The hood release is inside the cabin on the driver’s side, in the lower dash/kick panel. Pull the interior lever to pop the hood, then go to the front to release the exterior latch and fully open it.
Inside the cabin: locating the release
Look for the interior hood release lever on the lower dash near the left kick panel. It is typically marked with a hood icon and pulled toward you to pop the hood.
- Seat yourself comfortably in the driver's seat and locate the release lever on the left side of the dash, just above the footwell.
- Pull the lever firmly toward you. You should hear a pop as the primary latch releases.
- Return to the front of the car to access the exterior latch.
With the interior release engaged, you are ready to access the exterior latch to finish opening the hood.
Exterior latch and opening the hood
After the interior release, stand in front of the vehicle to access the secondary latch under the hood edge at the center.
- Feel for the secondary latch located along the center front edge of the hood, just behind the grille area.
- Move or lift the latch to release it; the hood should pop up slightly.
- Lift the hood with both hands and secure it on its hydraulic supports (most modern C300s) or on a prop rod if your model uses one.
Modern C300s are commonly equipped with hydraulic struts to hold the hood open, reducing the need for a prop rod. Always ensure the hood is securely supported before performing any maintenance.
Model-year considerations
For Mercedes C300 models in the W205 (2015–2021) and the newer W206 (2022–present) generations, the basic location of the interior hood release and the exterior latch procedure are consistent. Some minor latch designs may vary by trim or year, but the two-step process remains the same.
Summary
In short, the hood release on a Mercedes C300 is located inside the car on the driver's side dash. Pull the interior lever to pop the hood, then go to the front to release the exterior latch and lift the hood, which is typically supported by hydraulic struts in modern models. Always ensure the hood is secure before starting work.