Bonnet release handle

[pablo2696]

Hi all,

I couple of days ago my bonnet release handle broke so I replaced it. However, it doesn’t feel quite right and sometimes the handle gets stuck and doesn’t come out when I pull the release lever inside the car.

I honestly didn’t pay attention to how the previous handle was installed when I removed it and that was my mistake. Can anyone tell me if the handle is installed properly?

thank you!

 

[luckymike]

Here's mine from our '95 E420. Looks like yours. Did you maybe tighten the nut too much, causing drag? Missing or incorrectly installed spring?

 

[gerryvz]

The Mikester is correct ... you can't tighten the bolt down, or else it can't overcome the spring pressure and retract. I bet if you loosen the bolt a bit at the lever attachment, it'll work. You have it the correct orientation (correct side up), as well, right?

 

[gsxr]

Unrelated observation... your hood is missing the foam piece that goes across the front, right behind the latch. That foam is NLA, unfortunately...

 

[LWB250]

The Mikester is correct ... you can't tighten the bolt down, or else it can't overcome the spring pressure and retract. I bet if you loosen the bolt a bit at the lever attachment, it'll work. You have it the correct orientation (correct side up), as well, right?

I thought this is a shoulder bolt that even if you did tighten it there wouldn't be any pressure on the handle?

Dan

 

[gerryvz]

I noticed the missing center foam piece too ... but didn't want to say anything

I have always left the hood release lever bolt loose.

 

[pablo2696]

Thank you all for your input!

As you all mentioned, it was the bolt. The bolt was too tight for the handle to be used without any difficulties. Now it is loose and its working perfectly

As for the center foam piece, is it a part used on all w124 or only 500E/E500? Maybe I can find it used from another w124...

 

[gerryvz]

As for the center foam piece, is it a part unique to all w124 or only 500E/E500? Maybe I can find it used from another w124...

If I remember correctly, it is used on all 124s with the automatic climate control system (or A/C). You should definitely be able to find one on another W124, but they are typically pretty fragile if not ripped and shrunk. If you do find one, snag it!

 

[pablo2696]

If I remember correctly, it is used on all 124s with the automatic climate control system (or A/C). You should definitely be able to find one on another W124, but they are typically pretty fragile if not ripped and shrunk. If you do find one, snag it!

In my case, my 500E has no automatic climate control system... is it possible that it just didn't have the foam from the factory?

 

[gsxr]

The same foam piece was used on all 036's. There is no footnote indicating otherwise.

This piece was phased into production somewhere in 1989 or so, and initially was for models with air conditioning, or with automatic climate control (which may have all had AC). But it appears to have become standard on all USA-spec models as of the 1990 facelift. It may have been optional on post-1990 models that were available without AC.

 

[pablo2696]

Thanks y'all for letting me know about the foam piece. I'll try to get it used in good condition.