W124 steering wheel upgrade - details & photos - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

gsxr · #1 01-18-2003, 02:16 AM

Hello all,

As you may or may not know, the 1986-89 W124's came with horrid vinyl steering wheels. They not only look awful but feel awful as well. Starting in 1990, the wheels were leather wrapped. The rim was thicker and it looked and felt much better. Then, the later cars (mid/late 90's) came with SOFT leather wheels, as opposed to the early 90's style that was quite firm. I picked up a 1990 wheel a long time ago and had been using that until now, and it is a direct swap, same airbag etc.

Starting in 1992, the spoke design changed, and the airbag changed as well to match the new spokes. I do NOT know if the 1992-1995 W124 wheels had soft or firm leather. (I *think* they were firm.) The ones I know are soft leather are all the W210 wheels, and some of the 202/129 wheels. The specific part number I know for sure is 140-460-40-03, which is all W210 from 1996-1999. That wheel is used on the 202/129 as well. Most of the 202 wheels should work, and I *think* the desirable years are also 1996-1999. Not sure on the 129 years. I do know that you can not use anything from 2000 and up as the mounting changed.

Anyway, the wheel WILL fit easily. If you get a new/bare wheel, you will have to purchase a new squib (rear contact ring) to fit the wheel, as the old (86-9x) style will NOT fit - the squibs are different (see photos). And minor modifications may be required on the horn/wiring assembly. If you get a used wheel, it may come with the proper squib and bolt right on. I'm not 100% sure as I have only done this twice - once with a new W210 wheel, and once with a used W202 wheel. The W202 was of unknown year but alleged to be 1998. It came with the proper squib (woo-hoo!), but it was broken and I had to replace it. (D'oh!)

The wheels are available fairly cheap from salvage yards, for as little as $50 (for W202 wheels). That's hard to find, more typical prices are $150-$250. The bigger hassle is the airbag, since you can't use your old one (unless you're upgrading a 1992-95 W124). Fitment is easy - almost any airbag from 1992-1999 will work, you just need to get the proper color (in my case, black.) Avoid the 500E and some SL bags as the spokes may be different. But most all 124/201/202/210/140 airbags will work from 92-99. A lot of yards can't ship airbags because they need special certification to ship explosive devices. The cheapest I found was $125, but they couldn't ship it. I ended up paying $175 (with S&H) which was the best I could get. It shouldn't be a problem finding them from $200-250, but if you have a local yard definitely try that route first. Try to get the newest bag you can, since they have a finite life span (new cost is insane, btw.)

Anyway, the improvement is significant. It looks a LOT better, and feels awesome. The soft leather may be a bit more fragile but I'm not rough on my steering wheels (IMO). The photo shows the old 1990 leather wheel, and the new 1998 C280 wheel installed. The camera flash shows some wear marks, but inside the car in less light it looks even better. I don't think anyone would want my old vinyl wheels, but if so, I'd be willing to part with them really cheap (I have two of them.) Sorry, I'm donating the 1990 leather wheel to my sister's 124, which still has vinyl!

Photos are here (scroll down to "steer_whl"):

http://www.meimann.com/images/mercedes/W124_stuff/

Best regards,

Early Bird · #2 02-18-2003, 06:34 PM

Hi gsxr, I haven't read all your post yet but it sounds like your the one I want to taLK to. I want to put the 93 burl wood wheel from Performance Products on my 90 300CE. I hate the look of my wheel compared to the 93, as you know. The wheel is expensive but if I can make it work without BIG troubles I might try it. Or maybe just get a stock black one and Adapt it. Not sure about the whole idea, but you seem to have it down. What do think Of my plan??? One fellow has a 95 124 wheel on his 86 300e and had alot of trouble and ended up with no turn signals. He put the wood wheel on, Looks GREAT, but no signals.

gsxr · #3 02-18-2003, 07:15 PM

EB,

I'm not sure what the aftermarket wheel is like from Performance Products. I've only dealt with OE wheels. I would think they would only sell a wheel that will fit without problems, as they don't want people calling back or returning the parts!

But if you call and talk to them they might be of more help.

Now if you get a newer OE wheel, like I mentioned above, yes you can make that work - worst case you'll have to buy the newer contact ring, and perhaps swap over your horn mechanism if you get a new (not used) wheel. Regardless, it's NOT a big deal on cars from roughly 1986-1999. From 2000-up, all bets are off, I think it won't work period but I'm not 100% positive.

About your friend, he did SOMETHING wrong when he swapped wheels. The wheel mounting has NOTHING to do with the turn signals! Those switches are further inside the steering colmun, you never touch them. A 1995 wheel will bolt up to a 1986 300E no problem, as long as you have the newer airbag & contact ring. He needs to figure out what he did wrong to break the turn signals, I can't tell without more information...

Good luck,

suginami · #4 02-18-2003, 08:02 PM

The wheels from Performance Products are made in Germany and are actually OE wheels that have been cut and wood was inserted.

They are the same exact wheels that the dealers sell.

Ashman · #5 02-18-2003, 11:48 PM

actually hi-power (ernesto's problem as far as I knew were that the contact rings ont he newer wheel did not work. They just need to be changed thats all and he should be ok.

Changing from an older wheel to a newer wheel requires a new airbag too to fit the new wheel shape. thats the biggest cost involved.

