This video is amazing! It is the only one trick that actually works and solves a big ($500+) problem! I followed the instruction exactly, using a rod to poke around for 20-30 minutes. And, it finally hit on the right spot and the hood latch popped released! I have 2010 BMW X5. Its hood got stuck. After I got it unstuck using this trick, I found that the cable connecting the latch was disconnected! Must be the previous service guy who was the culprit (and now they wanted to charge me man hundreds to get it open and to change to a new set of latch and cable)! I figured out a way to reconnect back and it now works (though not quite perfectly yet). I may still need to take to the dealer to have it reattached properly. In any case, thanks a million for the very nice video! Btw, it does need a lot of patience and trying -- it is a rather small chance hit for every poking -- you need to get to an exact spot without looking and with a constrained maneuvering space.
Yes the cable slips out, a good zip tie actually helps to stop that, I used one to bolster the cable and it’s been fine since the original date of the video 👍🏾
Excellent video. Worked for me X5 E70 2011, I watched others but not as good as yours. For others, keep in mind to push from top to down and dont have to go too deep.
@ trinjaminternational There are several videos showing this technique, but I have to give you kudos for giving the best directions on how to facilitate this. Your instructions are far more clear. Thank you sir!
Very helpful vid, was able to get mine 2013 open-thinner rod and slight bend to right and down jut a bit at the end to go under cover.Man they keep that latch in a very hard place to get to -like a ship in a bottle !
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.
Nice follow-up and having a visual of whats going on inside is a must -I was able to open mine - exactly as shown - with the bend on the cross bar included - this is great- saved me $$$ thank you
Thanks a lot. It works for me too....BMW dealership at @#$&+ they told me that the latches were bad and charging me almost 900 for replacement. I ordered the parts and found out that they, at the dealership, Left the cable for the right latch disconnected. Waooooo..
It's a terrible design and then they charge you for it, a really poor way to treat customers imo. Also the cables slip out sometimes, so a tie strap to secure it is extra peace of mind. Glad it worked for you.
I would suggest using a thinner rod, I bought the one size down from 3/16 which I believe was 1/8. Thicker rods will have trouble dipping into the latch box. There should also be a slight bend near the end to help get into the latch area. Only took me a few minutes. I then unscrewed the latch assembly from the frame by taking out the 2 torx bolts and was able to bring it above the latch box to work on. For mine, the black cable housing had slipped off the latch although the ball end of the cable was correctly attached. The black cable housing had a notch to hold it onto the latch, but it looked like it could easily slip off the notch again so I zip tied it to the latch. Sprayed it with WD40, tested it and reinstalled and works fine now.
Hello, I have a 2013 X5 and I have the same problem. My condenser and plastic next to it seems slightly different even though its still an e70. Does anyone have experience with the new e70 models. I have tried for a few hours to open and so far no luck.
Hi Jorge, the actual hood release is probably stuck because the cable rusts after time so squeezing doesn’t make the last latch move back enough to escape the clasp, facing the car, stand on the right side near the fender with a 12-14 inch screwdriver 🪛, lift the fender so you can see that lever and slide the screwdriver against it and leverage towards the firewall/windshield direction while holding the he hood up until it slips free, you then need to replace the hood release cable, clasp and wire.