A C

Question for you. I used the search function and couldn't find the answer.

I just picked up a new 2009 E350 sport with MBTex and I want to know if the steering wheel is leather wrapped or MB tex. The brochure says leather, but it sure doesn't feel like my 2007, it feels plasticy. The shifter boot feels like leather.

Anyone know for sure?

K-A

That's weird.

It seems to me M-B has been kinda cutting quality in some of the smaller areas in the last few years (roof and A-Pillar lining after the face-lift got cheaper, door pins got cheaper looking, etc.) maybe the wheel is a result of that?

Or perhaps it is real leather and needs to be "broken in" per-se, to get that softer touch.

gaazmon

It is fully unacceptable that a E-class does not come with leather standard. This really bothers me.

K-A

Yeah it is bogus, yet weird for me at the same time as for some reason I don't seem to mind it, I kind of like the feel and durability of the Tex but do wish the door inserts came with the folded leather material instead of the plain, hole-dotted flat surface the Tex cars get.

Either way, no Leather on a Merc E-Class is BS, as is no Xenons standard, etc.

silberrosa

steering wheel and shift boot/knob are definitely leather on all usa 211 models

A C

I've left the car in the garage for the past 4 days with the windows down - that has helped get the smell out of it. Maybe MBtex cars just smell different. I looked in the brochure and at mbusa - it does say the wheel is leather. Maybe the dealership put something on it like armor all to make it feel the way it does. I may try some leather cleaner on it...

pmb600

I have the same car as you and I understand what you mean. But rest assured it is leather. The AMG steering wheel in the 2009 Sport E-Class feels like the leather has a matte finish. I think it needs to break in, I'm sure an application of leather conditioner would work great too.

If it makes you feel better, the new E-Class will have Nappa leather on all steering wheels.

220S

+1
Don't worry it's leather. I have an all leather interior option, but the wheel is the same as on all 211 'sport.' It's leather for certain.
Here's the vendor: http://www.eybl-international.com/

fwiw, when you buy a new car, always be sure to tell the dealer NOT to touch it (i.e., "detail" and prep it.) They will ruin it. Swirls in the paint, horrible Armor-All, glossy tire dressing, etc..

I told my dealer "hands-off" and I had it detailed professionally.

Dema

Strange, my steering wheel has so vinyl feel, so I can’t believe it is leather.

gaazmon

I can't believe it's not butter

Sorry, sorry... I just couldn't help myself. It was the first thing that came to my mind when I read that.

pmb600

Every Mercedes has a real leather wrapped stitched steering wheel. In Europe on the Classic line (lowest trim level) they do have a plastic steering wheel but there is not sticting.