Ride92

Picked up a CPO 2016 GLE350 with 20K miles for my wife and since day one the steering wheel shows the zigzag lines where the heating element is underneath the leather. My wife got a loaner for the day, a E300, that has the heated steering wheel and the elements can not be seen. Has anyone else run into this problem? Is this something that I should ask to have replaced and do you think the dealer will comply with my request?

Plutoe

Go for it----all they can do is say no, remember CPO's are two steps away from the auction block----wada cream puff deal

GLE43_Sube

I seriously doubt it. They'll likely say it's normal, even though we both know it's not.

How about a pic.

Ride92

Well I'm not going to have a chance of getting a picture for everyone as my wife asked the service advisor about it and he said that he has never seen that before in any of the MB's that come thru the service area. They are ordering and installing a new steering wheel for her. Couldn't ask for a better solution!

GLE43_Sube

Good for you!

In this case, I'm glad I was wrong. Guess I became a little jaded over that "loose fabric" seat issue.

Ride92

Loose fabric seat issue? What are you talking about?

GLE43_Sube

https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...pholstery.html

It's not something that "develops"over time. You either have it when purchased or you don't.

fabbrisd1

Glad everything is Okay - personally I have never seen that happen.

"Could" happen if earlier owner was using some freaky leather cleaner/conditioner on the wheel - that when it dries contracts the leather.

Glad your delaer is doing the right thing under warranty - kindof a painfull warranty job with all the electronic connections in that wheel.

Keep the beat !

ItalianJoe1

Easy to replace the wheel, they are just terribly expensive. Labor time on a steering wheel replacement is .3-.4 hours. Airbag pops out, two plugs, and center bolt. Switches do get transferred over but its just a few small screws.

FWIW, i've never seen one do that, but anything is possible. I'd agree that maybe some sort of cleaner was used that shrank the leather, but either way, that shouldn't happen.