I recently got a 1980 240D and im in the process of wrenching her up to be a daily driver. I noticed on the drive home that the steering wheel has about 3 inches of play either direction before it starts to actually steer. I had a buddy of mine turn the wheel back and fourth and the rod to the power steering under the hood is engaging properly. So this sounds to me like more linkage work under this car, such a fun job to do alone

has anyone fixed this before, any pointers?