My pull handle in radiator grill(for opening up the hood) is broken. And I can't open the hood now. On '89 300E, usually you have to pull the handle out to open the hood. Is anybody has an idea to open the hood without the pull handle? Any suggestions will be highly appreciated.
Ling

have you tried needle nose pliers? You might be able to grab what's left of the handle. You might even be able to hook it with a hanger. A new realease handle is less than $10

Nolan

Nolan, thanks for the reply.
The needle nose plier may not be small enought to get in. I can't see the pull handle. I don't know what's like inside without opening the hood.
Ling

If you haven't already, get a flashlight and see if you can look into the grill to see how much of the handle has broken off. This happened a couple months ago on our '91 300E, and we were able to jury rig a wire coat hanger to open the hood. Unbend the hanger, and then take a pair of pliers to bend the last half inch into a hook to slip between the grill crate and catch onto what's left of the handle. (We were lucky in that the handle broke off only halfway in, as opposed to completely) There should be a slot for the hanger to hook onto where the handle forks to attach to the hood latch. The mechanism of the latch is pretty simple - it's basically a hook, attached to the pull handle, and a lip for the hook to catch. The pull handle just pulls the hook clear of the lip so the hood can open vertically.

This took us awhile to figure out, but most of the work is just maneuvering the coat hanger. If the handle has broken off past the fork, then things get a lot harder...

good luck,
anthony

Bill and Anthony,
Thanks a lot for your reply. I will try it. Again, appreciate you guys's time and tips.
Ling

Nolan, Bill & Anthony,
Thanks for your tips. I was able to open the hood following you guys described procedure. You are such a nice people out there.
Ling

where can I get that $10 handle? Mine broke off a coupla months ago. Have a wire that I've been using ever since.

Thanks,

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FrankieZ
84 500SEL EURO 87K
85 300D 267K (and still goin' strong)

I broke my handle also trying to pull the hood up with it (stupid). Went to dealer, paid about 5 bucks, and changed it myself. Theres only a bolt a nut that holds it in. Piece of cake!!

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Agron
1989 300E
Monotoned Smoke Silver
97 Style Replica E420 Rims 205/55/16
Euro Headlights
Clear Corners
20% Tint
12" Sub-enclosure

Does it really save that much weight by having a plastic handle rather than a metal handle? This is one example of dumb engineering.


Car Nut
99 E430 Sport

i have seen people use coat hangers to hook around the back and pull out. hoop this helps

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Dan Younes
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1985 euro 500sel 223k
1986 420sel 86k soon 2 be
1981 300sd 285k sold
1979 240d 298k sold
1983 300sd 272k sold
1989 chrysler 2.2l Turbo
Leabaron 140k
1989 Dodge Carvan Se 295k
1994 S500
(hopefully someday)

Here is the details. Following Anthony detailed description, I was able to open the hood. Today I went to the nearest MB dealer and got that plastic handle. It costs me $3.60, not $10.00 - very reasonable... The plastic package contains the pull handle itself, a special bolt(metal), a metal spacer and a tightening nut. It's easy to install. I made a mistake though the 1st time. Remeber you have to insert the bigger(triangle)end of the handle into the grill from the back of the grill first then link the other end of the handle with the other plastic hook, then start to tighten the nut. The nut is loosening-resistant which is very nice.
I also had to replace the front two yellow turn signal covers(They called it blinker lamp). The passenger side cover just fell off while I was driving. It sounded scary when it hit the rear moving tire. This also blew the turn signal bulb. It looked awful when it's like that. Last night I also played around with the turn signal cover on the driver side and guess what- it broke, too! The plastic clamp was so brittle it broke right off! I was glad to catch this and tonight I fixed them all. The plastic cover cost me $72.00 each and the bulb cost me $1.30 - all got from the dealer. I can't believe this plastic cover costs that much. It's a genuine MB part but is made in Czech Republic.
While I was putting back the pull handle I studied the other hook(made of same plastic) Boy, would it be difficult to open the hood if that one breaks off! I just pray that one won't break.
I don't know how many other parts are like this that need to be repaired or replaced. I got this one('89 300E) just one week! I am prepared for more surprises. But I tell you the car drives so good, it's better than any of the new cars I've ever driven! It's amazing that it's 11 years old.