MysticMan

I have the pre-facelift, 2010 X204 and while I love the futuristic, Total Recall-like blocky dashboard, I find the wheel to be lacking in aesthetics:



These forums are being indexed by Google, so I wanted to document this uneasy process for others to see.

First of all, there's no plug and play, the wheel needs to be modified by a seller, installing a module, reprogramming, rewiring, whatever you call it, it has to be done by request. There are a lot of shady services in foreign countries to sift through and considering your life depends on it, you better get a legit one, especially the airbag part.

So far the most recommended vendor is the LederManz from Latvia, I'm submitting a request and will see where it goes..

A modern wheel example from another dealer Ckmcardesign:

Modern example

MysticMan

Options:

andreigbs

I've got the middle wheel on our AMG Pkg and think it's probably the best looking. It continues the blocky style them but adds more function and a sportier, thicker wheel. Style is very subjective though. I'd be extremely careful with the airbags and other electric issues, as you pointed out. I'd hate to find out the hard way about that airbag.

Good luck, keep us posted.

MBKLUE

All the steering wheels look okay except for the "modern steering wheel example" which looks ridiculous/ludicrous/comical/tasteless in such a vehicle.

MysticMan

Order placed with LederManz via Instargam, tools bought, now we wait 2 weeks for dispatch and another 4-5 weeks for shipping.

FLC63s

askcarbon on IG , does custom steering wheels as well...
I have one on order for my c63s, and then will possibly get some done for my others.
Havnt asked if he goes GLK models, but I have to assume that he does... Will post when I get my installed.

MysticMan

Order received, pending installation.
He shipped by TNT, air, it was amazingly fast.

FLC63s

congrats, cant wait to see the pics

JohnnyC

I did it on my 2015

MysticMan

Ok, today was an installation day.
Let's start with before and after. Honestly I don't know, the wheel is noticeably smaller, especially at the bottom, I feel like I'm trying to grab something that is not there. The looks are alright and updated. I like how the horizontal chrome elements match my chrome trim line.



The bolt was tight as hell, I've overestimated my strength and didn't buy the breaker bar in advance.



When I walked for 30 min to Home Depot to buy one, but it didn't fit



Luckily I was at an industrial zone and picked up, lets say a more hardcore gear



That loctite gunk



Now this is where the problems begin, the 2008 build doesn't have any notches to align the wheel, other than a broad white mark. I've eyeballed the install and the wheel is not straight. Anyone sees anything I missed?




I also got an airbag error even though I've disconnected the negative before doing anything, maybe didn't let it drain enough

MysticMan

I took the car to mechanic, and they couldn't clear the SRS error, also the buttons don't work.

JohnnyC

You do realize the steering wheel you have is NOT backwards compatible to our cars?

You need an aftermarket module; and even then people have had trouble getting it to work.

MysticMan

I do, this is why I asked for a wheel with a module, otherwise why would I buy a non-compatible model

JohnnyC

People buy incompatible parts all the time praying to make it work.

I tried to do some mods, and no matter how much money I threw at it it couldn't work. just saying...

MysticMan

If the module exists, why wouldn't it work?

MysticMan

For the SRS error, the old connector had 4 pins and the new airbag comes with 2, you need a version with 4 or insert 2 empty pins to fool it, explained here at 15:16:

MysticMan

The seller claims the plate with a module was installed and the supplier of the plate (Ckm) will be in contact with me for troubleshooting. The airbag connection needs work too

MysticMan

Ckm is shipping me a new plate for the wheel.
The 4 pin to 2 pin airbag problem should be coded by someone locally.

MysticMan

Another thing, because I've been swapping the wheel many times, the steering feels loose now. I think it mainly comes from unscrewing the bolt for the first time with a leverage, all that force had to go somewhere in the steering column.

MysticMan

That thing was able to clear the SRS error:

andreigbs

Glad you got it to finally work.

And the BlueDriver scantool & app has been very useful for many other things, particularly monitoring DPF regens, pressure differentials, EGR rates, fuel injection quantity, turbo boost, and on and on.

Bottom line: a valuable addition to any home mechanic and car enthusiast. Sure, there are better tools but they also cost more. For my needs, the BlueDriver has done the trick so far.

Enjoy your new wheel!

SAUCE

how much did that steering wheel cost you all together brother

MysticMan

CAD $1800, but it took 6 months to get it right.
Timeline:

- I ordered the wheel from LederManz, he installed the modified plate from Ckmcardesign for my 2010 X204
- the plate didn't work, Ckmcardesign has sent me a second one, it didn't work as well, apparently a 2010 North American model is considered 2009 in Europe, hence incompatibility
- airbag didn't work, because they use a different phase design in Europe, I bought an adapter from Ckmcardesign, airbag now works
- LederManz has ordered a module from a Moscow company named Dolcar
- I received the module, but it didn't work with the current plate from Ckmcardesign, because it's a modified one
- LederManz has sent me an original plate that came from factory with the wheel
- I manually wired the module to the plate and everything worked

It was quite a journey, I'm telling you!

MysticMan

This is how to install a module

MysticMan

It was extremely frustrating and difficult but I got it to work