Wood Steering Wheel Upgrade.. Steps
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, CA.
2001 CLK320, 2003 E320
Wood Steering Wheel Upgrade.. Steps
I finally figured out how to change the steering wheel thanks to mbuskuhl . It took about 20 minutes.
Before you begin:
- Move steering wheel all the way out and center
- Keys out
- Remove neg from battery (Optional) *I didn't
*
Tools:
- Torq Wrench
- 10mm Hex Bit
- T27 Torx Bit
- Small flat head screwdriver
Begin by loosening the two torx bolt from the rear of the steering wheel. You then will be able to drop out the airbag.
Remove the (black) power plug first. Just pull and it will come out.
Remove the yellow and green connecters by using a small flat head screwdriver. Gently pry up on the plastic cap. Once the cap comes up pull it completely out and then the connector can be removed.
Now use a torq wrench and remove the hex bolt. This can be a B-i-t-c-h to loosen if you’re sitting down. I found that standing will give you the best leverage. Don't rely on the steering wheel lock to hold the steering wheel as this may damage the lock. You must hold the steering wheel and loosen at the same time.
Once the bolt is out the steering wheel comes out easily by pulling straight out.
Hope this helps... Good Luck!
Before you begin:
- Move steering wheel all the way out and center
- Keys out
- Remove neg from battery (Optional) *I didn't
*Tools:
- Torq Wrench
- 10mm Hex Bit
- T27 Torx Bit
- Small flat head screwdriver
Begin by loosening the two torx bolt from the rear of the steering wheel. You then will be able to drop out the airbag.
Remove the (black) power plug first. Just pull and it will come out.
Remove the yellow and green connecters by using a small flat head screwdriver. Gently pry up on the plastic cap. Once the cap comes up pull it completely out and then the connector can be removed.
Now use a torq wrench and remove the hex bolt. This can be a B-i-t-c-h to loosen if you’re sitting down. I found that standing will give you the best leverage. Don't rely on the steering wheel lock to hold the steering wheel as this may damage the lock. You must hold the steering wheel and loosen at the same time.
Once the bolt is out the steering wheel comes out easily by pulling straight out.
Hope this helps... Good Luck!
Last edited by 2001CLK; Aug 16, 2006 at 06:28 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10
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Thanks for the great post and pictures!
This will help me out on my steering wheel project!
I would not use a torque wrench to loosen the hex bolt though.
To tighten yes, but to loosening such tight bolt with a torque wrench in not a good idea. It can damage or screw up the calibration of the wrench.
This will help me out on my steering wheel project!
I would not use a torque wrench to loosen the hex bolt though.
To tighten yes, but to loosening such tight bolt with a torque wrench in not a good idea. It can damage or screw up the calibration of the wrench.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 21
From: San Diego
2004 E320
Originally Posted by kenkenbenz
Thanks for the great post and pictures!
This will help me out on my steering wheel project!
I would not use a torque wrench to loosen the hex bolt though.
To tighten yes, but to loosening such tight bolt with a torque wrench in not a good idea. It can damage or screw up the calibration of the wrench.
This will help me out on my steering wheel project!
I would not use a torque wrench to loosen the hex bolt though.
To tighten yes, but to loosening such tight bolt with a torque wrench in not a good idea. It can damage or screw up the calibration of the wrench.
should have used a breaker bar for this....if not.....a good ol ratchet with a sturdy pipe slipped over the handle would have worked as well.
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Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 183
Likes: 2
From: San Ramon, CA
2006 E350
Wood Steering Wheel Upgrade.. Steps
Excellent detailed instructions 
How much are these wood/leather steering wheels, If I may ask? Dealer cost is about $700.00. I am seriously considering this upgrade. Thanks
How much are these wood/leather steering wheels, If I may ask? Dealer cost is about $700.00. I am seriously considering this upgrade. Thanks
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Oregon
Harley-Davidson
Originally Posted by 2001CLK
I finally figured out how to change the steering wheel thanks to mbuskuhl . It took about 20 minutes.
Before you begin: . . .Remove neg from battery (Optional) *I didn't *. . .
Before you begin: . . .Remove neg from battery (Optional) *I didn't
*. . .
Originally Posted by tbone
What happens?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 0
From: Canada
2004 E500 / 2001 C240
Originally Posted by cyclerider
The airbag could detonate, scaring the crap out of you and costing big $$$.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, CA.
