Since the original how to thread lost it pictures, I decided to do another one since I upgraded mine over the weekend. I did not disconnect the battery as the other thread stated. I just placed the key out of range and let the electronics discharge for 30 minutes before attempting.

Here's what you need and how to do it in 15 minutes.

1. Switchblade style torx tool containing a #27 torx bit.
2. #10 hex socket
3. Ratchet
4. 3ft piece of pipe or breaker bar
5. 5/32 hex tool and driver
6. Small screwdriver





Use the 5/32 hex tool and driver to take apart the switchblade torx tool. You will then use only the naked #27 bit. You will see 2 holes in the rear of the steering wheel which hold the entire horn/airbag assembly in place.





Use a small screwdriver, which I forgot to take a picture of, as a lever to turn the #27 torx bit. Remember counter clockwise will loosen it. It's reversed since the bolt is facing you.






Remove both bolts and the airbag will come off easily. It will be held in place by 3 connectors.






Remove the black connector first. Then pop-up the tabs on the green and yellow connectors. Pull the yellow and green connectors straight up and off of the airbag.





You will be left with this:



Using the #10 torx socket and ratchet, loosen the center bolt in the steering wheel. This should be done with two people as the bolt is on there super tight and the steering wheel lock doesn't feel sturdy enough to resist the amount of force needed to break loose the bolt. Have your helper sit in the driver seat and hold the wheel as if he were driving. You, standing to his left, place the pipe over the ratchet handle and loosen the bolt. After the bolt is out, the steering wheel pops straight off with little effort.

Replace with new wheel and install in reverse order.


Here's what you get:






The new wheel feels great in your hands. The wooden part at the top feels thicker in the hand. It's great mod that can be done for relatively little money.


Good luck to those who attempt.

 

Where did you get the new wheel from ?

 

I believe he got it from the classifieds here.

 

Great job! I got to ask though, for a guy that mods his car a lot, what's up with those stock pedals still? Surely you know about the aluminum ones from MB http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/9...ict0272of1.jpg

 

Yeah, I thought about it. My wife's R500 has them, since we got the Saks Edition. I found that the surface area below the black rubber gets dirty very easily. Pretty much the first time you drive the car after walking in the rain. The only way to clean that part is with a Q-tip or something small to get in there. Just seemed like too much of a pain in the *** to me. But I'm running out of things to mod, so I may end up doing it.

What's next? I guess and ECU tune, maybe.

 

Nice! Thanks for the How-to. Where did you get the wood wheel from?

Pete

 

Clay that looks really good, well done

 

BENZ-O. Can yo confirm the wheel is from classifieds?

 

Yep.

Purchased it from the same guy who selling the smoked tail lights for our cars.


https://mbworld.org/forums/classifieds/217841-211-tail-lights-wood-steering-wheel.html

 

I know this is old but is ther a way to straigten the wheel? When I swapped mine out originally, I think I had it over a bit so when I drive striaght, it isn't right......Is there maybe like an arrow or something that says its straight?

 

I know this is an old post but i have a question, which is the VERY FIRST tool that i have to use? the 5/32 hex tool or, the #27 torx bit.

 

Yes, you should be able to adjust it, just a tooth or two, to get ti straight. Mine is....



#27 bit is what you need to remove the airbag.

 

Thank you much for your help.... I replaced the volume control switch.

 

Awesome write up!

 

Hello, I've gotten this far but do not know how to disconnect the black connector. Could any one PLEASE help.....


.

 

NEVER MIND.....GOT IT