SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: Involved to replace?

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Old Aug 29, 2022 | 05:19 AM
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Involved to replace?

Good morning all,

For a while now I have noticed that there is a scratch, or peeling, or something on this polished trim at the very top of my steering wheel closest to the dash. You can just see it in the top right of the picture, but it isn’t a great picture. I was snapping a pic of the replacement part and not of the damage. It looks like it is getting, or will get worse over time. I can feel it with my hands as it is raised. The part is not expensive, but may be a pain to replace on my own.

Any ideas?




Last edited by ThatsMyDawg; Aug 29, 2022 at 10:40 AM.
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Old Aug 29, 2022 | 08:08 AM
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ygmn's Avatar
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better pic or arrow pointing to damage would be helpful as I see nothing
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Old Aug 29, 2022 | 08:37 AM
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I think I saw a video of this somewhere...if I recall it was a pretty simple process to replace the entire silver unit. Sorry I can't be more specific but there are probably videos on YouTube that address it.
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Old Aug 29, 2022 | 09:56 AM
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I think this is what you're looking for...

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Old Aug 29, 2022 | 10:39 AM
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The actual damage visibility is not relevant, however I will circle it in the pic. The question is how to replace the brushed trim on the steering wheel.


Originally Posted by ygmn
better pic or arrow pointing to damage would be helpful as I see nothing
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Old Aug 29, 2022 | 10:49 AM
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Yea that is what I needed. I assume it’s the same procedure on our cars for the most part. I was hoping that one of you would have replaced it and had real world experience, but I figured youtube might have something if not. I appreciate the post.

I really don’t like the idea of messing with airbags, I never have. Even though I will disconnect the battery per the video I always get creeped out by the thought of the airbag blowing up in my face.

I guess I gotta try it, because I can’t live with the cosmetic damage.

I will update.

Thanks again.


Originally Posted by jrupp
I think this is what you're looking for...

Mercedes Steering Wheel Bezel Replacement
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Old Aug 29, 2022 | 03:12 PM
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Originally Posted by ThatsMyDawg
The actual damage visibility is not relevant, however I will circle it in the pic. The question is how to replace the brushed trim on the steering wheel.
1. take off the airbag
2. undo the 3 screws holder airbag contact plate
3. undo 2 bolts holding trim
4. pull trim off from wheel
5. udo screws holding buttons
6. reinstall new trim in reverse order.
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Old Aug 29, 2022 | 03:13 PM
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Originally Posted by ThatsMyDawg
Yea that is what I needed. I assume it’s the same procedure on our cars for the most part. I was hoping that one of you would have replaced it and had real world experience, but I figured youtube might have something if not. I appreciate the post.

I really don’t like the idea of messing with airbags, I never have. Even though I will disconnect the battery per the video I always get creeped out by the thought of the airbag blowing up in my face.

I guess I gotta try it, because I can’t live with the cosmetic damage.

I will update.

Thanks again.
disconnect the battery and go for a 15 minute walk
come back and remove the bag. it wont blow up in your face. iv pulled a couple hundred bags at this point alot of which i havent even disconnected the battery. but you should anyway
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Old Aug 30, 2022 | 06:36 PM
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I've done a lot of steering wheel and airbag work...it will not blow up in your face as long as there isn't any power to it. I've seen shop guys drop them, throw them around, etc (not recommended, but whatever). I will admit the first time I did it was on a 944 and I was doing a lot of flinching removing it!
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Old Aug 30, 2022 | 06:47 PM
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I am ordering the replacement in the next day, or so. The next time I drive my car I will get a better pic of the damage.

Stay tuned.


Originally Posted by JHop
I've done a lot of steering wheel and airbag work...it will not blow up in your face as long as there isn't any power to it. I've seen shop guys drop them, throw them around, etc (not recommended, but whatever). I will admit the first time I did it was on a 944 and I was doing a lot of flinching removing it!
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Old Sep 1, 2022 | 07:08 AM
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The damage just doesn't show well in pictures. I feel it looks worse in person.


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