It seems like the hood cable is way loose. The hood will not open using the hood release. Is there another way to open the hood???? PLEASE HELP! Car is a 190E 2.6, if that helps. I have tried using a wire with a hook to snag the cable, but it sems like it made the cable more loose with excess play! HELP!!!! I need to look under the hood!

Early warning signs should never be ignored, especially when it comes to accessing the engine. You may have to damage your plastic grill to get the cable to release because MB was good about covering the release mechanism to keep out would be thieves.

Go to the left of the center rib just below the release tongue, take a long screwdriver, use a flashlight, and poke a hole in the plastic cover to get to the release mechanism. You will need to work at it so be patient and you will get it.

I had to do several throughout the years, good luck!

Maybe you can remove the underdash panel and pull on the cable with a pair of pliers?

Hey speedy, good idea. Maybe he can just remove the hood release handle and pull the cable that way.

I was never fortunate enough to have one still be attached to the latch

Have someone push down on the hood while you pull on the cable. The cable stretched because too much pressure was exerted on a poorly adjusted or no grease on the release mechanism. worked for me.
JohnO

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John Olszewski

1982 380 SEL (Euro)
1984 300SD
1986 300E (Euro)
1990 300SL

I got the hood open!!!!! Thanks guys. I used a coat hanger and was able to snag the thing-a-ma-jig that the cable hooks to, pulled on it and then pulled on the hood release a few times and the bee-yew-tiiii-fullll "pop" sound of the hood opening flushed me with joy! I need to do some things under the hood and am waiting for my clear corners, so I put a piece of cardboard so that the hood will remain open. I'll fix the hood release cable/mechanism later. Is there a way to tighten the cable? Thanks guys!

BTW, I did a search, and I was amazed how often this problem is! I guess I am not alone!