Hood release cable, replace, E30

# Hood release cable, replace.

Unlatch hood so that it sits up on its hinge, do not lift hood. |
Remove 3 clips from top edge of plastic grille.(green arrows) Remove 2 screws from lower edge, one inboard by kidney grille, the other out under the low beam light. (blue arrows) |
Pull grille straight out and off headlights |
Remove two 10mm bolts from hood latch. |
Open hood and remove plastic cover behind left headlights by twisting 1/4 turn clips. |
Pull latch out of radiator support with the cable. Turn over and remove plastic cover by prying on locking section (arrowed). |
Disengage cable by pulling outer cable away from latch. Once outer cable is clear, pull inner cable through slot in latch then release, allowing the white cable end to come away from the mechanism. |

#### Non air bag equipped:

Remove three 1/4 turn screws along top edge of panel and one below the steering column |
Pull panel forward and out. Remove chime module from bracket in panel by pulling back tabs. |

#### Air bag equipped:

Remove the four 7 mm hex head screws from bottom edge of trim panel. |
Remove the three Phillips screws securing trim panel to dash. Remove trim panel. |
Pull horizontal panel down and forward. Remove chime module wiring connectors or entire module by spreading the plastic clips securing it to the panel. |
Remove the knee bolster by removing two 10mm bolts on left and three 10mm bolts on right side of bolster. |

#### All:

Remove two 8mm screws from release handle. |
Use a screw driver to push the cable grommet, beside fuse box, into car, pull cable into car. |

### Installation:

Push cable through firewall from inside car. Push grommet into hole then grab with pliers from engine bay and pull through firewall to seat.
The release cable must be fitted entirely before installation of the latch.
Lubricate latch with grease.
Install latch with locating dowel through hole in body between bolts. |

#### Non air bag equipped:

Ensure rear edge of panel locates correctly in bracket on steering column. |

####
Air bag equipped:

Mount bolster first. |
Ensure rear edge of horizontal panel seats in clip on center console. |
Loosely insert the four 7 mm hex head screws through horizontal panel into bolster.
Trim panel is slotted on bottom edge to allow it to be inserted past the screws. Line up trim panel and install screws along upper edge first, tightening the hex screws along bottom edge last. |

E30 M3 Repair Manual V2.7. Copyright ©1999-2001 Koala Motorsport & Brett Anderson