CJG

Hello everyone. I'm new to the group and new to Mercedes.
I recently purchased a 2014 C300. The steering wheel convenience feature locked up a couple of times and I had to use the control lever to manually move it. Once I did this the raising/lowering feature worked again.
When I disable the feature, however, there is still a "clunk". As if the motor is still trying to lift/lower the wheel, but is physically blocked from doing so.
Is this normal? In my Lexus disabling the feature literally cuts power to the motor.
Thanks in advance.
I should add I've been browsing your forum for several weeks prior to joining. There's a lot of great information here and I hope to contribute as much as possible as time goes on and I gain a familiarity with the vehicle.

michail71

Once you disable that it shouldn't move or make any sound.

Are you sure it's not the electronic steering lock? That clunks with the key insertion. I'm not sure when that would happen if you had the keyless system.

CJG

No, I'm not sure. But it appears to be related to the convenience feature. Am I wrong? Is there always a clunk?
The clunk seems to be a bit quieter when the convenience feature is activated, which led me to believe it was hitting a physical barrier of some when it was deactivated.

michail71

Do you have a push button start or do insert the key? I only ask because I'm not aware of then the wheel unlocks in the keyless setup. But it is normal for the ESL to make a clunk from the steering wheel column when it unlocks.

CJG

Mine is keyed. So, does this simply keep the wheel from turning? In case of theft?

michail71

Yes, it is an anti-theft wheel locking device. It makes a clunk when the key goes in or out.

It's one of the things on the car that can sometimes fail. But I'm not sure if it is a concern on the later models. Threads on ESL failures pop up from time to time.

CJG

Thanks. I'm still concerned the the convenience raise/lower feature locked up a couple of times, but at least I know the clunk is not related.

michail71

Do you have any factory warranty left? That might be worth having them take a look at if so.

CJG

YEs, I'm still under warranty and will take it in. It's just a little concerning that it acting up.
Was curious if others had the same issue.

michail71

Good luck! Any time a car acts up under warranty I'm usually somewhat relived.