Agree - the videos are excellent.

But one aspect that isn't highlighted in the videos that I saw (but is discussed briefly in one, then only mentioned in the comment sections of the other) is that the usual cause is the cable grommet losing it's grip and falling out of place. Two options - replace with a new cable (shown in the Vehicular DIY youtube video), or zip tie the original cable grommet in position (discussed in the comment section of the trinjaminternational part 2 video).

Pay your dollar, take your choice!

Stephen

I got the hood unlatched, thanks for everyone’s help. I was able to pop out my passenger side grill, which made this a lot easier.

The cable is worn, and fell out when I was re-assembling the center bar that resides over the radiator. Will be replacing that section of cable.

Fun follow up. I managed to knock my cable off doing exactly the same thing and found my post how to get in. The video mentioned above had some good tips but it's pre facelift so I think my photos above will prob be more useful for me. I need to get a rod.

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More photos to come but I got in and developed a very easy method to open both latches. I will make a new how-to thread showing exactly where to poke a slightly bent rod which anybody with e70 should fabricate and keep in their trunk for emergencies.

A 3/16" steel rod about 15" long with a slight bend at the end and a handle for pushing on the other end I can unpacking within 3-5 seconds. So far with the grills out but will rework with the grill in for my instructional thread.

The cable was not likely worn in the cases where it fell out from pushing on it while r&r the crossover bar. If you push in on the cable into the latch it will turn and if you push enough to turn 90° it will pop right off by design.

That said, I discovered that my cable is very rusty on the opposite side so I will order a replacement today as well as the secondary latch cable which is even worse.

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A quick preview of the port side latch with rod in place. There's a piece of metal in the latch to show where the latch from the hood will be in the way.