Bonnet not shutting properly

[RoShamBo]

A couple of months ago I opened the bonnet to top up the coolant but when I closed the bonnet it wouldn't shut down properly - kept "bouncing" up when pushed down.
At first I thought I had left something on the engine cover (perhaps coolant filler cap or something - and that was stopping the bonnet closing) but no all was good.
I secured the bonnet with a bungee and drove to a local garage who took a look and said that the cable that opens the bonnet from the handle in the car was needing grease. They greased it up and all good....until this morning when its doing it again.

Anyone know how to grease the bonnet release cable ? They did it in seconds but I wasn't watching them !

Cheers

Ro.

[X5Sport]

Have you tried spraying the bonnet catch engagement points with light oil or dabbing a bit of LM Grease on them?

Can't remember if there are one or two under the E53 bonnet.

Richard

[RoShamBo]

Hi Richard - will give that a go. Is WD40 ok ? Probably stupid question.

Thanks

Ro.

[X5Sport]

Sort of....it's a releasing/penetrating agent so may dry out quicker than light oil.  At least it should free it up so that you can then use a light oil like 3-in-1 (Ed- other lubricants are available).

Richard

[AVI-8]

I had that problem on my 5 series, WD40 will free it up and get the old grease/dirt out but won't do anything for lubricating, ideally you want some grease on it, and if you can see where the cable connects add some grease on the cable also (the metal part which comes out of the plastic outer sleeve) while someone else is working the bonnet release lever back and forth, that should help

[chrisn7]

Firstly, when you lift the front edge of the bonnet, the black release lever should pop out smartly from between the grille slats. If it doesn't, its probably sticking with grease and dirt. The best solution is to remove the mechanism from the bonnet lid and wash it clean, so the springs can do their job. Refit to ensure the lever cannot catch on the grille slats.

Secondly, and more serious. is that the E53 like other series hides the release cable under that black cross member. Here the bowden cable  is exposed to the air and can corrode unseen, ultimately failing. Its very difficult get at with the bonnet open - I hate to think of the access if the bonnet is stuck in the closed position.

Lubrication should be regular maintenance...any stiffness in the system needs attention pronto.