when i bought the car the hood was not popping up. i thought it was normal until i went to a bmw specialist where we checked another e30 to swap fuel pump relays. i was impressed by the way the hood just pops out!! haha
so i just greased the hinges on both side. opening and closing the hood a couple times helped the grease get everywhere. the cable can be lubricated as well i guess, mine didnt need that