Can't Open My Bonnet :-)

[R60 Mike]

BMW in my opinion have come up with a genious plan.

When to have my car fixed a few weeks ago for a trapped wire,

When to top up the screen wash two days ago and the release button is broken, I think its a great plan so you cant hear how rough the engine really sounds

had to get some one to push down on the bonnet while I pulled the leaver untill it finally undone,

German Enginering at its best

[MiniMpi]

It is very difficult to open the bonnet alright.
I find you have to put your finger very far in on the release catch and then press it and it will open,quite stiff though.
Fergal.

[Paul]

It's an awkward mechanism for sure!

[SteveBrass]

not the easiest I've used.

[CooperS4us]

I want to see how many fingers are going to be trapped around the huge headlight openings when closing the bonnet...

[devaisl]

I did'nt find it awkward to open and me being a girlie and all!!!
But i do find the dipstick for the oil level really daft - its impossible to read the level of oil on it!!

[R60 Mike]

mine usedto be like butter to open, and now the pull catch in the footwell is just broke.

U just pull it and nothing happens

[MiniMpi]

Quote: Originally Posted by aislingf (original)

I did'nt find it awkward to open and me being a girlie and all!!!
But i do find the dipstick for the oil level really daft - its impossible to read the level of oil on it!!

Agree with you there Aisling
Fergal.

[wiggis]

Quote: Originally Posted by R60 Mike (original)

mine usedto be like butter to open, and now the pull catch in the footwell is just broke.

U just pull it and nothing happens

This is most likely because the cable retainer has popped out of the pressed steel bracket just behind where the pull catch is located in the passenger side footwell, and there is now no force being applied to the closing mechanisms under the bonnet.

If you are mechanically minded, it's a simple but fidly 5 minute job to pull off the plastic surround around the pull catch, pop the cable retainer back in the metal bracket, hold the cable in place (to stop it popping out again), and pull the lever to open the bonnet.

Once the bonnet is open, put some grease or engine oil on the cams of the closing mechanisms on the slam plate (where the 'U-bolts' in the bonnet locate when closed). Then snap the plastics back over the pull catch inside the car and congratulate yourself on fixing it.

It got stiffer over time because of simple corrosion/oxidation because MINI didn't lubricate these metal to metal mechanisms. Eventually, they got stiff enough that the force required to operate them got so large that the cable pulled out of the retainer inside the car rather than open the bonnet. While I can see that it's better the cable pop out than the cable snap ...... MINI should take note - please get some oil/grease on these mechanisms whenever an R56 is in for work, or you're gonna get very used to doing the procedure above !!!

Disclaimer : If you try the above and your bonnet flies open at speed or something else bad happens (like your cable snaps), then I will accept no liability for any injuries or damage which may occur to yourself, your property, or any third party. Bottom line - if you try it, you take full and total responsibility. If on the other hand, you try it, and it works a treat for you (as it did for me) and you are feeling grateful and generous, please donate something to Cancer Research.

[mister.t]

Our one is OK. The dipstick is crazy!!! Looks great, but cant read anything!!

[*cooper*]

Hi Guys,

Firstly hello to everyone,

I think this is my first post eventhough I have been watching and reading for 3 years.

My names Andrew, 37, I have a new 57 cooper s (dark silver) after owning a black and white cooper for 2 years before.
My problem is I can't find the latch under the bonnet to release the hood.

The button inside is ok and the bonnet lifts up, but I just can't find the latch underneath. is it in the same place as the old 55 cooper, if so it maybe broke (or i may be stupid)becuase I can't feel it. Any ideas from anyone.

Many thanks
Andrew

[ScoobyDoo]

Take no notice of the handbook. Its about a third of the way in from the right. Its right underneath though, so you'll have to do a bit of searching...............

Hello BTW

[DerekH]

Hi Cooper and welcome to mini 2 , yes the bonnet is fun to open mini want to keep us out so the dealer can charge us £100 an hour just to open the bonnet

[msh441]

With the bonnet open, spray some WD40 (or other lubricant) on the two latch pivot points up front. Do this every other month or so and the bonnet open up without any resistance. It'll save you a broken cable or plastic lever down the road. I did this a few months back I haven't had any issues since.

Seems the lubricant they used from the factory dries up pretty quick when subjected to high heat (being right in front of the turbo).