I've searched and there are some really good DIY instructions on removing/replacing the stock steering wheel. Most are not specific to the R230 which as you know has two batteries, I don't know if other models also have two batteries. Most DIY instruction just say "disconnect the battery in the trunk". In the interest of safety, I'm probably going to disconnect both. Is that necessary? Will I trip any fualt warning lights (SRS?) by disconnecting both? I've read that just disconnecting the battery in the trunk will result in an SRS warning that needs to be reset at the dealer.... Thanks in advance for any assistance.

 

yes you disconnect both batteries, you put all your keys way away from the car, across the house. You let the car sit for some time. I leave it overnite. the air bag could trigger if not. Then if you dont open the doors, dont sit in the seat, maybe by chance the faults wont trigger. Try putting the top down, windows down and then doing the work outside the car. It may work. otherwise the faults will trigger

 

i didn't disconnect the car's batteries, but I took out the key's battery. and put away as far as I could.

 

Thanks guys. Guess I'll disconnect both batteries, take the battery out of the keys and put them on the other end of the house. Pics and report to follow....

 

Please keep us informed in your progress,are you putting on a newer steering wheel?

 

Well, carbon fiber wheel installed. Pretty simple job. Searched and found some DYI stuff regarding removal and install but, seemed all were missing something when it came to my SL (08 55). Here's what I did:

1. Disconnect both batteries (trunk and under hood)
2. Leave sit undisturbed overnight
3. Next day, remove the two allen bolts from behind the wheel and loosen airbag.
4. disconnect airbag. Here is where the DIY stuff I found not very clear. The air bag is disconnected on the backside of the airbag NOT at the wheel base (where the large allen bolt that holds the wheel in place....)
5. Use a breaker bar of some sort to break the main allen bolt free to remove the steering wheel
6. Remove the steering wheel
7. There are 1 each torx head screws that hold the shift paddles in place. Be careful here, this is a VERY cheapy plastic female end on the paddle itself and susceptible to cracking with little effort (ask me how I know.... )
8. There is a small black box inside the wheel where the 2 shift paddles connect a and a connection for the wheel control buttons? The box is easily removed with a screw driver prying back the soft rubber at each end
9. mount and connect the shift paddles to the new wheel
10. Align (there are marks on the spline and flat spots on the wheel that must line up in order for the wheel to be straight) and mount the new wheel
11. Make the connection for the steering wheel controls at the base of the wheel mounting area where the airbag wires are located
12. Connect the 3 connectors on the back of the airbag
13. Position and reattach the airbag with the two allen nuts on the back of the wheel....

[EDIT] Besides having to reset the clock and reset the auto window up/down when doors close, I did get one fault. The yellow ESP triangle lit up but a quick Google search said to turn the steering wheel lock to lock twice and that would reset the angle sensor.... It worked, no faults as of yet.

 

Nice,thanks.

 

Hi Guys,
I bought a 2011 R231 steering wheel with the airbag. I tried to mount the new wheel on my 2004 SL500 R230, but the spline is a different size. Im willing to make adjustments to make it fit, however this is where I need solid advise to bring this task to fruition. Please advise on any suggestions. ....Thanks in advance!

 

im trying to do the same. please guys send help our way lol