Sportstick

LOL!! The thrills of photography!! Zoom lens on max wide angle! The subjective impression is that it's somewhere between same size and smaller because the thickness of the wrap makes the interior space within the rim seem shorter across. I actually tilted the wheel up a bit to be able to see the top of the speedo. But, this wheel is definitely much better feeling to grip and manuever!!

Merc-IN-the-Dez

+1

vic viper

In my world the whole idea of having a sportier steering wheel is that its smaller in diameter, its a totally different feel with the C63 wheel compared to the stock diameter.

Sportstick

I get that...I just could not do another $700-$800 for another air bag in addition to the wheel.


And........this one just feels really good in the rim section....thickness, grips, placements of ridges, flattened bottom, and there's the whole appearance issue with perf'ed leather and the ergo design

tanktube67

Looks all right

Derspeed

But did you know that prior to buyiong the C63 wheel? I believe in one of your posts you indicated that you were pleasantly surprised that the C63 wheel has a smaller diameter. Just curious. I have always liked the smaller C63 wheel, because it is smaller.

vic viper

Nope I didnt, but that discovery made me realize how much better a smaller wheel really is.
The feel when driving is totally different.

Peabody

If you're in Europe, you can deal with the company directly here I also have a feeling they will produce one with the Birdseye maple, as they have it on their list of source materials. I've sent an email to their sales department, I'll keep everyone updated.

Merc-IN-the-Dez

Good Job

Azn_C300

It really is the costs of an extra airbag that really kills it for most. This is a good alternative for those who want something a little custom, but don't want to shell out for another airbag. Granted, smaller diameter is very nice though.

Derspeed

Amen. I am sure the standard wheel could be made smaller. If they can flatten the bottom, they can remove some of that area in the top. It's shaped like an egg, so taking out a bit from the top shouldn't hurt.

Sportstick

It might feel better, but if you go back and look at the installed photo again, you can see the view of the instruments doesn't have much more to give away...unless we want even more threads on "How to get out of a speeding ticket"...this time because "I couldn't see the speedo!"

Peabody

Seriously, I'll pay to get a steering wheel with the birdseye maple and the alcantara grips even if it was the same diameter. I couldn't however stomach the price of a new airbag. They asked me to send in a picture of my current wheel and the chassis number of my car yesterday, I'll call them later today to get at least a ballpark quote on it. I'm trying to get a shift knob in the maple and alcantara as well. I think together it will look insanely beautiful. Especially once I get the rest of my leather work done.

I'm going to ask them if they can do it something like this one for the SLK


but maybe with the wood on the bottom as well instead of leather.

alexlev

A little off topic but I am starting to get the feeling that a lot of you guys are extra picky when it comes to modifications . . " It's Too big . . Too thin . . Too sharp . . Not OEM." Seriously?

Derspeed

Yes, really. I used to laugh about everyone changing their headlight bulbs, but now I am looking into it. There is isn't much in the way of aftermarket parts for this car, so we obsess about the stuff that is available.

Peabody

Here's what they've offered to make my wheel look like in wood, what do you guys think?

delirium

needs wood on the bottom too.

vic viper

Looks horrible with flat top

DCTMOTORSPORTS

We have this instock! smaller and stay OEM!

delirium

which car is that from?

DCTMOTORSPORTS

2009 SL63 030 performance package!
you can also see this from SL65 Black series!

DCTMOTORSPORTS

Here is the installation of this wheel

Sportstick

I guess I have a bias at this point, but I turned down the flat top without seeing it...and now am glad I did. The brownish/grayish wood seems not to go well with the black leather to my eyes. The OE wood trim seems blacker.

Azn_C300

Ivan, that smaller wheel, we'd need to get an c63 air bag right? That's the big turn off for me right now and have to consider if it'd be worth it. If what you have in that shape works with a stock non-amg 204 airbag, then we're talking.

Peabody

OK so you all basically had the same reaction I did, I've reiterated three points to them:

1. I would like to keep the top rounded.
2. I want the bottom T in wood where you currently have the flat leather.
3. It's essential that the wood matches the OEM woodgrain, there
should be no brown coloration in the wood at all.

I think this wheel has a lot of potential if they can get this right. They are asking around $725 for the modifications, and I'm trying to negotiate a trade-in on my old wheel after so they don't charge me for the stock parts.