Help Can't Open the Bonnet

[PhilR]

I have a 1984 280 CE (W123 series) and would appreciate any advice on how to open the bonnet which has stuck.

The other day when I opened the bonnet the plastic safety catch broke (the one that protrudes through the grill), as a quick fix I attached a cable tie to the release lever inside the bonnet.

I have now tried to open the bonnet and it will not budge.

The cable is fine as is the release catch, I can hear them operate and the bonnet move very slightly to one side but no amount of pulling will release the bonnet from the catch.

As I can no longer see the cable tie I suspect when I last closed the bonnet the cable tie got caught and is trapped in the bonnet lock and is now jamming the bonnet.

So the million dollar question is what do I do now?

I have had one person pull the release catch while two others managed to get their fingers under the edge of the bonnet to pull it up but so far no success and my fear is that the bonnet will bend if pulled too hard.

I assume that I cannot take the grill off without opening the bonnet and I also assume that access from underneath is very limited so I am now wondering if the only option would be to break a couple of the plastic vanes so there is enough space to inset a lever.

Therefore with regards to the lever idea, is there a plate or section on the bonnet near the lock that I can lever against without damaging the surface of the bonnet?

My theory is that if the cable tie has jammed the bonnet then sufficient force will remove it but of course I don't want to damage the bonnet in the process.

To make the problem worse the battery is flat so I can’t take the car to a garage.

Help.

 

[Dec]

This is for a w202 but it might work for you or give you some ideas..

Dec

 

[Xtractorfan]

Have a look thru this thread and see if it helps you,
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=41663&highlight=open+bonnet

 

[television]

We have a 107 post on the forum somewhere, and the owner removed 1 or 2 slats, and replaced the half grill and they can still be bought, and plenty at breakers.

I am sure that there is small gap between the bottom of the rad and apron when looking up from under the car on a 123, its worth a look

 

[Dec]

If the cable release handle inside the car is releasing the lock then the only thing preventing the bonnet from opening is the fail-safe hook.

If someone kept a pull on the cable release handle inside the car while a strong wire hook was inserted in through the grill to attempt to grab the fail-safe hook, if it could be pulled to the right as in picture the bonnet should then be able to rise, there may be some resistance if the cable tie is stuck in the lock as you suggest.

Don’t try to raise the bonnet until you can get the fail-safe hook pulled to the right, a bit of trial and error is required.
Picture is a W202 but yours might work in same way.

Dec

 

[PhilR]

Thank you very much for all of your replies.

The Bonnet is open!!!!

It took four people, one holding back the bonnet release from inside the car, one pulling back the safety catch with a hook and two people pulling the bonnet up from the front.

I can't tell you what a relief it was when the bonnet eventually opened.

The odd thing is so far there is no sign of the cable tie (it was dark) but I did notice remains of the broken safety catch release pull lever so I am now wondering if that is what caused the bonnet to jam.

It was too dark to do anything last night but before I close the bonnet again I will ensure everything is greased and free of plastic bits.

All I need to do now is replace the safety catch release lever does anyone have any suggestions for the best source of parts?

Once again thanks to all.

 

[television]

Have a look thru this thread and see if it helps you,
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=41663&highlight=open+bonnet

You can get a repair kit from MB it will not cost much.

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...006717.400&CT=F&cat=223&SID=88&SGR=120&SGN=04