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Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by sunman
Steering rack part no. is
203-460-1300 up to chassis a666024 (check the last digits of your VIN)
203-460-5200 from a555897
Basically first one is for 2001-2004
second one is 2005-2006
To check your ESP, 213 PML may be stamped on the front of it. Check engine bay.
OLD ESP no. are weeded out of EPC but the current ESP modules are
209-545-0832, 0932, 1032 which all support this mod
If you must replace your rack, might as well replace it with this rack and update the ESP module later on. The rack will function as a regular rack if you don't have it wired up.
I just did a little research on this and...OMG, Sunil. I'm convinced that you've got every single person beat as far as how much you've spent on your w203! Now that deserves the ULTIMATE props for the "Love" and "Passion" you put into your car.
Just based on all the OEM modifications you've done over the years alone, I wouldn't be surprised if that amounts to a very luxurious car!
the esp module is in the engine bay. near the drivers headlight. the older and newer part numbers I listed both have speed sensitive steering option. Thanks for all the compliments guys!
option 213 parameter steering...when I modified my C270CDI I thought I didn't need that option and didn't install it at the time but as soon as I drove around with my lowered wagon on 18s I knew I should have added the 213 option as well SO I did the same as sunil did (approx 8 months ago) and added the wiring and relais for the parameter steering (mine is an 01) and swapped the steering rack.
It is the one option I enjoy every single day...BUT as the steering rack itself is rather expensive, it is not something that most people will do unless you find a reasonable priced steering rack (I found a new one at third the price of the dealership).
option 213 parameter steering...when I modified my C270CDI I thought I didn't need that option and didn't install it at the time but as soon as I drove around with my lowered wagon on 18s I knew I should have added the 213 option as well SO I did the same as sunil did (approx 8 months ago) and added the wiring and relais for the parameter steering (mine is an 01) and swapped the steering rack.
It is the one option I enjoy every single day...BUT as the steering rack itself is rather expensive, it is not something that most people will do unless you find a reasonable priced steering rack (I found a new one at third the price of the dealership).
greetingz,
greetingz,
Steve, did I have parameter steering already---code 213?
What's the differences between 203 and 211 steering system?
When you come here is it possible to modify my 211?
back from oblivion!
my daughter bought a 2003 C320 wagon with 83k miles and I have it on my car lift working through the issues tracking down vacuum leaks, installing an android head unit, a few electrical issues etc,, , a few items indicate a shoddy mechanic was molesting it. Anyhoo, one issue is heavy feeling steering, no groans or anything just heavy at low speed compared to my '11 R350, '18 SL450, or '25 GLA , but not anywhere near no power steering and feels great on the interstate. I got under and the rack has a paint pen number on it, like a salvage part, The speed sensitive solenoid has the electrical connector broken off, so figured that was the problem.
but there seems to be no harness for the power steering solenoid plug anywhere!
I checked my ESP module and it is not compatible PN: A 203 545 44 32 so pretty sure I have a speed sensitive rack on a non speed sensitive car. If a get a new steering rack solenoid and the correct esp module, what do I do about the wiring? where can I find a wiring diagram for this mod?
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
80K ish miles and someone replaced the rack? WHY?
I can say that as ,my car got older the steering got stiffer even with some new suspension bits installed.
Then I bouight 'Inga' with only 36K miles (now 43K) and what a difference. So much easier to steer.
Not sure why. but 'Carly' with 263K miles on the Odo is not young lady she once was.
But still using original pump and rack. I turkey baster out the fluid from time to time and put in clean stuff, thats all.
Originally Posted by weeblebiker
back from oblivion!
my daughter bought a 2003 C320 wagon with 83k miles and I have it on my car lift working through the issues tracking down vacuum leaks, installing an android head unit, a few electrical issues etc,, , a few items indicate a shoddy mechanic was molesting it. Anyhoo, one issue is heavy feeling steering, no groans or anything just heavy at low speed compared to my '11 R350, '18 SL450, or '25 GLA , but not anywhere near no power steering and feels great on the interstate. I got under and the rack has a paint pen number on it, like a salvage part, The speed sensitive solenoid has the electrical connector broken off, so figured that was the problem.
but there seems to be no harness for the power steering solenoid plug anywhere!
I checked my ESP module and it is not compatible PN: A 203 545 44 32 so pretty sure I have a speed sensitive rack on a non speed sensitive car. If a get a new steering rack solenoid and the correct esp module, what do I do about the wiring? where can I find a wiring diagram for this mod?
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Jun 18, 2026 at 03:35 PM.
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