how do i replace the hood latch made for the cl grille?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: bay area, CA
'06 E350 Iridium Silver with pano
how do i replace the hood latch made for the cl grille?
how do i replace the hood latch (part that comes out in order to open up the hood)?
I should be getting my cl grille from Jerry of formymercedes tomorrow. he will send me a latch made for that grille. i hear the stock one makes it a little difficult to open the hood because it's short and will hit the back of the grille.
anyone else who bought the same grille can get one from him.
I should be getting my cl grille from Jerry of formymercedes tomorrow. he will send me a latch made for that grille. i hear the stock one makes it a little difficult to open the hood because it's short and will hit the back of the grille.
anyone else who bought the same grille can get one from him.
Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA
2004.5 C320 Sport Sedan (Metallic Pewter 723) & 2005 ML350 Special Edition (Alabaster White 960)
Originally Posted by NO_WUR_E
For those of you who bought the CL grille from Jerry, he has a hood latch specifically for this grille. a lot of you had mentioned that the stock latch is short. the manafacurer sent him several to fix the problem. Jerry is kind enough to send it to you FREE OF CHARGE INCLUDING SHIPPING. I'm just ordering my CL grille and it will be included with it. Although he's never replaced the latch on a W203, he says it should be easy and possibly a pin holding it together.
Thanks Jerry !!!
Mine wasn't really giving me problems, but I want to avoid the techs at my Service Appt from breaking anything, just because they couldn't get the hatch open. So here it is:
I will have my husband (Saprissa) do a play-by-play install with pictures, for you NO_WUR_E, later tonight !
Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA
2004.5 C320 Sport Sedan (Metallic Pewter 723) & 2005 ML350 Special Edition (Alabaster White 960)
Part I
OK.... here's the monster post.
everyone say: "Thank You Saprissa !" :p
ZQ
:p
everyone say: "Thank You Saprissa !" :p
Originally Posted by Saprissa
Many have bought the CL-Style Grill from Jerry for their W203 Sedan. It's a great looking grill:
But some people were having a little problem with the stock hood latch (Part # A203 887 04 27), not protruding all the way through the grill. Like in this picture:
So Jerry, known for his OUTSTANDING customer service has produced a solution for this minor inconvenience. Read posts above, and see pic of new hood latch.
So how to install it ? Glad you asked.... thanks to my wife, who has volunteered me once again, here's a play-by-play a la Vince Scully:
First you need to remove the stock hood latch, pictured in the 2 photos below:
Before you grab a hammer & tap to try to force that pin out, look at the mechanism closely.
You will notice a thin wire that is wrapped (coiled) around the hinge pin, and extends into the hood latch itself to give it leverage, and the other end is bent around a small grooved hole to secure it in place.
You will need to bend that small wire out from that grooved hole. Do not bend so much that you will break it. Just enough to get it out from its secure position. See pic below:
Next:
You will notice a small brass ring around the coiled thin wire wrapped around the hinge pin. With a sharp thin object, you can pry it loose from the hinge pin. It's kinda shaped like a horse-shoe, and it's meant to come off. Be gentle but firm (oxymoron). It will come off. Pics...
Do NOT lose this piece, bend it or warp it. You will need it again later !
OK. With the brass horseshoe clip off the hinge pin, you can now safely slide the stock hood latch, with the coiled wire in between the two sliding holes, out. Like this:
You're halfway done !
But some people were having a little problem with the stock hood latch (Part # A203 887 04 27), not protruding all the way through the grill. Like in this picture:
So Jerry, known for his OUTSTANDING
customer service has produced a solution for this minor inconvenience. Read posts above, and see pic of new hood latch.So how to install it ? Glad you asked.... thanks to my wife, who has volunteered me once again, here's a play-by-play a la Vince Scully:
First you need to remove the stock hood latch, pictured in the 2 photos below:
Before you grab a hammer & tap to try to force that pin out, look at the mechanism closely.
You will notice a thin wire that is wrapped (coiled) around the hinge pin, and extends into the hood latch itself to give it leverage, and the other end is bent around a small grooved hole to secure it in place.
You will need to bend that small wire out from that grooved hole. Do not bend so much that you will break it. Just enough to get it out from its secure position. See pic below:
Next:
You will notice a small brass ring around the coiled thin wire wrapped around the hinge pin. With a sharp thin object, you can pry it loose from the hinge pin. It's kinda shaped like a horse-shoe, and it's meant to come off. Be gentle but firm (oxymoron). It will come off. Pics...
Do NOT lose this piece, bend it or warp it. You will need it again later !
OK. With the brass horseshoe clip off the hinge pin, you can now safely slide the stock hood latch, with the coiled wire in between the two sliding holes, out. Like this:
You're halfway done !
