How do you unlatch the hood of a 1988 300 E Mercades?

Most hood releases consist of a latch tucked under the hood, but above the grill. If you place your fingers under the hood, usually to the right of center, you will feel the latch. You will lift the latch, and the hood should pop open enough to get your fingers under it. Then, it releases fully as you lift the lid.

Two problems can occur on hood releases. One, sometimes the piece of the lever that you should lift up on has broken off. Second, sometimes the piece is there but it wont pop the hood. You could try to release using the safety latch. Or, you could try to pop the hood by placing your hands on the hood, one on each side off center. "bounce" your hands forcefully in a down-up motion and you should hear the hood latch "pop". Use your fingers to try to lift the hood. Sometimes you have to repeat the bouncing motion several times before the hood releases.