Wood steering wheel
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Wood steering wheel
Latest info from MBUSA is that wood wheel can be ordered again beginning in January. Since that is when my car is getting delivered I will probably miss out. MBUSA and the dealer tell me I can get it from the parts department, but the cost is $800 fro a non-heated wheel and $3000 for a heated wheel.
Has anyone else heard these prices?
MBUSA also advises that voice command module will be orderable in February.
Has anyone else heard these prices?
MBUSA also advises that voice command module will be orderable in February.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 917
Likes: 86
BTW, where did you get this info...my dealer indicated the same thing, but I want to find out more to make sure I get the right info for him in case he tells me something different
Last edited by abhansali; Nov 15, 2002 at 02:40 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
From: So. FL
2003 SL Launch Edition, 2003 E500 Pewter/Stone
When you indicate that "MBUSA" has indicated the dates for wheels and voice control, what do you mean by "MBUSA"? Your dealer, an email, a call to MBUSA? I would like to find out about the voice control V60 availability as a dealer install because I have an IOU for that. If it is not until Feb or March, I want, at least, the non-voice unit now. But, I'd like to see what MBUSA says about the availability of the unit as an accessory as opposed to the factory order.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Info on availability dates came from MBUSA, 800 367 6372.
I would love for them to get a few calls about the availabiity of these options since 1) they have marketed the car as having these options available 2) these options are commonly available from all other luxury car manufacturers 3) it is their screw up with their suppliers that has caused these issues 4) on the wood wheel there is going to be a 3 month window in the entire production run (they were available in Sept, but not in Oct - Jan)where someone who gets a car can't order it.
The last thing in the world they should be doing given all of the above is turning their backs on people ordering cars in that time window and saying "fend for yourself to get the option you want, we aren't doing anything". Its that kind of attitude that has them where they are in the JD powers survey. I for one plan to escalate this with MBUSA in relation to my $60K+ order from them.
I would love for them to get a few calls about the availabiity of these options since 1) they have marketed the car as having these options available 2) these options are commonly available from all other luxury car manufacturers 3) it is their screw up with their suppliers that has caused these issues 4) on the wood wheel there is going to be a 3 month window in the entire production run (they were available in Sept, but not in Oct - Jan)where someone who gets a car can't order it.
The last thing in the world they should be doing given all of the above is turning their backs on people ordering cars in that time window and saying "fend for yourself to get the option you want, we aren't doing anything". Its that kind of attitude that has them where they are in the JD powers survey. I for one plan to escalate this with MBUSA in relation to my $60K+ order from them.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 917
Likes: 86
My question still is, if there is a shortage of these wood wheels so that they were unavailable, where do dealers like jhb's get them from to install as dealer options. Every dealer seems to say, you can't order it, but we can install it once the car gets here for $800+...huh??
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
From: So. FL
2003 SL Launch Edition, 2003 E500 Pewter/Stone
pat a.
One of your posts indicated that the wood wheels were available in September and then not in October to January. I think that is not altogether the case. For example, I had ordered our car with the wood wheel. It was built September 19, without the wood wheel.
I think it is more haphazard. When they have them, they install them on cars that happen to be being built at the time (on which wood wheels were ordered) until they run out again.
I imagine that they are just overwhelmed by the demand for them. It so happens that they created the problem by accident by making such a beautiful interior that is so wonderfully improved with the wood wheel. I doubt previous models have any where near the demand for wood wheels.
At some point they will normalize the supply and demand. I for one will just be patient (while staying on top of my dealer) until I get it. It really is another new and really attractive thing to look forward to in the car.
Maybe those of us waiting for late delivery items should look at it with the following analogy: it is like the beginning of dating a beautiful girl. You are really enjoying her company each time you are going out with her. You want more. You must wait, however, because she is not that kind of girl. So, you have to be patient for the rest of what you are dreaming of. It may just be all the more rewarding to have had to wait-for the best is yet to come!!
One of your posts indicated that the wood wheels were available in September and then not in October to January. I think that is not altogether the case. For example, I had ordered our car with the wood wheel. It was built September 19, without the wood wheel.
I think it is more haphazard. When they have them, they install them on cars that happen to be being built at the time (on which wood wheels were ordered) until they run out again.
I imagine that they are just overwhelmed by the demand for them. It so happens that they created the problem by accident by making such a beautiful interior that is so wonderfully improved with the wood wheel. I doubt previous models have any where near the demand for wood wheels.
At some point they will normalize the supply and demand. I for one will just be patient (while staying on top of my dealer) until I get it. It really is another new and really attractive thing to look forward to in the car.
Maybe those of us waiting for late delivery items should look at it with the following analogy: it is like the beginning of dating a beautiful girl. You are really enjoying her company each time you are going out with her. You want more. You must wait, however, because she is not that kind of girl. So, you have to be patient for the rest of what you are dreaming of. It may just be all the more rewarding to have had to wait-for the best is yet to come!!
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 917
Likes: 86
Originally posted by jhb
Maybe those of us waiting for late delivery items should look at it with the following analogy: it is like the beginning of dating a beautiful girl. You are really enjoying her company each time you are going out with her. You want more. You must wait, however, because she is not that kind of girl. So, you have to be patient for the rest of what you are dreaming of. It may just be all the more rewarding to have had to wait-for the best is yet to come!!
