Mini Countryman Bonnet Release Problem

How to fix Mini Countryman Bonnet Release Problem

[@1HaHu]

Thanks, Michael. Really helpful video. I fixed the problem with my release leaver in no more than a couple of minutes thanks to your instructions!

[@IanRMcAllister]

Great fix-it video, Michael. Read a lot of forums about removing wheels and inner wheel arches, and the fix - thankfully - was a lot, lot easier and quicker on my R56 Cooper. The bonnet is now open, the super glue is now drying - and I agree, bad piece of design. Thank You, Michael!

[@michaelowen1435]

Great, glad it came in handy and saved you a couple of bob.

[@bryanguno]

Van you kink me to the forums?

[@MrOriginalB]

Thanks so much for uploading this video. Saved me loads of stress over the weekend when I couldn't get in to my 57 Cooper, so obviously this is a universal problem with Minis. I thought the lock had broken or the cable had snapped.

[@theroob8591]

Thank you for this video. I was able to fix my bonnet release for my Mini Clubman. It only took 15 minutes. I still need to reconnect the panel, but that's a problem for another day. Thank you again for your help!

[@user-hf5jl5kv8e]

Great video, had the same issue, found this video, utterly perfect. Yes a total swine!!! It's a terrible design, the swing and direction of the mechanism just wants to pull it out of the retaining bracket, a poorly designed part! Great video on resolution, I'm just waiting for the glue to dry. I've tried to find a third party improved bracket, but I couldn't one.

[@arashrezaeian153]

Very helpful video. you saved me. Thank you very much.

[@bliglum]

GREAT vid!!! Thanks so much!!!! I just tried to pop the bonnet on my R56 two door and the release just went limp. Feared the worst. But your vid was the answer! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@shama404]

Same trouble on a 2011 Mini Countryman here in the states thanks will try and see how it works.

[@virtualsolomon]

Stupid cable kept popping out of the channel when I installed a new release lever. As you said "Stupid Design". Put some JB Weld in the channel to hold the thing in there. Appears to be working. Glue? Really? Even a first grader could design something better than that :(

[@brunocerous]

Thank you for this. I went to open my hood/bonnet and found it broken. Now I have hope!

[@geoffwilson6975]

I just bought a mini paceman nice car shame about the bonnet release same problem very poor design I'm going to see if it's possible to drill and tap the bonnet release and fix a small clamp to stop the excuse of a slot from releasing the cable 👍👍👍

[@yvonnelambert8149]

Had the same problem, made a small metal plate and used the hole on the plate on the right to clamp the plate over the fitting for the grommet to stop it popping out, I also used the old superglue!!!

[@kellieb68]

Thank you this is exactly what happened to mine now I know how to fix it. Cheers

[@queenofdiamonds633]

Thank u so much for posting you're video. Helped so much when the cable came free and bonnet wouldn't open.

[@michaelowen1435]

Glad it helped

[@ashishm8413]

Agree with you, it is a lousy system. Cable broke on my mini. This should help me change it out. Thanks!

[@michaelowen1435]

Thanks for the good feedback, guys. Really glad the video was of help and saved you all a couple of bucks.

[@21ShanW]

Thanks for posting this, love my car, but what a dumb problem. Cheers

[@gtfc200]

i popped it back in but it keeps coming out so will now super glue it in. good video

[@chrisedmonds4363]

I too just solved the same issue. Thanks for the video!

[@user-jr3fr1kq3o]

Thank you for posting. Solved my problem.

[@Godotless]

Thank you, useful. Would have liked a view of where the metal thing pops into the plastic pull-latch ... but hopefully that will be clear.

[@michaelowen1435]

From what I can remember I think it is like a bicycle brake lever. Not too difficult. Hope it sorts that out. Rgds

[@jeffreyseaward3783]

Put a cable tie around that it will hold better then glue.... fixed mine too. thanks.

[@franciscosantos3609]

Câble tie ?

[@petervandeven]

Thanks...this video just solved my problem instantly!

[@Charlie4lfc]

I only got my car the other day and when i attempted to check underneath the bonnet the release has almost snapped. It's still on but the wires are out, if that make sense?

[@bryanguno]

Done the same thing to my countryman. But the hood is shut. Even using 2 pliers to pull the wires that has come of from the interior/latch/metal teeth doesn’t work and I can’t open my hood. Can someone help me with this? any other where of getting under the hood to fix it? :(

[@Interknetz]

I assume you have it fixed by now, but for anyone else with the same issue (as I have the same issue!), if your mini has the double junction box thing under the bonnet (check your car model online via images for this) then you'll need a long screwdriver and to get under the car. There's videos on this on what to look for.
The other variant I saw was taking the wheel arch lining out and pushing the cable to the front of the car to release the mechanism on both sides.

[@muffinman2415]

How did you get that bottom panel off

[@Alan619SD]

You just placed super glue on it? Would you recommend anything stronger?

[@michaelowen1435]

it's held since I made the video, but I suppose a dob of araldite rapid might do.

[@toocoded]

Thanks. I will keep this hack in mind if this ever happens to me.

[@ManusMagus]

same problem! How did you get the panel off?

[@michaelowen1435]

The panel pulls off once you've freed it from the door seal. BMW use a lot of different attachments and once you've found them jobs can be pretty simple.

[@weathp]

How’d you get that panel off?

[@michaelowen1435]

If you look down at the comments you'll see you just have to go for it and pull it off, best of luck