Ugh, did I just break the hood release?
 

I went to pop the hood, and as usual, it's pretty tight. So I give it a good yank, heard something pop, and now I can't open the hood. Any ideas?

Yep, the cable snapped.
When I purchased my vehicle this spring, I noticed it was hard to open the hood. After inspection, the front cables started to fray, had the plastic sheathing broken, and were rusted. Replaced them, and opening the hood went buttery smooth.
To change the cable is actually very easy, but the issue you have is opening the hood without breaking the grill. Here is a solution how to open the hood without breaking the grill. It's for e39, but the mechanism is the same (I have an e39 as well). The only difference is that the opening lever on the e39 is on the passenger side, and the x5 is on the driver's side.
Here is a linky how to prevent premature breaking of the hood release mechanism - again for e39, but very similar with e53.
Here is a linky how to replace the cable (guideline - it's e39) - but on the e53 is much easier, you don't have to remove anything except for the plastic cover of the air intake & radiator cover, then snake in the middle cable above the left headlight to join the front cable.

Yeah, the cable didn't break on the inside... still feels like it has some tension... must have broken at the other end. Thanks... looks like I have a project for this weekend :P

BTW, do I just pry the kidney off?

You will break it. Try to open the hood latch mechanism from the outside as outlined in the first link. If you can't, then you have to break the kidney grill.....

The link says to remove the kidney first... hmm will give it a shot tomorrow. :(

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!

Yuu can get a U curved pick or something and carefully fish for the clips aroung the grill. may take awhile

Just spoke to my cousin's cousin-in-law, who's a mechanic. Going to see him tomorrow and get it open. The repair itself seems easy enough. :)

I know it cost an arm and a leg to have the BM Trouble U service, but now they want a Kidney??? :nanana: