Was there ever a leather steering wheel option for a W123? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Stretch · #1 11-27-2010, 12:39 PM

Dear All,

Recently on a Dutch version of ebay there have been several advertisements for leather steering wheels that are for a W123. Does anyone know if there was ever a leather steering wheel option for a W123 - not one of those wood and leather wheels for the W124...

I have a sneaky suspicion that they are "mistaken"!

Stretch · #2 11-29-2010, 08:30 AM

This is an after the holiday bump to see if anyone knows...

strelnik · #3 11-29-2010, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

This is an after the holiday bump to see if anyone knows...

Is there a way to consult the Benz decoder to determine if this was mentioned in a VIN?

Just asking.

I have seen aftermarket W123 leather-wrapped wheels, but have never heard of an optional one.

Stretch · #4 11-29-2010, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strelnik

Is there a way to consult the Benz decoder to determine if this was mentioned in a VIN?

Just asking.

I have seen aftermarket W123 leather-wrapped wheels, but have never heard of an optional one.

Thanks for the reply - I'll have a chat with the oldest mechanic at the dealer when I'm there next and see if he remembers seeing one. I've got a feeling that these steering wheels that are being advertised are plastic anyway even though the seller thinks / says they are leather...

MBeige · #5 11-29-2010, 03:46 PM

Only an AMG steering wheel was probably the only "correct" one to answer the question.

Aside from this, none that I know of.

The early version had the ribbed horn pad wheel.

The late version had the horn pad w/o ribs.

Both of those were soft rubber.

The airbag wheels offered in European models also had rubber grip, no leather.

That's from what I recall, I could be wrong.

Maybe the advertisement was simply stating it fits a W123 (but was not intended to state that it was an original leather W123 steering wheel).

Stretch · #6 11-30-2010, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

...

Maybe the advertisement was simply stating it fits a W123 (but was not intended to state that it was an original leather W123 steering wheel).

Thanks for the response MBeige - actually the seller provided a picture of what looked like a normal W123 steering wheel to me. I guess he was mistaken - it looked like plastic / rubber to me... so I guess it isn't worth my time going to see it - and certainly not worth the risk of buying blind. Leather sounded good - may be too good to be true!

lkchris · #7 11-30-2010, 11:27 AM

W123s were never sold as "luxury" cars and there never was a factory "leather" steering wheel.

compu_85 · #8 11-30-2010, 11:34 AM

I know the Gen2 W126 could be ordered in europe with a non airbag leather wheel. My car has an airbag leather wheel.

-J

Stretch · #9 11-30-2010, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compu_85

I know the Gen2 W126 could be ordered in europe with a non airbag leather wheel. My car has an airbag leather wheel.

-J

Ah ha - do you happen to know if it was the same larger diameter wheel fitted to most W123s? {Me thinks perhaps I should take another look at that advert}

H-townbenzoboy · #10 11-30-2010, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

Ah ha - do you happen to know if it was the same larger diameter wheel fitted to most W123s? {Me thinks perhaps I should take another look at that advert}

The Gen 2 W126 had the same diameter steering wheel as the W123 for most of its production run. But late in the Gen 2 W126's production run, the diameter of the steering wheel was slightly decreased, but it was still a big wheel. I want to say that happened around 1989-1990?

compu_85 · #11 12-01-2010, 11:12 AM

If there was a change it probably happened with the 89 interior refresh. An the wheel in my car is still huge.

-Jason

Screwdriva · #12 03-22-2015, 06:03 AM

Sorry for the resurrection (I'm yet to introduce myself and my new W123) but I thought I'd share that one of my first purchases for my 1984 W123 with dark brown dashboard/ palomino MB Tex interior was this W126 leather wrapped steering with a dark brown center.

I believe it will match perfectly and will post pictures in the car when it arrives

Stretch · #13 03-22-2015, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Screwdriva

Sorry for the resurrection (I'm yet to introduce myself and my new W123) but I thought I'd share that one of my first purchases for my 1984 W123 with dark brown dashboard/ palomino MB Tex interior was this W126 leather wrapped steering with a dark brown center.

I believe it will match perfectly and will post pictures in the car when it arrives

Looks good - pictures when installed please!

MBeige · #14 03-25-2015, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Screwdriva

Sorry for the resurrection (I'm yet to introduce myself and my new W123) but I thought I'd share that one of my first purchases for my 1984 W123 with dark brown dashboard/ palomino MB Tex interior was this W126 leather wrapped steering with a dark brown center.

I believe it will match perfectly and will post pictures in the car when it arrives

Beautiful.

I've always wanted to do this modification to my W123. Leather grip really feels nice and solid, as a Merc should be.

Dr. Sternschnuppe · #15 03-26-2015, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stretch

Does anyone know if there was ever a leather steering wheel option for a W123?

Hi!

No, it wasn't available for the w123.

But, for example, from the end of the 1984 there was available leather steering wheel for the w126. And that steering wheels looks absolutely like w123's one, but with leather trim.

Edited: 'scuse me! So old thread...