Does anybody know if W203 (C240 specifically) uses Steer By Wire technology? I know the latest E (W211) does.

My car steering wheel doesn't seem to return to a straight position whenever I make a slow turn or u-turn, release the steering wheel then accelerate. I have been wondering if it is because Steer By Wire.


Thanks,

 

Neither car has steer by wire.


The following is from the E500 specs on MBUSA:

 

Whats the benefit of steer by wire?

 

It is handled by electronics which actuate electrical components to replicate the job. It is supposed to be more reliable than mechanicle components; less wear and tear, less weight, etc.

 

Last I heard true steer by wire was illegal in the US. MB has been testing it for a few years now in concept cars, replacing the steering wheel with a joystick, but as far as I know in the US a manual connection to the steering linkage is required under law. So no the new E is not at least a true drive by wire system.

 

It is a RWD car, they behave differently compared to FWD which do tend to straighten themselves out.

 

A little more caster in the front end will help the car straighten out when the steering wheel is released. Have the dealer check the alignment.

 

Here is a quote from the Mercedes USA specification site for the C240.

"Steering Rack-and-pinion with power assist and integral hydraulic damper. Turning circle: 35.3 ft/10.76 m curb-to-curb"

Frank

 

i read in a magazine that BMW will probably have steer by wire, must be rel cool though, E just has brake by wire

 

Didn't a member on this board posted that the upcoming S or C class will have "by wire" everything, eg: breaks, steering, throttle?

 

throttle by wire-yes

brake by wire-E Class, SL.

steer by wire-hmmmm....BMW Z4 and new 5Series i guess. its not not really steer by wire, but both dont use hydraulic power steering pumps, instead..theres an electric motor....powering the "power steering" and d 5series has variable gears w/c can adjust the the number of locks during steering at varying speeds(known as active steering).

btw, FYI, the benz A Class has an electric power steering pump. mine died before, and when i opened it, it had microchips in it, i guess....those chips vary the degree of "assist" in the steering according to speed. maybe this is wat you mean.

mb also has "parameter steering option" w/c varies the assist factor.