Hello... We are new owners of a 1998 E430 Sport w/60K miles.

The one item that does not work is the tilt on the tilt/telescoping steering. I can hear the motor, but no movement. If you attempt to move it and hear the motor whine, you can even save it in the memory and it will run the motor when you push your memory button. I thought I found a thread somewhere online where a guy identified the problem as stripped nylon gears, and he was searching for replacements. I cannot find a thing on MB tilt after hours of searching.

I am very mechanically able, but first time ripping into a Benz. I could use any input offered on everything from removing the under-dash panel to "where to find" the mechanism for this tilt. Anyone else with this issue? Last, for those with E's of the vintage, who puts out the most helpful service manual and where do I find it? I will be doing all of my own maintenance, short of a major system failure. Any and all help appreciated.

Thanks,

 

In service today for HB recall - dealer replaced without issue.

In case anyone else runs into this problem - hearing the motor on the tilt run, but the wheel won't move -- The tilt steering problem requires a NEW COLUMN to be fixed. I said "Huh?!?"
59K miles and the automatic tilt doesn't work. $1300 for the parts... plus??
We'll pass, otherwise I can already see replacing it again at 100K-150K.

Too bad - It's a gorgeous car and this is the only thing on the entire vehicle that does not work. I'm frankly shocked that MB would have a part like this that would fail.

 

16,000 miles on my 2005 and it is doing the exact same thing.

Last night it made a snap-crackle-pop and now just a motor hum with no movement.

I wish this car had a manual tilt. Mine is warranty but what a hassle, will be a couple weeks until its fixed.

KB