Z4m bonnet release questions

[skmattwell]

Have been lucky enough to source a Z4M bonnet to fit onto my non-M e85. The fitment is identical but the locking mechanism is different (I knew this already and got the locks/latches with it).

While on non-M's the bonnet locks down with just one licking mechanism in the middle, whereas the Z4M has two latches, one either side near each headlight. There are two holes in the same spot where these latches would go on my car which I hoped would line up, but they don't seem to.

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Wirh this in mind, I have two questions...

Would anyone with an M be kind enough to give me some measurements of where I should drill the new holes to fit these? Or have an idea of how I can ensure the hooks on the bonnet align with these latches on the car?

Also second question, is there any locking mechanism in the middle or is it just the safety lever?

[Mr Tidy]

I'm pretty sure all facelift cars have the bonnet catches on both sides if that makes tracking one down any easier.

There is only the safety catch in the centre, no other mechanism but there are two rubber bump stops, one each side. Part Number B51.24.8.187.291. I paid Verttu Motors £11.83 last November for one.

They look like this.

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[skmattwell]

Ah interesting, didn't know that facelift cars had this too, my 2003 only locks in the middle. Wonder why they changed it

Do the latches on either side sit flush with this part?

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[Umfaan]

You might need a Facelift front Crash panel..as they are ready to go…probably the only way …cheap to buy .

[skmattwell]

You might need a Facelift front Crash panel..as they are ready to go…probably the only way …cheap to buy .

If that were the case I'd just sell the bonnet, as it's more effort than I feel it's worth. Seems overkill for a couple screw holes but you might be right.

My current thinking it to fit the bonnet, push the latches so that they connect to the hooks on the bonnet and lower it until I have a rough idea of where they should sit laterally. I think the harder part will be how they sit vertically, so if anyone could take a photo of how their sits it would be great

[skmattwell]

I'm now actually thinking it might be easier to just relocate the latch into the centre of the new bonnet so it aligns with the mechanism already there.

Is anyone able to take a photo of the front centre of their bonnet from the underside? I'm hoping there's mounting holes there from where the pre-facelift had the hook

[skmattwell]

My suspicions were right, the z4m bonnet does indeed have threads to install the same centre locking system as pre-facelift z4s. No need to faff around with the side locks and installing a new release cable... Happy days!