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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
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.
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.
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
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:
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
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.
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.
how much did that steering wheel cost you all together brother
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