W210, bonnet release pull handle broke

[matei72]

Hi all,

Hopefully this is the right forum location... can anyone advise on how to replace the bonnet release pull handle on a W210? The red plastic part of the handle that holds the cable end broke - a little corner of the plastic snapped off and as such the cable end slid out.

I found a new handle on eBay, removed the old one (one screw), however... I can't seem to get enough cable free of the sleeve in order to put it back in the handle.

I tried pulling on the cable with pliers, however the cable & sleeve pulled out further into the footwell, by about 6 inches!

 

[television]

You fit it with the bonnet open and you will have enough spare to get it in the handle

 

[matei72]

Ah... makes sense.

How do I get it open like this? Sorry to ask a basic question, but I have the mechanic aptitude of a pigeon. ;-)

Do I grasp the sleeve and then pull on the cable with a clamp or something?

 

[television]

That is just what you do it may be easier if you have someone pushing down the bonnet while you pull the cable.

I knocked my handle off today and had to refit it as you will