<e28> hood latch woes

[Tom Jarlock <dlions@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have assembled all of the parts and tools to do the shimmy job today.
I surveyed the underside of my car and decided that although I did have
the proper tools, I did not have the time to complete the job.  So I
figured that I would tackle one of the smaller items of my "to-do" list
and adjust the hood release.  I had fixed the hood release on my wifes
minivan and cursed Chrysler the whole afternoon (few months back).  This
was a simple adjustment that I had actually done before so no worries
right?  Wrong!  First I adjusted the hood so that only one side
released.  With some intervention and a couple of long screwdrivers I
was able to put enough tension on the cable to give the latch enough
pull to open the other side.  In my wisdom I further adjusted the cable
so that neither side would open and then snapped the handle off of the
release.  Vaguely remembering my bought with the van I enlisted the vice
grips and pulled the cable manually until the hood released.  A
stressful time indeed.

After figuring I was coming closer to the actual correct adjustment
(another gross overestimate of my automotive accumen) I closed the hood
again but to find that neither side would open and that vice grip
snapped off nearly all of the remaining available cable in the cabin.  I
figured that I am finally screwed and that this has become a dealer or
mechanic challenge.

My ego would be flush if I could repair this myself, no one wants to
drop a pup like this at the shop.  I am confident that there are many
out there that have done the same and will rejoice in the opportunity to
share their stories and fixes with me.

Awaiting your collective wisdom,

Tom Jarlock
CCA#127308
535ia, 162,000 miles
Landshark powered, K&N aspirated

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End of bmw-digest V9 #167
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