BackRoad

I'm looking at 2014 Cabriolets and trying to decide which options are a must at purchase and what could be added later. I found a great car but no LED light package and no leather and wood steering wheel. I just read a heated post on the lights and it's clear it's best to get a car from the factory with that option if you really want it. What about the steering wheel? How hard can it be to replace a leather wheel with the leather/wood one. I know they can do it but I'm wondering how much labor is it really? A local dealer said $1400 for the swap when it's really a $560 option. BTW, I know it sounds petty on the steering wheel but I've had my CLK cabriolet for ten years and wished I had that darn wood wheel. Must be something from my past like the old Alfa.

Fletch

C230Brit

Hi Backroad,

I can't really comment on the lighting, but in regards to the steering wheel, it is relatively easy to change the wheel out - half the battle is usually finding one that is compatible with your car (paddle shifters, etc).

The trend in reading the posts here appears to be to swap out the wooden/leather steering wheel for an all leather AMG version (usually the C63 AMG if I'm not mistaken). Personally, I like the factory wooden/leather one, although I would be tempted to swap for an AMG variant.

Search this forum for many posts / discussions on changing out the steering wheel. Although, if you are ordering a new car, I would think it would be easier to have it pre-installed, depending on the cost...

Hope that helps.

Richard

Jeffy

Our Cab has the wood/leather wheel and the sedan a sport leather wheel. I much prefer the wood/leather wheel. Feels just that much more luxurious and looks very nice.

realestatepro82

I'm a big fan of the wood / leather wheel...

IMO it just takes the cars interior to the next level and makes it look far more luxurious... I'd say if you can afford the option now get it from the factory pre-installed...

BackRoad

Hey thanks for the replies. I'm looking around for a car with the wood steering wheel already there. There seems to be a lot for sale and like you said easier to get it at the purchase. I just need to be patient and shop around a bit. Thanks again.

dtohio

Some thoughts for you. I installed a wood leather wheel on my cl from Ecklers, its top of the line quality. Not to hard to install, I used a tutorial from the cl forum, its helpful. My catalog shoes 2002 clk wheels for 400 to $900. Don't know about ebay wheels and would be skeptical of them. DCTMS in calif redos your wheel, hi quality and they need your wheel. I like My wheel and would do it again. Good hunting.

theteeman

I had the wood| leather. Steering wheel on my 2006 CLK 500 cab now I have all leather on my 2011 E350 cab
I love the look of the wood leather so much better

DanielDuc

wood leather gives it a nice touch! and wood will last forever =)

theteeman

Dan you should have pictures up it sounds nice

BackRoad

OK, you folks talked me into getting a car with the wood steering wheel already there. Much easier and it only added $590 to the price. I just had to send out a bunch of emails to find one. Now everytime I get in the car i wont have to say "Sure wish I had gotten that wood steering wheel". I'm picking up the car tomorrow. Cheers!

DanielDuc

Good job! You'll never regret it. Like everyone say, it gives the car more luxury touch and easy to clean =)

Anttribb

I have the wood steering wheel on mine as well. Love it!

Pennetta

I hated that the wood came with the launch edition, but after I had it awhile I wold order it next time. It does differentiate the interior with a more upgraded look.

jseigler55

The black ash wood trim with the black wood and leather steering wheel transforms the interior! Look at them side by side photos and you will see a huge difference.

laramr

I had an old Alpha as well. Wood for me...

AMJAM

prefer all leather myself the wood no good with sweaty hands or in the heat. I also like spirited driving. That said getting a wood wheel and installing is rather easy if you want to do it