Bonnet latch

Post Mon Mar 16, 2020 3:24 am

Not the most pressing matter, but I'm still getting used to the E30 and I'm curious... when I pull the bonnet release latch, the bonnet pops open with the force of a nuclear explosion. Is this normal?

Post Mon Mar 16, 2020 9:41 am

Yes- the bonnet on mine's like a jack-in-the-box.

Especially if you keep the pivots and latch oiled.

Post Mon Mar 16, 2020 11:06 am

biffer wrote: ↑
Mon Mar 16, 2020 9:41 am
Yes- the bonnet on mine's like a jack-in-the-box.

Especially if you keep the pivots and latch oiled.

Mine doesn't

and I do

Post Mon Mar 16, 2020 2:09 pm

Yep, definitely pops open with some real force. My garage is very tight and I have to be careful not to park too close to the door when I open the bonnet or it is possible for the car to head-butt the door!

Post Mon Mar 16, 2020 3:40 pm

A related question- the gas-strut that keeps the bonnet up-how strong should it be? ie. should it be like the average tailgate-strut and assist when raising and give some resistance when closing bonnet?
Mine is so weak it gives no assistance when opening bonnet and only just manages to keep it fully open-any breeze and strut gives way.

Post Mon Mar 16, 2020 4:05 pm

biffer wrote: ↑
Mon Mar 16, 2020 3:40 pm
A related question- the gas-strut that keeps the bonnet up-how strong should it be? ie. should it be like the average tailgate-strut and assist when raising and give some resistance when closing bonnet?
Mine is so weak it gives no assistance when opening bonnet and only just manages to keep it fully open-any breeze and strut gives way.

Even with a new fully charged strut I wouldn't trust it to keep the bonnet open in windy conditions but the bonnet does open past the pivot point so even with a weak strut it should stay open .They are relatively cheap to buy new so for peace of mind a worth while investment imo

Post Mon Mar 16, 2020 6:33 pm

Well worth getting a new one as it has a lot more resistance. https://www.mister-auto.ie/bonnet-gas-s ... 1988-1991/

Post Mon Mar 16, 2020 9:28 pm

Thanks- will splash out on one.
For last few years have resorted to useing a short plastic sleeve to jam the strut-ram in its extended .open position

Post Tue Mar 17, 2020 4:15 am

Thanks for the responses!

Post Tue Mar 17, 2020 11:25 am

I recently bought a new one from RUN Auto parts here in Australia.
If I recall correctly 350N gas strut - same spec as OE about A$18 to $26 ea.