Honcho

Sorry if this topic has a thread already... couldn't find one.

I've got a 2015 E350 as a loaner for a week, and there's no way to position the steering wheel in a comfortable position without it blocking the (top of the) instrument cluster. It's a nice wheel with the flat bottom, but wtf? I'm not really tall... 5'11'', so who did they design this car for? Am I missing something? Is there some option available that lays things out differently? Is the AMG version any different?

I'm definitely going to let the SA know why I'll not be trading my ole W211 in for this puppy.

1guitar

I'm 6' tall and I have the same complaint. There's no way around the fact that what you say is correct.
Guitar1

CarolinaBluetec

I am 6'0" no problem with viewing the cluster.

rediesel

I'm 6' and the very top of the cluster is sometimes out of my view. I usually see the whole speedo, but the turn signal and ESP lights are often obscured by the steering wheel in my 2012.

markgm

6'5" here and I wish the wheel came out at least another inch (looked if it was possible, but I don't think there are any extenders on the market), and the turn signals are cut off. At least I have leg room!

thefisch

with adjustments to seat height and the wheel itslef, I am able to see the cluster from the bottom to the top of speedo.

my issue with the steering wheel is how it blocks my visual of the wiper functions on the turn signal. My 2011 has the lower turn signal location. Sometimes I forget to turn the wipers off since the sensor keeps them from running. next time I'm driving it always seems to come randomly when windshield is dry which always catches me by surprise.

Honcho

Therein lies my complaint.... I don't want to sit all jacked up just to see the instrument cluster.

Your issue is related to the whole "driver control center".

Not the type of engineering / design deserving of their motto: "The best or nothing"

KEY08

If I could only stop hitting the cruise control when I want to use the turn signal I would be happy. I'm 6'-3" and every MB I have had has this issue for me and quite a few other brands as well. I had an Infiniti G37S as a weekend car and the whole wheel/instrument cluster moved up and down as a pod. That was nice. Other than that I hated that car after a few months. Ha!

rediesel

The issues I have with visability of the turn signals and ESP in my 2012 E's cluster are corrected (changed location to inside gauges) in my 2014 C (and looks like in later Es as well). I'm guessing you can update the cluster, but it isn't worth it to me.

I have considered getting a later steering column to reverse the turn signal / cruise control position.

Honcho

AAaaaarrrggggghhhhhhh! I've only unintentionally activated the cruise control five times in the last four days. I'm not gigantically tall, and I don't have monster hands, so I thought I'd "get used to it", and it would stop, but perhaps not.

I had a Porsche that had the steering wheel and instrument cluster in a pod as you had with the Infiniti..... that is a sweet set up

I don't want to hire a driver... I LIKE to drive... so do "big guys" drive an S class... an AMG... or do we just "suffer" with an older model?

El Cid

I only activated the cruise once when I got my car five years ago and none since even though my other two vehicles have signals in that location. However, with the optional wood/leather steering wheel, I cannot see the turn signal/wiper/washer stalk. Makes it easy to accidentally leave auto wipers on.
Can see all instruments with no problem. I think it is a question of balancing all the steering wheel and seat seetings to get the proper angles. Then hit memory.
Incidentally there is an easy exit/entry function for the steering wheel that moves it up and in when you turn ignition off. When you turn it on again, it resets to your chosen positions.

Johnny Rad

As a newb to Merc, the cruise and turn signals are reversed (upside down) from what I've been used to driving for years. Just when I think I've got it mastered, I drive another car and get all mixed up again.

And it doesn't stop there. Going from a console mounted tranny shifter after all these yeras to 7 on the tree is another mind-f***.

It's gotta be hilarious to watch my hands when I first drive our other car after being in the Merc for the week (and the same happens when I go back to the Merc). My hands float in slow-mo between the steering wheel and console feeling for the tranny; reaching w/o looking for the turn signal and not finding it where I expect it.

OT: As a driver of shorter stature, I can see what I need to in the instrument cluster. Nothing of any importance is covered up.

noka

I have the optional (round, not flat bottom) heated steering wheel (I love that option, especially this past Winter ). I haven't yet noticed any visibility problems, nor accidentally hitting cruise.

Wig

I think the problem may be the use of a smaller, more "sporty" steering wheel from 2012 onwards. IIRC my 2010 had a larger wheel which didn't obscure any of the instrument cluster.

El Cid

Actually it is 1 on the tree. In the olden days, "3 on the tree" meant a manual shift on the column with 1, 2 and 3 forward gears. Automatics were just automatics.
Personally I prefer the shift on the column for automatics as it frees up the console for more storage, cup holders, etc. I have a vehicle with automatic on floor and one with manual on floor, as well a the "E." Never get confused as to where shifters are.