Quadcammer

The steering of this car seems to be much heavier than the other E classes I've driven. Even at slow speeds, it seems like it takes a lot of effort. On the highway, its heavy as hell. I know its speed sensitive, but damn its heavy.

The steering wheel also doesn't seem to have any sort of return force that forces it back to the center. You literally have to steer it in the direction you need, and then steer it back to the center. It doesn't come back very quickly, if at all on its own.


what the hell is wrong with this thing?

E420SportGT

did you check the power steering fluid reservoir? is there any fluid left?

Quadcammer

ps fluid is totally full.

Quadcammer

ttt

Qamar

I had the same problem with my E 240 1999 model. The steering was very heavy. Before this car i had driven E 320 1995 mode whose steering was very light. To cut it short ultimately the tires were the main culprit. Had to change with the new tires. Now the steering is like a feather. The toe of the car which was to be felt very heavy is now very light. I have changed the new tires with Bridgestone Turonzo. They are very quite and smooth in drive. I have the same in my BMW 1995 V8 530i.
Try in changing tires with one of your friends before going for this expensive deal. If you feel the difference then go for it as soon as possible as worn or wrapped tires finally mess up with the suspension also.

MB AMG

I just had my power steering assembly replaced which included the pump, reservoir, pulley etc...
The problem I had was the steering was LOOSE all the time. Even at highway speeds. My mechanic discovered a leak and replaced it. I got it back and the steering was still loose!! That's was until I took it on the highway and the steering tightened up. At city speeds it's light and on the highway it tight. I'm happy with that.

Oliverk, does your steering seem to be choppy when the engine is cold? I know by what you mean when the steering won't return to it's position. My aunt's W140 is doing this now.

Quadcammer

fwiw, I changed the powersteering fluid and there was no change.

btw, the new fluid should be a gold color correct?

Thats what the dealer gave me.

benz300

I can only tell from experience on the 300E w124 that I had. I took it to sears to have alignment done once and they totally screwed up the specs. the result was quite a heavy steering. Even took greater force to turn at slow speeds etc and the car never felt the same. After repeated visits, I finally gave up and went to the dealer to have it realigned and the steering was back to its normal self. My suggestion is, it wont hurt to have the alignment checked "at the dealer". indies even with the hunter machines know nothing of mercedes / bmw alignments. keep us posted. good luck.
p.s. i noticed u're in NJ. so go to raycatena edison. I've tried others, but their service dept. is great when it comes to knowledge.