I think there is a way to get the hood open with out breaking anything. If I remember correctly, I read that you can take off the fender well and possibly the bumper. I did a lot of reading when mine broke, but I got lucky as my cable broke on the inside of the car. Breaking something to fix something else doesn't sound right to me........... especially on a Bimmer!

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2001 E53 4.4 Alpine White, Sports Package
2000 E36/7 2.8 5 speed Bright Red w/ a HT!