When we were growing up, one of the coolest features we liked on older Mercedes-Benz models was seeing how their engine hoods would open straight up, allowing you to check out the beautiful straight sixes and V8s underneath in all their glory.
It is actually a unique trait for Mercedes-Benz cars going back to the 1970s and, to our knowledge, it hasn't been copied by other car manufacturers over the years, like many other Stuttgart innovations have.
Obviously, the hood-opening design wasn't necessarily created to offer a better view of the engine but to ease the mechanic's work on the powerplant, without the need to hire a contortionist to fit under the open hood.
The funny bit is the fact that many, if not even most, Mercedes-Benz owners have no idea that their cars' hoods can actually do that.
Thankfully, the following DIY video provides a rather exhaustive explanation on how to make the hood of a Bruno Sacco-designed E-Class C124 coupe rise up in a vertical position like oppening wide for a doctor's appointment. Other models from the era will have a similar system.
Obviously, the hood-opening design wasn't necessarily created to offer a better view of the engine but to ease the mechanic's work on the powerplant, without the need to hire a contortionist to fit under the open hood.
The funny bit is the fact that many, if not even most, Mercedes-Benz owners have no idea that their cars' hoods can actually do that.
Thankfully, the following DIY video provides a rather exhaustive explanation on how to make the hood of a Bruno Sacco-designed E-Class C124 coupe rise up in a vertical position like oppening wide for a doctor's appointment. Other models from the era will have a similar system.