Hey.
I need some help. I've just bought a ML270 cdi and I found that the turn signal did not turn off by itself when you've finished your turn. I thought that it was the multi contact that was defective so i bought a used one that was working, but when I removed the steering wheel I found that the plastic lump on the steering rod was missing, further more the BAS ESP light is on and by checking with a Autel MD805, I could see that there was an error on the steering angle sensor, that "the coding for component N49(steering angle sensor) is faulty", and by looking at the live data I could see that the sensor did not register when i turned the wheel. I took off the lining under the dashboard and looked at the steering angle sensor and could see that there was a small gap approx. 4mm between the rotating disc and the fixed part of the sensor. I found by pulling the steering wheel towards me while initializing the steering angle sensor I got the BAS ESP light to turn off and I could see, via the live data on the MD805, the sensor did register movement.

Now my question is this is it possible to only replace the steering rod? And how, if possible, do I do it. my main concern is how is the turning disc of the steering angle sensor mounted on the steering rod? And is there some sort restraint keeping the rod in the steering column?

Regards A hopefull owner of my first Merc.

Did you replace this part?

What was the code # for the Steer. Angle Sensor?

No that part is working fine, the small arm that appear, when turn signal arm is moved up or down, can reset the arm fine. It's the plastic lump on the steering rod that is missing.
I haven't looked for the # on the steering angle sensor, will do it tomorrow, and I will add some pictures.

What does this mean...........I thought that it was the multi contact that was defective so i bought a used one that was working,

If you don't show us what you are talking about, then how are we going to help you?

What I meant was the multi switch mounted on the column as in your picture.

I took some pictures, that shows the steering angle sensor with gap in the not working position, and in the working position.

Not working position of Steering angle sensor


Working position of Steering angle sensor

But here is the main problem, the missing lump on the steering rod.

Steering rod without Lump
My question is still, is it possible to remove the steering rod alone without having to remove the whole steering column?

The steering angle sensor has nothing to do with your problem.

How did that shiny part on the jacket tube get that way?

I do not know.

My question is still Will be possible to remove the steering rod without removing the complete steering column?

The jacket tube is a one part piece and the inner tube cannot be purchased separately. You must buy a used steering column.

Is that white nib present on your combo switch?

That is not part of the problem, and yes its there.
My question is still can take out the rod without taking out the entire steering column?

No you cannot.

Hi all
I managed to to solve my problem. I went to my local scrapyard, found a ML from 2002 and took of the plastic thing that was missing From my ML, went home put it on, and that solved all my problems with the steering angle sensor and the turn signal. The plastic thing stops the steering rod from slipping backwards into the steering column.

Now I just need to find whats wrong with the outside temp sensor and the fuel gauge.

Glad to hear you resolved this -
How did you go about losing this piece in the first place?

It was missing when I bought the car. There is a lot of strange things with this car. Just found today the reason the coolant level light was on, was because the plug wasn't pluggen into the sensor.
So I would love to have the wiring diagram for the outdoor temp sensor and fuel gauge, I have found a lot of guys asking about both outside temp and fuel gauge, but no one seems to have an answer.