Can't open bonnet

[Maurauth]

W204 Saloon. When I pull the red bonnet release lever the bonnet lifts slightly.

It doesn't raise the full way, but you can squeeze your hand in and reach the latch under the bonnet but when you pull it and try to lift the bonnet it seems stuck on the passengers side somewhere.

I wasn't sure if it was stuck to the grille somehow or if maybe there's a second latch that isn't opening.

Any ideas? It's a Sunday and Bank holiday Monday so I can't get it to a garage until tuesday (and I'm at work) plus I'm taking it to MSL Thursday for suspension and exhaust work so need it to be working 100% for them to do their magic.

Sorry for the repost but I'm really ****ting myself over this, and not getting any responses on here or on the USA forums.

 

[Ted]

Try getting someone to push down repeatedly with both hands on the leading edge of the bonnet as you pull the release lever.

 

[Minz]

Sorry, I have no other advice than to try not to push or pry the bonnet too hard or you may have a bigger problem on your hands if it distorts. Could the cable have stretched or slipped? If you pull the handle, are you able to get some more purchase on the exposed cable to pull it further? Sorry if this is stating the obvious, good luck.

 

[Maurauth]

Thanks guys, tried the whole pulling and pushing, seems like a trip to the stealership tuesday first thing.

 

[p3tchy]

you have 2 bonnet catches I think on those, sounds like it hasn't been greased for a while.

Try a spray of WD40 on the offending catch and the push/pull while pulling the lever gently trick.

 

[clanny]

I'm not sure if my problem is related, perhaps someone might know. My internal bonnet release works fine but once it's been released the bonnet rises an inch or so as usual but the release handle that should pop out through the grill does not appear.

I can stick my fingers in and get a weak grip on it but it seems stuck. Is there and way to solve this? Any advice would be much appreciated.