2001 CLK320, 2003 E320
Originally Posted by rodE350
Excellent detailed instructions How much are these wood/leather steering wheels, If I may ask? Dealer cost is about $700.00. I am seriously considering this upgrade. Thanks
How much are these wood/leather steering wheels, If I may ask? Dealer cost is about $700.00. I am seriously considering this upgrade. Thanks
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 183
Likes: 2
From: San Ramon, CA
2006 E350
Originally Posted by 2001CLK
Got it on E-bay for $400 shipped. My dealer wanted $840.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, CA.
2001 CLK320, 2003 E320
Originally Posted by rodE350
Wow ! $400 is not a bad price. Is this used OEM or aftermarket? I saw a lot on Ebay but most of them are aftermarket. Do yo remember the Ebay seller's username by any chance? Thanks
The seller was: http://stores.ebay.com/AGE-Tuning
This guy carries new/used OEM only. I didn't want to take a chance on the aftermarket stuff cause of leather/wood match issues.
Don’t be discouraged because he is an international seller. He’s very good with communications and he ships the item super fast. I got mine in 3 days.
Last edited by 2001CLK; Aug 16, 2006 at 06:24 PM.
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 183
Likes: 2
From: San Ramon, CA
2006 E350
Originally Posted by 2001CLK
I got the OEM.
The seller was: http://stores.ebay.com/AGE-Tuning
This guy carries new/used OEM only. I didn't want to take a chance on the aftermarket stuff cause of leather/wood match issues.
Don’t be discouraged because he is an international seller. He’s very good with communications and he ships the item super fast. I got mine in 3 days.
The seller was: http://stores.ebay.com/AGE-Tuning
This guy carries new/used OEM only. I didn't want to take a chance on the aftermarket stuff cause of leather/wood match issues.
Don’t be discouraged because he is an international seller. He’s very good with communications and he ships the item super fast. I got mine in 3 days.
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 183
Likes: 2
From: San Ramon, CA
2006 E350
Originally Posted by 2001CLK
I got the OEM.
The seller was: http://stores.ebay.com/AGE-Tuning
This guy carries new/used OEM only. I didn't want to take a chance on the aftermarket stuff cause of leather/wood match issues.
Don’t be discouraged because he is an international seller. He’s very good with communications and he ships the item super fast. I got mine in 3 days.
The seller was: http://stores.ebay.com/AGE-Tuning
This guy carries new/used OEM only. I didn't want to take a chance on the aftermarket stuff cause of leather/wood match issues.
Don’t be discouraged because he is an international seller. He’s very good with communications and he ships the item super fast. I got mine in 3 days.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 768
Likes: 74
From: S.F. Bay Area, CA
'18 E63S AMG
Great write-up.
One word of caution. Do NOT turn the key on with the air bag not electrically connected (i.e., if trying to straighten out and center the new steering wheel). The system will detect an airbag malfunction, and the only way to turn if off (at least that I know) is to bring the car in and have MB turn it off through the stardiagnose.
One word of caution. Do NOT turn the key on with the air bag not electrically connected (i.e., if trying to straighten out and center the new steering wheel). The system will detect an airbag malfunction, and the only way to turn if off (at least that I know) is to bring the car in and have MB turn it off through the stardiagnose.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 311
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From: Atlanta suburbs
2008 Aspen, 1970 Corvette, 2000 Corvette and 2009 Legacy Limited
Originally Posted by W211 Ryda
should have used a breaker bar for this....if not.....a good ol ratchet with a sturdy pipe slipped over the handle would have worked as well.
Impact wrench should work also...
Hey Ryda... what wheels in that pic? NICE
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 21
From: San Diego
2004 E320
Originally Posted by Mr.Gearhead
Impact wrench should work also...
Hey Ryda... what wheels in that pic? NICE
Hey Ryda... what wheels in that pic? NICE
i believe the rims are Kleeman TS-6. oh...and that car in the pic isn't mine. more pics of the rims
https://mbworld.org/forums/cl-class-w215/82980-some-pics-my-kleemann-cl.html
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 183
Likes: 2
From: San Ramon, CA
2006 E350
Originally Posted by bitonw
Hmmm, very nice! I want a steering wheel like that in my C220 
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY USA
05 SL500, 08 ML320CDI, 06 E320CDI, 06 BoxsterS
I like the wood wheel very much and thanks for the excellent instructions. However, I ordered one from AGE-Tuning on the 18th through E-BAY and didn't haggle with him, simply paid the full price. Since then I have sent three emails requesting verification and shipping info, but have yet to hear a reply. I see that he has a good E-BAY rating, and some of you have heard back from him, but I'm starting to get nervous. Hopefully there will be a good explanation and the wheel will arrive soon.
UPDATE: Recieved an email with the tracking number this morning.
UPDATE: Recieved an email with the tracking number this morning.
Last edited by highwater; Aug 23, 2006 at 06:37 AM.
