLLA702]

You saved my life...Hahaha..Great video, if anything, breaking the grill tabs is the only thing that gets damaged. Very informative, all the other videos either break 2 or more parts...I give this 2 thumbs up...Thanks

[@jillstephens1592]

Hi Nathan, why does my 328i 2011 xdrive have blue exhaust smoke just when I pull out and gas it to the floor? Please help

[@herewardpudworthy]

Thanks, this saved me hours of work - much appreciated.

[@jimmymarchisotto8152]

Thanx for the video. My 2000 5 series' hood is stuck. I'm going outside to give your trick a try! Thank you. I'll let you know how it turns out! I've also subscribed to your page.

[@tylervision707maul]

im going to try it on my 1999 bmw 528i

[@amex1997]

hey man, excellent video like always, will this apply to the 2006 750li e66, I have the same problem? let me know thank you

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

I think its the same concept but there probably is more plastic in the way.

[@amex1997]

ok ill give t a try tomorrow. thank you for the responce and video,,,, welllll I tried man, but I failed, the inner fender had no clearance to pull the cable, cost me $1400 at dealer to replace cables and latches,,,,, then I found this link for my 06 750li e66, well im still crying for what I paid,, anyway here is the link for someone else to use,,, but thank you for the encouragement, tahnks www.flickr.com/photos/28107540@N02/3952430408/in/album-72157622449837284/

[@Love-xn1vs]

Nathan's DIY Garage hood won't open on a BMW X3 2008, is it possible the cable is broken, a mechanic wants to charge me $200 to fix the cable is that a fair price.

[@sth801lifestyle]

Would this method work on an e46 '03 330ci convertible?

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

+Isaac Tabile Yes its similar but it might me harder to see the latch

[@rcatank]

I suggest you make more video's on the E39 like this.... a lot of us BMW enthusiast still have their E39's and this issue is very popular - I am almost running into it myself.. but its always nice to see something different than the norm being shown... norm in this case what I have seen and read was to drill your hood... (cringe)

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

+rcatank Lol yes i did see those videos , once i seen there was no good video up thought i would just make one.

[@christopherbrett7]

You always help! Thanks for the content!

[@Sroor90010]

Thanks change the cable from driver side but I don't know the hood now seem it became auto hahaha I can open bonnet without pulling the lever on driver side but the bonnet is heavy so I don't expect it to open like e36 one day long back I forgot to close flip on me and glass broken and bonnet smashed

[@midcalclothing1651]

I exposed the mechanism in my e39 and the plastic won't budge! Is it supposed to be super tough w the cables still attached? It moves maybe 10% :/

[@stevenaudio]

Thank you so much for this video was perfect! Funny you mentioned those things about cutting plastic and we even thought about cutting through the damn hood oh, we did cut a little plastic to get a fat hand underneath and ended up finding that little latch and pushing it with a screwdriver. we almost gave up till we found this video so thank you again!

[@chiptrimble]

Nathan! I'm gonna try this on my 2003 X5 M53- this morning. Hood is stuck closed, Previously..., I had to remove the drivers front tire, unscrew the wheel well covering..., and pull the cable by hand! I do need to know where / how to feed the new cable through the firewall and how to disassemble the 'pull' in the compartment to change the cable out. I ACTUALLY found EACH CABLE for only $6.00 an change plus shipping on line. Perhaps because it is 13 model years old and this stuff is sitting on the shelf and now heavily discounted. $42.00 for the one and $11.00 for the other is the first blush when looking on line. Please help in HOW to change out the actual cables. I'm gonna search your videos to see if you've posted it.... thanks you. I did subscribe.

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

+Chip Trimble First of all thanks for the subscribe, i have not done the video yet but i could just do it today , its just like the latch release if you know how to do it there is nothing to it.

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

+Chip Trimble The hood cable replacement video is up today.

[@chiptrimble]

+Nathan's DIY Garage Thanks. I forayed into it yesterday and got the #11 (diagram), in without removing bumper, just the drivers headlight and it is working well. had to use my cell phone camera to 'shoot' the underside of the latch and fiddle with getting the lead end in, but it worked! :-) thanks!

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

+Chip Trimble good to hear hopefully you won't have to do it again for awhile, did you see my m54 ccv delete videos? And if you have a 4.4l I did a video on how to get the ccv off in less than 1 minute

[@tomasdeak8163]

nice and easy open 540i less than 5 min :)

[@javier24348]

El mejor vídeo ,fue el unico que me ayudó a abrir mi auto,gracias!!

