How to Open the Hood on a 2001 Mercedes S430

1. Open the driver's side door of the Mercedes S430 and locate the hood release lever below the dash and in front of the emergency brake pedal.
2. Grasp the hood release lever and pull it toward you.
3. Locate the hood release handle now protruding from the top of the grille at the front of the vehicle.
4. Pull the hood release handle toward you and simultaneously lift up on the hood.
5. Raise the hood fully. Hydraulic struts support the hood.
6. Close the hood by pulling downward on it until it's lowered approximately 75 percent. Drop the hood, allowing gravity to securely close it. The hood release handle retracts into the grille.