Installation of new multifunction steering wheel - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

fuz · #1 01-16-2011, 12:01 AM

I am new to Mercedes and diesels at that, but had been researching them for the past few months. Last week I ran across a killer deal on a 1998 E300 Turbodiesel, one owner, clean carfax and only 132k miles for $5k plus $200 dealer fee. As I was about settled on getting a 1997 with 250k miles for a bit less, I immediately dropped a $300 nonrefundable security deposit and hauled a Uhaul transport 12 hours through icy snowy interstate (Dayton OH to NJ) to get to it without ever having seen a pic of the inside. Heckuva gamble but it paid off as this is one sweet ride. This NJ vehicle has even less rust than my other newer vehicles and turned out to have heated seats which was an option I really wanted. Only defects I have found is someone used Gorilla glue on the inside rear view mirror and so it came out at the seams (but at least the auto dimming still works), there is a split/scratch along the rear bumper that appears to have been hastily repaired and the stock radio has a volume dial issue.
As I will be replacing the hu with an aftermarket system, I am thinking of putting on a newer model year steering wheel with radio controls built in and attempting to hook up a universal steering wheel control system. I have installed a multifunction steering wheel in a MKIV Jetta (along with power heated seats and other mods) but that also required installing control units under the dash and swapping out a clock spring etc. I am hoping that I can get away with somehow just connecting the wheel buttons to the universal system. Anybody have any thoughts on what would be involved? Probably just leave the cruise on the stalk.

vstech · #2 01-16-2011, 11:50 AM

Wow, sounds like a nice choice!
Welcome to the forum, you know you have to post pics of your ride right? we'd love to see the GG repair, overall pics of the car, and anything else about the car you'd like to show.