sbarsap

Hi Guys,

I just bought an aftermarket steering wheel which will arrive in a few days. Can you please tell me if it's easy to replace the wheel by myself or will I need to take it to a mechanic who has special MB tools? I couldn't find a DIY for a W210.

Also how would I disconnect the battery, should I just disable the positive cable under the hood or do I need to remove the rear seat ot get to the physical battery?

Thanks in advance.

IFlyMB

I love to know how to remove the OEM steering wheel from my '01 E320 as well and replace it with a wood/leather steering wheel.

Thanks in advance for the instructions, guys!

rob_fed

I took my wheel off to fix the loose turn indicator stalk problem.

a. You need to disconnect the NEG or GND wire. No need to remove the rear seat. The is a small rectangle cover in front of the battery, just under the right rear seating position. The rectangle pops off and you can disconnect the battery from there.

b. One the battery is disconnected, you will need an allen wrench to remove the air bag, find the holes at the rear of the steering wheel. Extend the wheel away from the dash.

c. The air bag electrical connector removes very easily from the steering column. Do not force it.

d. The center nut is the the fastener that holds the wheel to the column. Remove the nut counter clockwise. From memory, the wheel slipped off easily, I loosened the nut, then struck the center shaft with a single hammer blow. If it does not, you may need a puller.

e. While the wheel is off, you should tighten turn indicator stalk assembly so it will not slip in the future.

T100T

On my car, 99 e430, a torx wrench an not allen was needed for step (b) above. I used a Craftsman torx wrench however the handle made it too long to fit in between the wheel and the dash. There are two screws holding the airbag and while one side can be below the dash the other side is always above and so you can't unscrew both screws without being able to turn the steering wheel. So what I did was with the battery still connected so I could disengage the steering lock I rotated the steering wheel so one screw was on the low side and then the second. In this way you can remove both screws. Then I disconnected the battery and followed the instructions in the previous post. There are other makes of torx that may make this simpler, or you can cut the handle off the Craftsman wrench.

Peter

sbarsap

I appreciate the replies, I will post pics when done.

stemags

The battery does not need to be removed,but keep the key in your pocket until done.
Extend the wheel all the way rearward before you start work,make sure the wheel is straight so its easier to align new wheel,use the torx wrench and loosen the airbag,the wires disconnect with a little jiggling.Dont use the lock mechanism of the steering wheel to hold it still when you loosen the hex bolt in the center.Have someone else hold the wheel still while you put a cheater bar on the ratchet and hex socket.Pretty easy,good luck.

dan_cobb

What wheel do you have & which one did you get to replace it with?
I'm looking for a replacement (it can be recovered if necessary) that is all leather, better than the one in the car now, so I may be interested in your old wheel if it is available.

sbarsap

I have the OEM Charcoal leather wheel that came with my car. I got the wheel pictured below from ebay.

rob_fed

Per my failing memory, it was a torx screw, but I used a allen head bit. I didn't have the right size torx bit. In a pinch, you can use an allen head in a torx screw, the diameter is smaller and if the fastner is real tight, this may not work.

sbarsap

Thanks for all the replies on the DIY. I did not have the right tools so I stopped by an Indy and he charged me $25.00 to have it installed. I am pleased with the steering.

stemags

Very nice indeed,,,enjoy it,,,looks sweet.

E420SportGT

I need to tighten that indicator stalk thingy...
question,
if I disconnect the battery, will I need to reset the radio with a code or that's not needed?
Thanks

BklynBenz

its a T27 to remove the two holding the airbag and a 10mm Allen to remove the one holding the wheel on

sbarsap

I don't know th eanswer to that however the mechanic who replaced my steering wheel did not disconnect the battery. I think it's just a precautionary measure.

Dema

Nice. I'd love to see bird eye though before jump on the same branch.

dan_cobb

I may just have to change her mind about the wood!

JKA

Hey stemags: where did you get the birdseye wheel?