Buy Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Hood Latch

Snapshot

Mercedes-Benz CLS550 owners count on a sturdy hood latch (also called a bonnet catch, hood lock, or hood latch assembly) to keep the hood shut at highway speeds and to pop it open for service. A healthy latch protects your view of the road, guards engine parts from the weather, and ties into the car's crash-safety design.

## New Section: How It Works

The latch is a small steel pawl that locks onto a striker pin fixed to the hood. A cable running to the driver-side footwell handle pulls the pawl back so the hood rises a few inches; a spring-loaded **secondary safety catch** must then be lifted by hand before the hood swings fully open, a two-step design required by federal law to stop accidental fly-ups. ([OneMonroe], [NHTSA])

## New Section: Fitment Basics

The CLS550 used two body codes: W219 (2006-2011) and W218 (2012-2018). Both use a dual-latch design with left- and right-hand mechanisms tied together by a center release cable. The striker and safety catch dimensions stayed the same across 4-door Coupé and Shooting Brake variants, so one latch kit usually fits all model years, but always match the last eight digits of your VIN to be certain. ([Mercedes-Benz], [Standard])

## New Section: Warning Signs

* Hood won't close or bounces back up on first slam. ([NAPA Blog])

* Interior release handle feels loose, stiff, or pulls with no resistance. ([Bob Is The Oil Guy])

* "Hood open" dash light stays on even when shut, pointing to a mis-adjusted latch sensor. ([RepairPal.com])

* Rattling from the front edge of the bonnet at speed, showing the striker is no longer centered. ([Hillside Auto Repair])

## New Section: Maintenance Tips

1. Clean: Flush old grease and grit with a mild degreaser, then dry with compressed air. ([Detailing Bliss])

2. Lubricate: Apply a light coat of white lithium or dry-film graphite on the latch teeth and the cable every 6 months. ([Family Handyman], [Bob Is The Oil Guy])

3. Inspect: Check that the secondary catch snaps back when you let it go; a sticky catch is the #1 reason for hood recalls. ([NHTSA Static])

## New Section: Installation Steps

* Disconnect the hood release cable from the interior handle.

* Unbolt the failed latch (Torx E10 for W218) and note shim positions.

* Seat the new latch; torque to 10 N·m to avoid misalignment.

* Re-attach the cable and adjust until the interior handle has 3-5 mm free play.

* Test: Close hood to first catch, tug upward, then press down to full lock. ([jawedmetal.com], [Mercedes-Benz Classic Center])

## New Section: Safety & Recalls

A hood flying open can block all forward vision in under 0.3 s. NHTSA campaigns such as 22V-640 (GM), 24V-554 (Tesla), and 22V-420 (Nissan) name corroded or loose latches as the root cause. While no CLS550-specific campaign exists, Mercedes warns that driving with an unlocked bonnet "may block your view" and should never be done. ([NHTSA Static], [NHTSA Static], [NHTSA Static], [Mercedes-Benz])

## New Section: Related Parts

| Part | Purpose | Typical service life | |

| ------------------- | ------------------------------ | -------------------- | ---------------- |

| Hood release cable | Links handle to latch pawl | 10 years | |

| Safety catch spring | Holds secondary catch in place | 8-10 years | |

| Striker pin | Guides latch jaws | Lifetime unless bent | |

| Hood switch | Tells BCM the hood is closed | 5-10 years | |

| Rubber stops | Set panel height | Inspect yearly | ([Standard]) |

## New Section: Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What does the hood latch do on a CLS550?**

**A:** It locks the hood, stops it from lifting in the wind, and releases it in two steps for safe servicing. ([OneMonroe])

**Q: How can I tell if my latch is failing?**

A loose interior handle, a hood that pops up while driving, or warning lights are common clues. ([NAPA Blog])

**Q: Which CLS model years share the same latch?**

All U.S.-market CLS550 sedans and Shooting Brakes from 2006-2018 share one dual-latch design; verify with your VIN. ([Mercedes-Benz])

**Q: Is it safe to drive with a broken latch?**

No. A failed primary and secondary catch can let the hood swing up and block your view, risking a crash. ([NHTSA Static])

**Q: How often should I lubricate the latch?**

Clean and grease twice a year or after every salt-season if you live in a snowy area. ([Family Handyman])

**Q: What lubricant works best?**

White lithium or dry graphite keeps the mechanism slippery without trapping dirt. ([Bob Is The Oil Guy])

**Q: Can I replace it at home?**

Yes-basic Torx sockets, needle-nose pliers, and a trim tool are enough for most DIYers. ([jawedmetal.com])

**Q: Do I need to realign the hood afterward?**

Check panel gaps; adjust rubber bump-stops in or out until the hood sits flush on all edges. ([support.i-car.com])

**Q: What tools are required?**

Torx E10 driver, 3/8-in ratchet, flat pick, and a flashlight. ([Mercedes-Benz Classic Center])

**Q: What is the secondary safety catch?**

A spring-loaded lever you lift by hand; it's a backup lock mandated by safety rules. ([NHTSA])

**Q: Will a new latch affect my alarm?**

Only if your car uses a hood-ajar switch; transfer the old switch to the new latch to avoid false alarms. ([RepairPal.com])

**Q: Are there Mercedes recalls on hood latches?**

No current CLS-specific recall, but Daimler has recalled other models and vans for loose hood catches. ([RepairPal.com])

**Q: Where is the release handle?**

Look under the driver-side dash near the kick panel; pull once to pop the hood. ([YouTube])

**Q: Why does the hood still pop up after replacement?**

Cable tension may be too tight or striker misaligned; loosen bolts, center the striker, retighten, and test. ([Hillside Auto Repair])

```

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