how easy to change out steering wheel and gear shifter?
 

I am looking at a 2003 CLK500 today that has a pretty used up steering wheel and gear shifter. The car could possibly be gotten for $3500 -4000 but I need to know how much to change these things....negotiation power




any help would be appreciated

Chaz

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...dcf5914693.jpg

Steering wheel removal is fairly easy. There are a few Torx bolts holding the airbag in place. You remove that, then there is a nut holding the steering wheel to the column. Once that's remvoed the steering wheel comes off straight off - no need for a wheel puller:

http://benzbits.com/w209/SteeringWheelAirbag.pdf
http://benzbits.com/w209/SteeringWheel.pdf

As for the shifter, you can probably just fix that. Remove the wood panel (it just pops out) and then use some screws to secure it from behind:

http://benzbits.com/w209/ShiftSurroundRepair.jpg

BTW I have practically brand new steering wheel in exact color, cheap ;)

The inside of the car looks like what my 2004 looked like when I bought it. It was a mess. The steering wheel you need to also find a matching airbag cover as well. The shifter is not hard to find. If you get a wood wheel you need to attempt to match the wood to the rest of the trim. Your seats have the same wear on them as mine too! I thought it was due to going to the beach and all that but it must be common.

BTW, if you're looking to restore you interior just PM be I know coupe of tricks ;)

Make a thread about it. It will be useful to other CLK owners.

I'm going to but a bit later, it's not finished yet :)

Just replaced my steering wheel and i took out the shifter to re wrap it .

1.The steering wheel is easy 2 bolts behind the steering wheel hold the air bag . The bolts don't come out they just loosen it till its the air bag is loose . Make sure you put the steering wheel back to dead center.
2 Now disconnect the negative terminal on the battery
3. Now you can disconnect both connection on the air bag . be careful and use a small flathead .
4. Now you will see a big bolt on the steering wheel . You will need a torque wrench . If its small you need a breaker bar as its on tight . whether tightening or lessening the bolt always make sure your pushing down on the wrench if you go up you can hit the windshield .
5. Don't not turn the clock spring on the column or try to play with it .
6. Use threat locker and torque it down to 100 ft lb and put everything in reverse .

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1. For the shifter get a plastic tool or use your hand and pry under the chrome strip .
2. There is a round plastic nut on the bottom of the shifter. loosen it and it you can remove the shifter