The bonnet can't be opened captain, I don't have the powah!

[JustDave]

Morning folks, not sure if this is the right place for this, but it's my first post so forgive me!

Recently picked up a '99 C220 CDI Sport from down near Norwich, and during the 8 hour drive back to Glasgow felt I had definitely made a good choice. It's just excellent!

Anyway, a few days ago the 'you have no screenwash mate...enjoy driving blind' light came on, but when I pulled the bonnet-release lever, it turns out that it's not attached to the cable inside the cabin. I can see the lead hourglass looking thing sticking through, but it just isnt hooked to the lever itself.

I've been having a bit of a search about for a nice how-to on opening the bonnet another way, but was wondering if anyone could provide a proper Idiots Guide for this? (I've read about people jacking the car up, jamming a mop handle under and up, then hitting it with a mallet...sounds a bit overkill though...)

Appreciate any help with this, cheers!

Dave

 

[television]

Why not pull the wire with a pair of pliers, then get a new handle they only cost pence

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...416717.418&CT=F&cat=45H&SID=88&SGR=120&SGN=04

 

[JustDave]

I was thinking of that actually, but didnt want to break it by mistake! Should I get the usual *clunk* when the other handle pops out under the grille? I'll see if the maintenance chap here has some pliers i can borrow... Thanks for the advice!

 

[television]

If you have someone to hold the bonnet down when you try, it will ease the pressure on the cable

 

[JustDave]

You're a hero, just tried it there and it worked a treat. At least now i'll be able to see on the way home! Thanks mate.

 

[kth286]

Is this a car you purchased with your own money ???????

If so, did you not look under the bonnet when you inspected the car ?????????

 

[JustDave]

of course i did, so it's entirely possible that the handle just gave up the ghost a few days ago when i tried to open it then.

 

[television]

They are only plastic and held on with one screw, a little oil would do no harm up front on the lock

 

[JEZ.S320L]

Is this a car you purchased with your own money ???????

If so, did you not look under the bonnet when you inspected the car ?????????

In all honesty, I never looked under the bonnet when I bought my car. What would I be looking for anyway? Yes - there's the engine! Nice. :-D

 

[television]

In all honesty, I never looked under the bonnet when I bought my car. What would I be looking for anyway? Yes - there's the engine! Nice. :-D

And it looks extra nice when the top plastic cover has been polished

 

[JEZ.S320L]

And it looks extra nice when the top plastic cover has been polished

I had VISION though - I bought it with the intention of adding a set of your Very Nice Valve Caps - that did it for me! :lol:

 

[television]

I had VISION though - I bought it with the intention of adding a set of your Very Nice Valve Caps - that did it for me! :lol:

Do take care when undertaking these complicated mods, I spent a long time thinking about it before I did mine