vertrkr

If I order the Satin open pore wood trim would the wood/leather steering wheel option come with that satin wood too?

I wonder if the satin wood would absorb body oil and other grime I usually have on my hands and look crappy.

tfinan

pic 1

pic 2

I don't know the definitive answer, but have used these photos as a guide. It *appears* there could be a finish on the wheel. I've ordered both options as well. Good luck with your order!

vertrkr

Perfect, thanks a bunch. That's the look I want but I can't help wondering if my hands might get tired on long trips holding hardwood compared to leather. Once a year I drive a 1000 miles to Island Park, ID. That's my last thing to figure out before I order, guess I could have worse problems.

tfinan

I think you will find the wood wheel a non-event. For long interstate highway trips, you will likely be in the leather areas. Post some pictures when your vehicle is delivered and I'll do the same.

fabbrisd1

Satin is not really "open pore" it has a natural looking light-but-rugged finish to it - frankly the wheel is quite comfortable for most hands.Quite a great cabin accent in appearance because the wood wheel "sets off" the cabin wood trim.

For a 450/350 your option would be leather, add heat would be good.

Another good upgrade to GL550, add heat option for the wood/leather wheel, not available for 450/350 wood wheel..

vertrkr

Ok, done. Getting the Designo Auburn package with the satin trim and the wood steering wheel and the wrapped lower dash, not sure if the lower dash is part of the 350 Designo package or not but should be a looker put all together. Don't care how long I have to wait as I will accept nothing less. Thought about the heated wheel but for a garaged California car it would be of little use. Can't wait.

xxGenericSNxx

Designo already includes a wrapped lower dash. Sounds like a great config. Please post pics when you get it!

jdmmbz

If you order a heated wheel do you loose the wood trim??

fabbrisd1

1. For 350/450 standard wrapped wheel can be ordered heated. Upgraded wood/leather wheel cannot be heated.

2. For 550 standard wood/leather wheel can be ordered heated.

To Mr Cali - it's your choice, but from your comment I would say you have never had a heated wheel before. Once you have had heated seats, even in Cali, would you ever go back to non-heated ? Good heated wheels are the same thing really.. and adding heat to the wood/leather wheel option on the 550 is cheap, same with adding heated rear seats...

vertrkr

True, I've never had a heated wheel. Love heated seats on the few occasions I need them and I imagine I'd like the heated steering wheel too. Unfortunately, I'm out of luck as I'm a diesel fan and must have the 350 and really want the look of the wood steering wheel. I'm good with that. I hope the Designo interior is everything I imagine it to be. Think I'll ban my kids from any food in the car. Ya, that will work 'till the first trip.

JimBarnhart

I went through the same debate on my GL350. I like the looks of the wood/leather, but living in Minnesota I chose the heated wheel. If I lived in California I'd go wood/leather instead of heated.

Mbenz260e

Also had the same debate. I love the look of the wood on my E. My wife will be driving the GL and thought may prefer the heated wheels for $500 less but wants the wood so we went for it. We are in the mid-atlantic and she doesn't park outside anywhere for extended periods so heated isn't essential but would be nice to be able to have both on the 350.

blittle

If you live in a cold climate area, there is nothing nicer than that heated wheel...... i like it even more than the heated seats!

xxGenericSNxx

Are we sure that the GL550 can be ordered with both a wood wheel with heating feature while the 450/ 350 can only be ordered with one of those features? I know the MB website isn't the be all end all, but when you configure the GL550 it has the wood wheel standard and if you select the heated wheel, it automatically changes to an all leather one.

I personally find it odd that MB would divide this feature set up between different engine lines. Also, as customary to the past, the only MB that can be ordered with both wood and heating function are the S/CL.

sraza

as far as heated wheel- on mbusa site and per my AD- if you choose heated steering wheel on a GL550- you will lose the wood- mbusa states the same thing and I was not allowed to place an order for a 550 with a heated wheel with wood.

I went with satin wood as well- definitely sets off the cabin.. too bad cant get the heated wheel for only $225 more- love the wood more i guess..