:p
Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA
2004.5 C320 Sport Sedan (Metallic Pewter 723) & 2005 ML350 Special Edition (Alabaster White 960)
Part II
Second Half:
ZQ
:p
Originally Posted by Saprissa
OK, just for comparison between old & new hood latch, here are some pics:
Notice how the new one (bottom one) is longer than the stock one (top)
Also, notice how the new (bottom one) is curved differently, so as to protrude through the grill a bit farther.
Alright, back to work....
With the coiled wire back in between the two sliding holes of the NEW hood latch, go ahead and slide back into the hinge pin. Notice that the side with arrow on the hood latch, will eventually be the top side that you will see, when it protrudes through the grill. Pic:
Now, before moving on, you need to ensure that the new hood latch (because it's longer, remember ? ) is actually inserted into the grill opening.
You may need to slide it out again from the hinge pin, reposition it so that it's in its "working" position, and slide it through the hinge pin again.
Alright, now that you've ensured that it's in the correct position. You need to re-insert the brass horseshoe clip to hold the coiled wire in place. Pics:
Once the brass clip is in, it shoud look identical to when you started. This next pic is not too good, but you should have a good idea by now, how it should be. Make sure the brass clip is inserted all the way and "clipped" in to the hinge pin.
Almost done....
Now using small pliers, twist the loose end of the coiled wire back into the small grooved hole, like it was in the beginning. This will keep the coiled wire, brass clip, and hood latch all in place.
Now when you pop the hood release, the hood latch protrudes farther through your CL-style grill, just like it was designed to be by MB.
This makes it easier to pull out, and lift your hood. Remember to lift your hood from the metal frame, and not using the hood latch or the CL-style grill as leverage. You don't want to break anything ! Final pics:
Labor factor = Easy (& I'm an idiot when it comes to these things! ) ssshhh.... don't tell my wife !
Total time = 15 minutes
Tools = small pliers & a thin pick
Hope this helps !
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
Notice how the new one (bottom one) is longer than the stock one (top)
Also, notice how the new (bottom one) is curved differently, so as to protrude through the grill a bit farther.
Alright, back to work....
With the coiled wire back in between the two sliding holes of the NEW hood latch, go ahead and slide back into the hinge pin. Notice that the side with arrow on the hood latch, will eventually be the top side that you will see, when it protrudes through the grill. Pic:
Now, before moving on, you need to ensure that the new hood latch (because it's longer, remember ? ) is actually inserted into the grill opening.
You may need to slide it out again from the hinge pin, reposition it so that it's in its "working" position, and slide it through the hinge pin again.
Alright, now that you've ensured that it's in the correct position. You need to re-insert the brass horseshoe clip to hold the coiled wire in place. Pics:
Once the brass clip is in, it shoud look identical to when you started. This next pic is not too good, but you should have a good idea by now, how it should be. Make sure the brass clip is inserted all the way and "clipped" in to the hinge pin.
Almost done....
Now using small pliers, twist the loose end of the coiled wire back into the small grooved hole, like it was in the beginning. This will keep the coiled wire, brass clip, and hood latch all in place.
Now when you pop the hood release, the hood latch protrudes farther through your CL-style grill, just like it was designed to be by MB.
This makes it easier to pull out, and lift your hood. Remember to lift your hood from the metal frame, and not using the hood latch or the CL-style grill as leverage. You don't want to break anything ! Final pics:
Labor factor = Easy (& I'm an idiot when it comes to these things! ) ssshhh.... don't tell my wife !
Total time = 15 minutes
Tools = small pliers & a thin pick
Hope this helps !
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
:p
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 653
Likes: 46
From: Twin Cities
Too many to list
Originally Posted by NO_WUR_E
how do i replace the hood latch (part that comes out in order to open up the hood)?
I should be getting my cl grille from Jerry of formymercedes tomorrow. he will send me a latch made for that grille. i hear the stock one makes it a little difficult to open the hood because it's short and will hit the back of the grille.
anyone else who bought the same grille can get one from him.
I should be getting my cl grille from Jerry of formymercedes tomorrow. he will send me a latch made for that grille. i hear the stock one makes it a little difficult to open the hood because it's short and will hit the back of the grille.
anyone else who bought the same grille can get one from him.
Is that new latch free or extra for those who have already bought the grill awhile back?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,605
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From: bay area, CA
'06 E350 Iridium Silver with pano
Hey Carlos,
Those are awesome instruction and pictures. I certainly appreciate the time spent in this monsterous posting. It is certainly helpful. You deserve a x10!
I spoke to Jerry last monday....
For those who bought a CL grille from him, he will mail you the latch for FREE including postage. He is doing this as an act of kindness for his customers. There are many who have complained to him about this problem and this is the solution when he contacted the manafacturer. He actually told me to go ahead and post this notice. I believe he had 20 on hand when he first told me about it.
Those are awesome instruction and pictures. I certainly appreciate the time spent in this monsterous posting. It is certainly helpful. You deserve a
x10!I spoke to Jerry last monday....
