1st time I have seen this problem - W123
 

A fellow stopped me at the gas station today to take a look at my 300D and ask some questions about his own 300D (showing 175k miles). He opened the hood on his car and the body part where the most forward pin on the hinge attaches to it was "bent" and out of round. The hole for the hinge pin to pivot in is bent/distorted. I don't have a clue how that could have happened. I told the fella he needed to get a body shop involved in the repair. The guy said he only paid $1100 for the car and it really did not look that bad. He said the cc and a/c works on the car:).

Hi Jim , that's caused by the hinge pivot seizing, when you go to close the hood the hinge pivots by twisting the hinge and distorting the mounting hole. My turtle has been welded at the mounting hole (by PO) and the hinge is a little twisted.I use Fluid Film lubricant on the hinges and latches , it works great and won't wash out.

A definite sign the owner changes oil frequently and checks the oil level at least once a day ;)

Mine is like that. I bondo-ed it with fiberglass. I think it has to do with build up of leaves, dirt and rust in the hinge area.