[@Sroor90010]

I fixed it there was a screw driver that prevent the hood from closing now open and close right ;)

[@OBXKarlitos]

You, sir, are the man. Thanks for the vid.

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

+Karl Mohr Thanks for watching, im glad it helped.

[@jerryl6924]

Wow thank you I will try it tomorrow

[@allenadams1487]

Thank you. Your a life saver

[@GoodFebruarian]

How do you open driver seat hood without battery attached

[@manymoney3344]

Thank you you saved my x5 from a ass beating lol

[@jacklynrush8100]

Nathan, just watched your video but I need help replacing hood latch cable on passenger side. It appears that the cable is functioning from the release and driver's side but the passenger side is not working. Can you help me? Dealership wants $700 to fix.

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

+Jacklyn Rush What year and what model do you have?

[@marylandguy301]

Dude wtf. How do u open the hood if its stuck? Clickbait.

[@peteanderson7385]

Worked great! Thanks for the vid!

[@08mcgregory]

Thank you!

[@PAKLAVSMEDIA]

Straight subscribe because of this ! :)

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Lol thanks, this sure beats bending the Hood or cutting things, and it only take 30 seconds to do it, check out the other videos if you are a e39 owner most of my videos right now are e39 e36 e46 and x5 oriented , I have some very good videos coming this weekend so stay tuned .

[@PAKLAVSMEDIA]

Fo'sure man! ;) Nothing necessary at the moment, but I will keep in sight this channel. ;) big thanks ;)

[@jcrc9051]

Darn wish I saw this earlier. Just had this happen on e36. I did the bolt removal method LOL

[@totkev3172]

PLEASE COME DO THIS FOR ME 😭😭😩😭😭😭

[@beckybarca5387]

2002 bmw series 3 325i sedan 4d the hood stuck not opening any solutions how to fix it anyone

[@NDLAP66]

Excellent as always,!

[@armiz5741]

What if your just locked out your car amd the battery is dead ????? What am I gonna do now

[@iulianyulionescu59]

IF YOU ARE LEFT WITHOUT BATTERY ,YOU MUST REMUVE A SIGNAL FROM THE LEFT OR RIGHT WING AND FROM ANOTHER SOURCE TOUCH PLUS ONE SIDE AND MINUS OTHER SIDE,,,🍻

[@ShizzyGaming13]

Thanks so much for the video! Helped me out a bunch!

[@T-Michaels]

Great video. thanks!

[@WickdPerfekT]

Thank you.

[@guritamihai5974]

Very good review. Thank you!

[@brianclough6728]

Excellent work, just got mine open after it's been sat for months. Haha

[@EvieEve16]

Thank you man, you are awesome!!!

[@chelseawaddy5686]

you are a life saver I tried like 20 different ways on KZbin fucked my shit all up and did ur way n like 3min

[@ahkillez64]

Good video

[@blakeequestriansales]

how do you open the hood it its broke.UG

[@16jnajm]

Can you explain or show how to take the kidney grille off with the hood closed?

[@16jnajm]

I also extremely appreciate this video. Thank you in advance.

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

+Jason Najm pull front the bottom jerking slightly, there is a chance you can break it

[@16jnajm]

+Nathan's DIY Garage Okay, thanks. Sucks because I just replaced them.

[@enrique967]

I just did break mine:( You were right again

[@plaguedblood]

Just pull it

[@ChurchOfTheWorld]

Thanks I’ll try it

[@ChurchOfTheWorld]

Well I tried all that; I got the grill out easy just pull; but this one is a 2010 z4 I think different from yours. I pulled the cable: nothing. Couldn’t find the latch at all on the drivers side. Found a latch in the middle I was excitedly pulling but it didn’t pop the hood :(

[@hectorcruz7017]

Can i do my 745 too

[@davidseawell7106]

I have a 2003 BMW X5 and the hood got Jam can get it open the hood release wasn't releasing anything and this video doesn't help it looks easy but it's not that simple

[@lavonnecoxschofield865]

Literally took 30 seconds after watching this video

[@bobdelaplage690]

Thx nathan, worked out fine! Bob belgium

[@PAKLAVSMEDIA]

Perfect man! :) Just what I needed, don't want to fuck up my e39. :) And the best thing is that you've putted it in 10 days ago. Other dumbasses have been fucking their bimmers up. :D

[@alexandercato7400]

Thanks for the video--you helped me out!