For those who bought a CL grille from him, he will mail you the latch for FREE including postage. He is doing this as an act of kindness for his customers. There are many who have complained to him about this problem and this is the solution when he contacted the manafacturer. He actually told me to go ahead and post this notice. I believe he had 20 on hand when he first told me about it.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,498
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From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
Glad to help.
Let me know if the instructions are clear enough,
and how your swap-out turned out !
I did a posting similar to this for my wife,
when I installed her Mercedes-Benz Warning Triangle in her Sedan trunk.
and one, when I swapped out my stock door handles for car color-matched C7 handles on my Coupé.
I gotta do a few more, when I have some time.
- MB Fire Extinguisher install
- IMS install
- Euro rear plate bezel swap-out
- center arm-rest/compartment swap-out
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
Let me know if the instructions are clear enough,
and how your swap-out turned out !
I did a posting similar to this for my wife,
when I installed her Mercedes-Benz Warning Triangle in her Sedan trunk.
and one, when I swapped out my stock door handles for car color-matched C7 handles on my Coupé.
I gotta do a few more, when I have some time.
- MB Fire Extinguisher install
- IMS install
- Euro rear plate bezel swap-out
- center arm-rest/compartment swap-out
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,605
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From: bay area, CA
'06 E350 Iridium Silver with pano
carlos,
i owe it to you. your directions were perfect! i replaced the grill and latch in less than half and hour. i must say that the u-shaped clasp fligned out when i pushed it out. luckily, it flew away from the car. i'll have to buy you a beer if you're ever in the bay area. seriously! thanks again!
i owe it to you. your directions were perfect! i replaced the grill and latch in less than half and hour. i must say that the u-shaped clasp fligned out when i pushed it out. luckily, it flew away from the car. i'll have to buy you a beer if you're ever in the bay area. seriously! thanks again!
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,278
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
Thanks for the excellent write up and pictures Carlos! I did mine this morning in about 10 minutes before taking the car in for service so they wouldn't mangle the grille trying to get the hood open. Only problem I experienced is getting the wire to bend back into place to hold onto the mechanism. I got it so it's "good enough", but any advice on getting it back as good as new?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,498
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From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
Originally Posted by Blake P
Thanks for the excellent write up and pictures Carlos! I did mine this morning in about 10 minutes before taking the car in for service so they wouldn't mangle the grille trying to get the hood open. Only problem I experienced is getting the wire to bend back into place to hold onto the mechanism. I got it so it's "good enough", but any advice on getting it back as good as new?
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
2007 cls63 AMG
Ebay Grills
Hi,
i searched but could not come up with a definitive conclusion, do i have to change the hood latch as well on a 2002 c240 when i change to a cl style grill. If yes is this a mercedes part, whats the part number? Thanks
i searched but could not come up with a definitive conclusion, do i have to change the hood latch as well on a 2002 c240 when i change to a cl style grill. If yes is this a mercedes part, whats the part number? Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,498
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
if you get it from Jerry @ ForMyMercedes.com
ask for the latch extension. It may be included now, but when they first came out, that was one of the main complaints: how the latch would not protrude through all the way.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
Click here to sign up for the Spring ROSE BOWL Mercedes-Benz Meet / May 12th
ask for the latch extension. It may be included now, but when they first came out, that was one of the main complaints: how the latch would not protrude through all the way.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
Click here to sign up for the Spring ROSE BOWL Mercedes-Benz Meet / May 12th
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,498
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
oh yeah....
Look for "ONLY4ZQ"'s thread on the hood latch replacement.
I provided step-by-step instructions with photos / DIY.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
Click here to sign up for the Spring ROSE BOWL Mercedes-Benz Meet / May 12th
Look for "ONLY4ZQ"'s thread on the hood latch replacement.
I provided step-by-step instructions with photos / DIY.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
Click here to sign up for the Spring ROSE BOWL Mercedes-Benz Meet / May 12th
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 176
Likes: 1
From: St. Pete Beach FL
2023 C300w/AMG package
If you buy the right one on ebay it comes with a latch extension. Before you purchase it ask.
here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=112155
here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=112155
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,498
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
MERGED.
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
BTW, is the larger hood latch an OEM MB part? Just wondering if there was a part number for it.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 648
Likes: 5
From: Houston, Texas
2017 G63 AMG, 2019 G550
My extended hood latch that I received from Jerry in the past never worked properly! This prevented me from opening my hood once the CL grill was installed. Anyone want to buy a CL Grill that I purchased from Jerry?
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
04 C230K Sport Sedan
HELP!!! Lost horseshoe clamp for hood latch
So I go to remove the small "c" clamp that holds the latch and spring in place and it flew right down into the engine compartment. I got my latch on and it seems to be ok, but I don't want to chance it cause if it comes loose and falls it's going straight for the fan. Anyone know where i can get a replacement asap???
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,278
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
If you bought it from Jerry @ formymercedes.com I know he used to supply the longer latches free of charge once they were released. Otherwise, I guess it's possible he might still be able to sell you one pretty cheap.