Maybe those of us waiting for late delivery items should look at it with the following analogy: it is like the beginning of dating a beautiful girl. You are really enjoying her company each time you are going out with her. You want more. You must wait, however, because she is not that kind of girl. So, you have to be patient for the rest of what you are dreaming of. It may just be all the more rewarding to have had to wait-for the best is yet to come!!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
abhansali and jhb - I don't mind being patient - it is the $3000 that my dealer is telling me I will have to spend for a heated wood wheel from the PArts dept. that I object to when I could get one from the factory for $500. If I could get it for the factory price but had to wait a few months I would be OK. Unfortunately, I am not being allowed to do that - that is my issue.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 280
Likes: 12
From: Fort Myers, FL
'23 EQE 350 4MATIC
Originally posted by pat a.
abhansali and jhb - I don't mind being patient - it is the $3000 that my dealer is telling me I will have to spend for a heated wood wheel from the PArts dept. that I object to when I could get one from the factory for $500. If I could get it for the factory price but had to wait a few months I would be OK. Unfortunately, I am not being allowed to do that - that is my issue.
abhansali and jhb - I don't mind being patient - it is the $3000 that my dealer is telling me I will have to spend for a heated wood wheel from the PArts dept. that I object to when I could get one from the factory for $500. If I could get it for the factory price but had to wait a few months I would be OK. Unfortunately, I am not being allowed to do that - that is my issue.
It is very, very difficult to justify paying $3,000 for a heated wood steering wheel!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Saint Vir:
Is there anything special about the heated wood wheel you ahve that provides any justification as to why the parts department would seel it for $3000? I assume there is some heating element running through it - anything else that is visible that offers some explanation as to the price tag?
Is there anything special about the heated wood wheel you ahve that provides any justification as to why the parts department would seel it for $3000? I assume there is some heating element running through it - anything else that is visible that offers some explanation as to the price tag?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 280
Likes: 12
From: Fort Myers, FL
'23 EQE 350 4MATIC
Originally posted by pat a.
Saint Vir:
Is there anything special about the heated wood wheel you ahve that provides any justification as to why the parts department would seel it for $3000? I assume there is some heating element running through it - anything else that is visible that offers some explanation as to the price tag?
Saint Vir:
Is there anything special about the heated wood wheel you ahve that provides any justification as to why the parts department would seel it for $3000? I assume there is some heating element running through it - anything else that is visible that offers some explanation as to the price tag?
Here's a pic:
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 917
Likes: 86
Originally posted by pat a.
abhansali and jhb - I don't mind being patient - it is the $3000 that my dealer is telling me I will have to spend for a heated wood wheel from the PArts dept. that I object to when I could get one from the factory for $500. If I could get it for the factory price but had to wait a few months I would be OK. Unfortunately, I am not being allowed to do that - that is my issue.
abhansali and jhb - I don't mind being patient - it is the $3000 that my dealer is telling me I will have to spend for a heated wood wheel from the PArts dept. that I object to when I could get one from the factory for $500. If I could get it for the factory price but had to wait a few months I would be OK. Unfortunately, I am not being allowed to do that - that is my issue.
Tell him to guarantee you a wood wheel at that time, so if it does not come with it, he has to install it afterwards. If he believes his information, he should not hesitate.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne, Australia
I also prefer the standard leather wheel.
The trouble with some wood wheels is the color and grain of the dashboard wood is different to the wood on the steering wheel giving it an aftermarket or mismatched feel.
Is that the case with this particular wheel?
Is it an exact match?
The trouble with some wood wheels is the color and grain of the dashboard wood is different to the wood on the steering wheel giving it an aftermarket or mismatched feel.
Is that the case with this particular wheel?
Is it an exact match?
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 962
Likes: 12
From: Saudi Arabia
'18 AMG GTR '16 BMW M3 - '05 Porsche Carrera S
Originally posted by Callaway
I also prefer the standard leather wheel.
The trouble with some wood wheels is the color and grain of the dashboard wood is different to the wood on the steering wheel giving it an aftermarket or mismatched feel.
Is that the case with this particular wheel?
Is it an exact match?
I also prefer the standard leather wheel.
The trouble with some wood wheels is the color and grain of the dashboard wood is different to the wood on the steering wheel giving it an aftermarket or mismatched feel.
Is that the case with this particular wheel?
Is it an exact match?
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
From: So. FL
2003 SL Launch Edition, 2003 E500 Pewter/Stone
I have seen a good number at the dealership when they first came in. They all looked great and were perfectly matched. All of the postings with pics of them look great too. Here is one of them:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=22475
I alternate between driving the SL which has the wood wheel and the new E which doesn't (until it comes as an accessory). The wood wheel in the SL just makes the interior and matches perfectly. It also has a silky smooth feel and quietness. The leather on the E is fine, but I prefer the look and feel of the wood.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=22475
I alternate between driving the SL which has the wood wheel and the new E which doesn't (until it comes as an accessory). The wood wheel in the SL just makes the interior and matches perfectly. It also has a silky smooth feel and quietness. The leather on the E is fine, but I prefer the look and feel of the wood.
