I am wondering when the component failures are going to stop. Today went to open the bonnet on my 2001 E53 X5 and entered a no go zone.

After considerable procrastinaation I resolved how to confirm that the bonnet catch actuation cable had broken . Investigation revealed the cable had parted 10mm from the lever actuation cam. Managed to grab the broken cable and got the bonnet open. What would have been the outcome if the inner cable had parted further along the "Bowden Cable".

Could not believe the poor quality of the inner cable, poor material selection installing stainless cable with poor ductility no wonder it failed due to fatigue.

Fix was to cut back the outer sheaf and install 16 gauge multiwire twisted cable which possed good ductility and tensile strength. Took some time to resolve how to connect the cable ends, all fine now repair should see the vehicle reach retirement.

I am disalusioned, BMW spend multiple $ designing a vehicle with the highest safety standards and technological advances yet cant get the simple things correct that provide log term reliabilty. OK this vehicle is nearly 10 years old however it cost in excess of $A100K surely it should provide reliable service for 2 decades other wise 3 vehicles at $A30K are a better proposition.