Does any one know how to open the hood on a 1987 300e if the latch doesn't release

There is a release cable that is attatched to the red releas handle on the drivers under dash panel. You can grab that cable with needle nose pliers to release the hood to the first detent if the handle or cable is broken. There is a secondary release mechanism(called a hood tongue) which routes through the grille where the rectangular slot is once the hood is popped up with the release handle.you can grab the rest of the broken hood tongue with needle nose pliers and pull it out to completly release the hood from the saftey catch. If it is completely broken you can take a long screw driver and push the saftey catch( i beleive to the right) and the hood should be able to open all the way up. Both the hood tongue and the cable(securing portion at release handle) are common failures and break over the years.if it is at the release handle you are having a problem-get a #2 phillips screw driver and remove the release handle to gain access to the loose cable. I hope I have been helpful