Fitting the engine compartment hood (BMW 3 Series E36)

Caution: The cable connecting both the hood locks of the engine compartment must be adjusted without any play. The cable sheath must be fully inserted into the guide in the lock. Otherwise, when the hood cable is activated, the cable will slip in the guide, which may prevent the lock from opening.

Adjusting the cable

Remove the BMW kidney emblem.

Disconnect the cable in the places above the holes for the decorative grille clamps.



Adjust the cable with the adjusting device so that it has no play. For clarity, the cable and locks are shown in the removed position in the figure.

Install decorative grille.

Fitting the hood on the sides

Loosen bolts "3" and "4" of the left and right hood hinges.

Align the engine compartment hood with the front fenders on the sides and in front.

Note: If the adjustment range is not sufficient, loosen the hood hinge mounting bolts on the body and move the hinges relative to the body.

Tighten the hinge bolts.



Loosen both locking pin bolts.

Close the hood several times to allow the locks to center.

Caution: Do not close the hood until it latches.

Tighten the locking pin bolts.

Adjusting the height of the front engine compartment hood

Loosen lock nut "1" and turn locking pin "2".

By screwing the locking pin in and out, adjust the height of the engine compartment hood so that it is located approximately at the level of the front fenders. At the same time, parallel clearance should be ensured in relation to the front trim.

Tighten the lock nut.

Check how the locks and the locking hook close and, if necessary, repeat the adjustment.