Riz,

a suggestion...

If the hood release cable still has same amount of tension as when normally operating, I will guess the cable still is connected and works therefore believe the hood latch might have binded-up within the latching mechanism located within the front radiator support section.

Try this: Have a second person pull the release (and hold to "open" position and also try "working" the cable) and you (at same time) at the hood push down and pull up on the hood with the hood safety level pulled (in star) and see if this might get it free. Also, try pulling the safety lever a little further than normal, maybe also binding. Additionally, try the same but also pulling (with reasonable force) on either side (portion that goes down) of the grill area and lift - maybe this will do it. Mine does not release very easily, but when I do this little modification - it releases.

If still no success, i'll take a look at mine, snap some photos or possible access areas and see if i can come up with a solution for you.

I don't want you to have to destroy your grill either, so let me know how this may work for you.

Side question - you have an ML55? If not, where did you get the nice grill (am in the market) and approx. how much $?