Bonnet release Mercedes

[Onne]

Went to open the bonnet tonight. Only one click.
Drivers side latch won't undo.

Any ideas how to get the bonnet open that doesn't involve copious amounts of violence on my freshly resprayed bonnet?

It's a 1990 Merc 300SE W126

Any ideas greatly appreciated!

[john911sc]

You'll have to try get at it from underneath or did you try closing down the side that's opening and getting a friend to lean on the side that's not opening whilst you pull the release at the same time

[Onne]

Hi John,

Yes tried that. Going to put her over a pit to have a look.
Used to feel two bits of resistance, drivers side unlatching first, then the passenger side.

Being a big bonnet there is a bit of flex in it too.

And really don't want to mess up fresh paint!

[john911sc]

You should be able to access it then,was the bonnet off,maybe it's just slightly out of line

[Onne]

Apparently not. But the lights were out/loose, which is just about where the cable is.

Hope it's an easy fix tomorrow!

[Battles]

Two catches?
I do love these over-engineered Benzes.

[Onne]

Yes, one either side of the grille, above the headlight. It does have 4 foot of bonnet to warrant it!

[dubmeister]

Should be able to get to the cable with long nose pliers and pull it through the grille if its snapped ,sacrifice the grille to save the bonnet may be an option but those grilles are better built than most cars lol

[Onne]

Fingers crossed my arms will be long enough to reach it from the back... It feels as if the cable has come out rather than snapped. But I may be completely wrong of course

[Onne]

All sorted now, managed to get to it from underneath, the cable had popped out.