Alon

Early Bird · #6 02-19-2003, 10:34 AM

GSXR,
As Suginami said, the wheel from performance is a OEM wheel just redone with wood. If I get the wheel that fits a 93 124 what exact parts will I need to make a perfect fit?? The more I think of it , I'm not sure if it was a turn signal problem or horn in the 86 300E. Any info will help. Thanks

Regards, Richard

gsxr · #7 02-19-2003, 11:31 AM

Rich,

I'm not exactly sure. The two wheels I used to upgrade my cars were never used in a 124 from the factory, only in 129, 202, and 210 chassis. I know the 1993 wheel will fit. If you get a used wheel with the contact ring and horn/airbag mounting assembly, you will need NOTHING except the matching airbag. The ONLY problems would be if you get new, bare wheel; then you would need to swap parts from your old wheel and may need a new contact ring to fit that wheel (changed for 1992-up). So I guess it depends if you are buying a new or used wheel? The contact ring may be $75-$100, btw.

On a side note, I know someone who got a factory OE wheel with the wood pieces and didn't like it. The wood got too hot in the summer sun. He sold the wheel and swapped back to the 202/210 soft leather wheel like I have now. Just something to think about...

Early Bird · #8 02-19-2003, 01:04 PM

Dave, thanks alot man. I appreciate your help. I will think this one over for a while, and consider what you said, about hot steering wheel. The cost of all this will be very high, but sometimes "so what". If I need more info in the future, I will contact you, since it seems like you do these steering wheel upgrades blind folded. Good job Dave !!!!!

Regards, Richard

suginami · #9 02-19-2003, 01:24 PM

I believe if you have a pre-92 car, you just need a new contact ring and a new airbag.

The problem is that the dealers don't carry the contact rings anymore. Believe me, Ernesto tried for weeks and they couldn't get one it.

You'll have to find a '92-'93 steering wheel at a wrecking yard to get the contact ring.

Also, '94 -'95 cars do not use a contact ring anymore. The airbag connects differently.

Ernesto bought his used airbag and used contact ring at:

A-Professional Benz and Beemer
1354 S. Anaheim Blvd
Anaheim, CA
www.aprombz.com
714-776-1152.

They are a used car lot, a service and repair facility, and a dismantling yard that sells used parts.

gsxr · #10 02-19-2003, 01:57 PM

Paul,

You are right, I just checked on the EPC. The 1994-95 W124's (and most newer cars) use a "spiral contact piece" instead of the older contact/slip ring. The good news is that a newer style contact ring (1992-up) will work in newer steering wheels, at least I got one that works perfectly in my W210 and W202 wheels. The contact ring part number I ordered was 000-460-00-49 which is used from the factory on 129, 140, and 201 chassis (1992-up). This part is available and I got one last month. The older contact ring (198x-1991), part number 124-464-02-28, used on 124/126/201 chassis, is also available. List price for the new style is $53, list price for the old one is $88. I'm not sure what one Ernesto was trying to order, perhaps it was for a different chassis?

Regards,

Early Bird · #11 02-19-2003, 06:15 PM

Also, I talked to Performance and the wheel that fits the 1993 124 comes complete, with the ring and everything else except the Air Bag. That I just need to install my air bag and thats it. When I viewed the wood sterring wheel for the 1990 124 (86-91) I noticed it looked like it had all new parts including new wires, new shiny plate at bottom of wheel. Like if they rebuild them. Seems like it should work

#12 02-19-2003, 07:28 PM

GSXR......What kind of GSXR do you have? do you have a Bike? just wondering...

greetings,
Albert S.

gsxr · #13 02-19-2003, 07:35 PM

Albert,

I used to own a 1997 GSX-R750 with full Circuit-1 suspension, and a bunch of other trick mods. I raced with the AFM for a couple years (Sears Point, Thunderhill, etc) but unfortunately couldn't afford to keep it up. I had a 1994 GSX-R before that and the '97 was a missle compared to the '94 - took me a while to adjust to the power (near 170mph top end, mid 10's at 13x mph in the 1/4). I sold it before moving to Idaho but I'm looking for a bike again, not quite sure what I want... the GSX-R1000 looks awesome but I'm afraid I'd lose my license in a matter of weeks if I bought one!

BTW, your E500 looks sweet! One of these days I'd loooove to get one, the prices are coming down to almost affordable now...

Regards,

#14 02-19-2003, 07:52 PM

Nice..WOW you're crazy

I got my license abt 9 months ago, and bought a GSXR600 2000 model...its fun,,I want to learn how to do wheelies but its hard..I've done one this entire time

I love the GSXR1000's too...they run like low 10's 1/4 mile. faster than the GSXR1300 ironickly!

Thanks,
Albert S.

gsxr · #15 02-19-2003, 08:17 PM

The GSX-R600 is a GREAT bike to learn on - excellent choice. Fantastic chassis & brakes, light weight, plenty of power, but not enough to hurt you if you screw up. The new (2000-up) 750, 1000, and HappyBus will spit you off in a heartbeat if you make a mistake - they are NOT beginner bikes!!

About wheelies, don't worry too much... better to learn general riding skills before playing with stunting much. If you screw up, it will cost a couple thousand dollars to get your frame or forks straightened & replace the busted plastic.

And that's assuming you are OK. I highly recommend wearing full leathers as much as possible. And if you can, try to do a track day or school (CLASS, STAR, DP Safety School, CA Superbike School, etc). Riding that GSX-R600 on the track, and having pros teach you how, is simply awesome. You won't believe what the bike is capable of, and you can't find out on the street - trust me! I think it's a lot more fun dragging your knee and/or toe sliders at 100mph than pulling a wheelie at 50mph (I never played with wheelies much as I was afraid of the aforementioned $2k repair bill.)

Here's a photo of me in turn 11 (slow corner, rough pavement) at Sears Point, back in May/June 1999 or so: