Just paid £80 to get the bonnet open on my 06 estate - bonnet release cable had broken.
Went to a VW independent after main dealer told me they would have to smash the grille to get in.
Independent removed the front panel under the bumper, reached up between grille and radiator and pulled the bonnet release cable - replaced both cables (the release is 2 cables joined together) - no damage to vehicle!
How to open passat bonnet if cable broken
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