DZeckhausen

A friend just replaced his totaled 1988 300 TE wagon with a 1994 E320 wagon. He bought the car from a dealer halfway across the country and had it shipped to him in New Jersey. To his horror, he discovered the car does NOT have a telescoping or tilting steering column. Since his old car had telescoping steering, he assumed the new one would have it too. His arms are very long and he cannot find a comfortable seating position in this car. He is so uncomfortable that he's considering selling the car!

I suggested it might be possible to retrofit a telescoping and/or tilting steering column. That's where my question comes in. Was the 1994 E320 made available in the USA with a telescoping and/or tilting steering column?

If it is possible, I'll find the parts (preferably used) to make the conversion. Since his 1994 E320 does not have seat memory, I'm assuming the steering column retrofit won't become a complex wiring nightmare with seat and steering memory module conversions required. On the other hand, his wagon has the M-Btex vinyl interior which might mean that the upscale leather interior model DID come with seat memory, thus complicating this project.

Any help on this feasibility study would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

pifcat2

Hmmm, I would have made that same assumption. I had an '85 European 300E without a telescopic steering column. My ex-'86, '87, and '91 all have telescopic columns. I'll bet they can be adapted without too much mods if he's willing to do the work or pay the price. Another option is to try an aftermarket steering wheel with spacers if he doesn't mind losing the airbag.

DZeckhausen

He has very long arms and short legs. So his goal is to RETRACT the steering wheel as far away from him as possible. The spacer option would place the wheel closer to him.

dlafever

This thing smells like a grey-market car from here (AZ). No seat memory, no telescoping steering wheel and MB-TEX (more common on the earlier 124s) all add up to grey market for me. Are there any DOT conversion labels on the door jambs or upper radiator support?

-D

KyGuy

If I recall correctly, in '94 and '95 MB attempted to hold down costs on the E320. That meant...less features. The "stuff" that went were the telescoping steering wheel and heated seats in the basic model. I think leather was standard but you could 'buy down' to MB-Tex.

cdanschwartz

My 1994 E320 Wagon also has MBTex, no seat memory, and no adjustable steering wheel. However, my owner's manual does show a telescope adjustment, so it was available. You just have to open the moonroof to set up the telescope correctly.

The car also doesn't have a dash light rheostat. It is still a very nice car.

I have been able to adjust the seats to get comfortable. (It does have electric seats - and heated too).

The wheel is actually in a good place, and I don't miss the adjustment.

Tell your friend not to be sad. He should be happy he doesn't need a flu shot.

DadtoChippa

I don't even have the heated seats on my 94 Wagon, but I still love it. The seat adjustments have allowed my long arms to find a comfortable position and still have a clear view of the dash. (this is not always true with my VW Golf)

I have 'pups' so the MBTex can't be beat.

Hope the car works out for your friend.