Okay... Is there something that says specifically it was an adjustable column and it's not just being read as such (but actually referring to the safety feature)?

-Rog

All the various links say retractable steering column. The safety feature you are referencing deals with a lower steering shaft which collapses upon significant impact. I don't think, but I could be wrong, they are the same thing. It reads like a luxury option, e.g., power windows vs. manual windows, et cet.

I guess I read it as the safety feature, particularly the way it was worded in the Wikipedia entry:

"W123 introduced innovations including ABS (optional from August, 1980), a retractable steering column and an airbag for the driver (optional from 1982)."

It seems the most plausible answer to me, given the lack of evidence for an adjustable steering column.

-Rog

I've just visited the JY in the past few weeks, and checked out 2 MBs, W123s. One is a 78 and the other is 79. Both of them have the collapsable type of lower steering shafts. So, I cannot see how if that option was offered circa 1982, then both of these cars would have that. Maybe ?

Or what about an active crash system that retracts the steering column like Audi's procon-ten, was there anything like that?

Now I'm curious too...

-Rog

You got me. Maybe you're right and the collapsable lower shaft is the retractable steering column. I have owned cars which had a steering column which collasped or was telescopic or went up and down. I would assume that this option would have been more widespread, but then again, they mentioned airbags and those are incredibly rare in the W123.

The telescoping safety feature would not have been an option, I don't think. When it was needed they all got it.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I have several Euro and federal brochures and have never seen that as an option.


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1985 Euro 300TD Turbo

The collapsible steering column was introduced at the beginning of the w115 run (1968). So I doubt it would be considered an option on the w123.

I was watching a Leno's Garage ages ago on a MB SL (Sadly, I forget if it was a gullwing). It had a sort of folding steering wheel to help you get in and out of the car. It was the older style, hard steering wheel, not a more modern foam version. Anyway, I doubt it is what Greazzer is trying to learn about, but I felt it was worth mentioning just in case.

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1968 220D, w115, /8, OM615, Automatic transmission.
My 1987 300TD wagon was sold and my 2003 W210 E320 wagon was totaled (sheds tear).

If you get into a hard front end collision, it becomes an option.

But once retracted, it won't extend back by itself ..

(I've never heard of such an option, most likely talking about the collapsible steering column as mentioned)

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http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7...144c3fc1dc.jpg

That would be a gullwing I suspect.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I thought the w123 column shifter was the rarest of them all.

Well it is listed here =>

Códigos de opciones para los W116 y W123 | Mercedes-Benz

As option 441 !

(probably only for the W116 though)

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1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

I went to the W123 option code (non-French version) and option code 441 is listed as

"Lenksaeule elektrisch einstellbar" = "steering column electrically adjustable"

So, I am back to my original proposition when reading and re-reading the options offered in the official MB literature ... it would make little sense that all cars had the collapsable lower steering shaft yet in 1982 MB offered the adjustable steering column. Just reading it suggests it was an option and not a built in safety feature that every car had. When did W116s get phased out? If this was an option starting in 1982, but W116s were gone by then, then I am guessing it was not related solely to W116s.

The search continues.

W116 were made 1972 - 1980.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W116

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- Greg -
1973 220D, The Prodigal Benz
1974 240D