jim9

On the new to me 2001 clk55 amg, the driver side latch doesn't latch. The arrow on it points outward, while the arrow on the passenger side latch points inward. Do those with working hoods have both arrows pointing inward? Thanks.

insame1

Are you dropping the hood from over 6" or setting it down and pushing?

alexanderfoti

Also check that the release cable hasn't rusted causing the lock to stick. I have had this twice.

jim9

dropping.

GatorMB

I had this on the drivers side for some time. After removing the radiator support for a HE install this problem went away.
Lube the cables latches and if applicable remove the rad support and reinstall noting the hood stop adjustments as well.

Cheers

jim9

A closer inspection seems to show that the striker and latch aren't aligned. I think I should try to adjust the hood striker before the latch, correct?

insame1

yes

jim9

I adjusted the striker plate all the way, then the latch all the way, but they're still not aligned. I removed the striker. It latches and unlatches easily when manually inserted. It seems like I'll need to ream out the striker mounting holes to allow more sideways adjustment. With the striker in the latch, how can I mark the hood or striker to see how much reaming is needed? Perhaps some kind of colored goo on the installed bolts to the hood, or on the mounting surface of the striker in the latch would help, or just ream and fit once or thrice until it aligns. With no vice, and a reaming bit that's probably too large, a lack of proper tools increases the difficulty of my D-I-Y efforts. Also with the months or years of not closing, the hood is bent enough to not lie flat with the striker removed. Perhaps the hinge can be adjusted, or when the latch functions, it'll bend back after more months or years. Is there some easier solution I'm missing?

jim9

I found a friend with a vice and reaming bit. A few test fittings failed to engage. I tried white goo (spackling) on the hood and marked the position with tape, but still no latching. After another few fittings, adjusting by about a mm or less, it finally latched. The hood now fits ok, and the release function is fine. So I finished up with some white lithium grease on the other latch and the hood hinges.

GatorMB

Nice post
After having the bumper covers off of both of my W208. I found a few adjustments to make the body panels and headlights fit better.
well designed car for easy fix.
Happy New year. Cheers