The left side latch was so good on my E39 that one day decided not to open anymore .I decided it wasn't worth the money and time to fix it and sold it...well after I bent the hood to gain access to that stubborn latch.
I'm glad yours didn't open and hit the windshield...that would have been expensive..

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2006 X5 4.8is LeMans Blue / creambeige interior
Prod.date: 2006-06-21