So, I know this topic has been brought up before, but it doesnt seem that there is clear answers to it............. and I went ahead and spent money before realllllly investigating how its done .

SO

I got an S hood, and it isn't fitting the way it should. The latch just won't line up right. I can get it to close without the latch on, but it is scraping the bottom of my headlights.

I need help! Is this something that can be fixed, or should I just try to return the hood and never attempt this project again. Im a little frustrated and my fingers are bleeding

 

Adjust the hood hinges

 

Lol, I hope that’s a joke.

I tried for about an hour. Do the ones on the bottom that are attached the car ALSO have to be adjusted? I did the ones that attach to the hood, and I’ve moved them about 30 times. It just doesn’t fit.

My question is has anyone put one on, or just HEARD it’s been done?!

 

Lol just had to make sure!

Do you have pics?

is the hood aftermarket?

Have you adjusted your hood bumpers?
(They twist to go up or down)

does the latch hook location on your new hood match the location of the old one?

Have you tried loosening the latch but not removing it and closing the hood?

Is the bottom latch returning to the open position?

If the hood hood lines up with the body then you only need to adjust the latches.

 

Ill have to take some pictures tomorrow when I get home (ill be walking to work)

Hood is aftermarket, got it on eBay. Everything LOOKS like its going in the same place as the old hood and fitting nice and tightly.

I haven't actually touched the bumpers. Im assuming those are the screws on the hinges?

Thanks for you help!

 

Here's a link to the RealOEM page showing the "bumpers" --- http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=41_1781 it's item 14.

 

Th

 

The bumper is that little rubber **** on the radiator support right at the bottom of this image. It will raise or lower the front of your hood about 1/2-3/4"
there is one on each side.

 

I should clarify the drivers side bumper is exactly in the bottom center of that image.

 

The upper hoop that the hood latches bolt to is different between Cooper and Cooper S, you'll need the S upper hoop as well, after that it shouldn't be a problem.

 

The hood, grille, grille upper and lower chrome trim and the lock bridge are different between the non "S" and the "S" that any of these could be causing the problem. There may be more than that but that's all I look at.

 

Nice info since I want a S hood to my Cooper Base

 

Alright ill keep you posted, my cars currently at the body shop being "fitted" for this hood. Ill let you know what they had to do to get it to fit.... they told me they would inform me if they needed to buy new latches/ hinges/ or any other part other than my OEM **** thats already on...... no calls yet and its been two days.

 

Could it be that the difference is given because it is an aftermarket hood?
Maybe it is not a plug &play task on the S model either.

I was looking at some used S OEM hoods on eBay and the position for the lock bridge/latches bolt seems to be the same where they are in my base model hood.
But I don´t know what is the difference in size. Maybe there is less tan 0.5 in in difference and I can't see it until trying to install it...

 

OK

So I just got my car back from the body shop. Funny enough, no new hinges, latches or hooks were needed. So, it did just fit with a lot of professional adjustments.




Before 1



Before 2



Finished product (without trim pieces (missing parking lights))



Finished product (without trim pieces (missing parking lights))

While the hood was sitting in my living room, the light was hitting it just right to reveal two symmetrical dents above the scoop. They LOOKED like dents/ LOOK like they should be there. After receiving my car and looking it over, they called to inform me that the dents were caused by some brace put on during production. I left them them, they give it that custom look ;-)

 

Thanks for sharing the final result and glad to hear that it is finally fitted in you car!
Enjoy your new great look !