Comments on wood/leather steering wheel?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 36
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles, CA
2025 GLE 580, 2015 ML400
Comments on wood/leather steering wheel?
I'm thinking of getting an ML400 with the wood/leather steering wheel, and I'd appreciate any comments by anyone who has one. I'm particularly interested in how the wood finish holds up over time under the assault of perspiration and hand friction. It's beautiful when new, but I how long does it stay that way? Thanks.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: MN
12 ml350 bluetec, 08 bmw 135i, 12 F250 PSD
We do not have the wood wheel in our 2012 ml, but did in our previous 2006 ml. The look and feel are hard to beat. It held up well, with zero friction or wear issues, but after 6 yrs the wood started to crack. I live in MN, and car was garage kept, but I think the extreme cold was mostly to blame. The cracks bothered me quite a bit as I could feel them and obviously see them, but it was my wife's vehicle and she didn't mind. Car has since been sold and I do miss the look and feel, but would be upset if it cracked....it's a tough call.
Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 172
Likes: 1
From: markham, ON, Canada
2014 ML 350 BT
I'm thinking of getting an ML400 with the wood/leather steering wheel, and I'd appreciate any comments by anyone who has one. I'm particularly interested in how the wood finish holds up over time under the assault of perspiration and hand friction. It's beautiful when new, but I how long does it stay that way? Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
I'm thinking of getting an ML400 with the wood/leather steering wheel, and I'd appreciate any comments by anyone who has one. I'm particularly interested in how the wood finish holds up over time under the assault of perspiration and hand friction. It's beautiful when new, but I how long does it stay that way? Thanks.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 619
Likes: 34
From: East part of Texas
2017 CLS550
You bet, heated steering wheel is the only way to go - and I live in Texas! It does not get real cold very often but when it does this thing is worth its weight in gold. I hate driving with gloves!! I think this option is half the price of the wood steering wheel but worth ten times as much. In Texas it is nice to have but in the north I would consider a heated steering wheel to be mandatory.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Don't know if its the same in the ML but in my E Class, if you ordered the wood wheel and heated steering wheel, only the leather parts of the wheel got heated. Check that out.
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 318
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From: Melbourne, Australia
'24 GLB250. Previously '23 GLB250 '17 GLS500 '14 C250 '13 ML500 '12 C250 '08 ML500 '07 E500 '03 A160
I'm thinking of getting an ML400 with the wood/leather steering wheel, and I'd appreciate any comments by anyone who has one. I'm particularly interested in how the wood finish holds up over time under the assault of perspiration and hand friction. It's beautiful when new, but I how long does it stay that way? Thanks.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 36
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles, CA
2025 GLE 580, 2015 ML400
Thanks for the lengthy comment, AussieBenzLover. I can see if your hands are at 9 and 3 your wedding ring won't contact the wood. You can't always keep your hands on the leather, though. When you have to grab the wood, how are you "careful" with your ring? I hadn't considered this issue, but it makes me think the ring could scratch the crap out of the wood. Could be a deal killer.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 318
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Australia
'24 GLB250. Previously '23 GLB250 '17 GLS500 '14 C250 '13 ML500 '12 C250 '08 ML500 '07 E500 '03 A160
Thanks for the lengthy comment, AussieBenzLover. I can see if your hands are at 9 and 3 your wedding ring won't contact the wood. You can't always keep your hands on the leather, though. When you have to grab the wood, how are you "careful" with your ring? I hadn't considered this issue, but it makes me think the ring could scratch the crap out of the wood. Could be a deal killer.
However, if somebody else drives my car I make sure they take their ring(s) off first.
Love the "lengthy comment" comment haha. I know I get a bit carried away at times! I'm very passionate about the MB brand I guess, that's my excuse anyway
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Its really a very hard finished, well made wheel. Don't give it a second thought as far as care, durability or looks goes.
Last edited by Barry45RPM; Nov 25, 2014 at 01:14 PM.
