E-Class heavy steering
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E-Class heavy steering
Does anyone else get the feeling that the steering in the current E-class is heavyat times and requires manual setback to center (like after corners or at slow speeds.) I had a leak in the steering and it was difficult to turn at slow speeds, in addition to a noisy pump. This has been fixed, however, at times the steering still feels heavy at times, especially considering the fact that it has that special parameter power assist. What do others think?
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
I have just had my 05 W211 a month. I do not feel there is any difference between it and the steering on the 01 W210 I traded. Seems to be just right, at least for me.
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Yeah, heavy is a good word. I have also used "thick" as if I were trying to mix a barrel of honey with a paddle. Its not that the car doesn't respond to ther input, it just feels 'thick".
As for the wheel not returning to center by itself, (spinning through your relaxed fingers) when coming out of a turn around the corner, that's just plain weird. I remember my School Bus drivers having to "unturn" after rounding the corner. I'm used to it now and just attribute it to what the engineers wanted you to have to do in order to "drive" your car, and not just be a passenger in it.
As for the wheel not returning to center by itself, (spinning through your relaxed fingers) when coming out of a turn around the corner, that's just plain weird. I remember my School Bus drivers having to "unturn" after rounding the corner. I'm used to it now and just attribute it to what the engineers wanted you to have to do in order to "drive" your car, and not just be a passenger in it.
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From: Irvine, CA, USA
Tesla
I didn't mind the "thick" feel you described since our last bimmer feels "thicker". But I do feel the steering wheel is a touch too sensitive at higher speeds. Sometimes it feels like the car is about to wonder off on the freeway.
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From: Canada
2004 E500 / 2001 C240
Originally Posted by steph280
I didn't mind the "thick" feel you described since our last bimmer feels "thicker". But I do feel the steering wheel is a touch too sensitive at higher speeds. Sometimes it feels like the car is about to wonder off on the freeway.
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
I find a miniscule amount of left turn input is needed by me to track straight. I dont know if it is a "drift" or the fact that in final assembly, the alignment & wheel centering are set a minute or two after 12, rather than on 12 exactly, if you understand my clock analogy. If they re aligned & tried to recenter the wheel to exactly 12 noon, I don't know if they would be any luckier in getting it all set EXACTLY on 12, so I ignore it since its so slight.
You could probably overinflate 1 of the front tires by a pound to compensate... but no two tire guages are really that accurate to the 1/2 lb level either.
You could probably overinflate 1 of the front tires by a pound to compensate... but no two tire guages are really that accurate to the 1/2 lb level either.
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From: Canada
2004 E500 / 2001 C240
Originally Posted by Barry45RPM
You could probably overinflate 1 of the front tires by a pound to compensate... but no two tire guages are really that accurate to the 1/2 lb level either.
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Off hand, I would think the car would want to turn towards the side with the underinflated tire, & away from the overinflated tire, so if your wheel naturally indicates an "after 12" position, underinflate the Left front & overinflate the Right front.
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From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
My 3/04 build E320 is just about perfect on the highway. I took it on a 4,800 mile trip and traveled all kinds of roads. I'd say that on the highway that it's as good as my last BMW and better than my 300E. Steering is very precise.
It's much lighter and quicker at slower speeds by design.
I experience no pull left or right. On the highway, I use maximum recommended tire pressures.
Sounds like you have a problem. Have you had the wheels aligned? You have a year to get it done.
It's much lighter and quicker at slower speeds by design.
I experience no pull left or right. On the highway, I use maximum recommended tire pressures.
Sounds like you have a problem. Have you had the wheels aligned? You have a year to get it done.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 464
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From: long island , ny
2016 G63 ; 981 boxster GTS
i agree there's a steering issue
my car always seems to require a correction late in a maneuver, distinctly unlike my former w210 , and certainly unlike the other hi end german cars i have in the house.
this and a few other ride and handling annoyances are leading me to check around and try to drive some w210s again or maybe s class to see if this is all my imagination. i may just give the car to the wife, she cant tell the difference.
this and a few other ride and handling annoyances are leading me to check around and try to drive some w210s again or maybe s class to see if this is all my imagination. i may just give the car to the wife, she cant tell the difference.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Long Island,NY,USA
2004 Mercedes Benz E500, 1997 SL500 40th Anniversary Edition
I would DEFINITELY NOT over or under inflate the tires to correct a steering problem especially related to tracking.Premature tire wear WILL occur.A proper alignment if necessary,will usually correct the problem not to mention a tire balance or tire rotation. may help befor getting an alignment.
