R107 SL steering wheel for relatively tall guys?

[GregZ]

Hi All,

I have a problem with my 1983 380SL. The original steering wheel was too big; I could hardly get into the car (I am 6'3"). I got a smaller aftermarket wheel and everything was perfect, except that now I cannot see the speedometer. If the steering column was higher then I could (but it is not). I am thinking of cutting the top "half" (of my nice new) steering wheel. Anybody with a good solution (or does anybody even have the same problem?)?

[David Langsam]

I'm 6'5". I just live with it. Getting in and out is a pain, but with the top down, driving is no problem.

Could be worse. I once tried to drive a friends Ferrari (old model, don't remember) and couldn't get behind the wheel.

[Michael K]

I really like driving my SL once I'm seated, but I'm six feet even and just live with it including the stock wheel. I seriously don't know how anyone over six feet gets in and out of the R107. It's really tight and basically requires yoga like stretching to make it work. Plus the door feels like it weighs a smooth moving and balanced but serious 800 pounds, kind of like closing a bank vault. My seat is dialed all the way down and back with the recline as far as it will go without hitting the bulkhead, so it's a very rakish attitude that you have to own. My view of the top tenth of the instrument cluster is still cut off by the wheel. Did I mention that I do like driving the car once seated?

[coleyjf]

Hi Greg

Yes it's a matter of working a-round the wheel issue ( sorry for the puns). I'm 6'4" and I have the same problem - can hardly get in and out with the standard wheel - fortunately the previous owner had bought a Momo wheel - problem solved BUT as you say you can't see the speedo -he told me to use the rev counter ( you get to know speed v rev) and anyway what does speed matter - sorry traffic cops - well then - use cruise control in speed areas!

To be a bit more sensible I don't think cutting the wheel down would be any good as there is a lot of turn from lock to lock and on a tight turn you could end up grabbing a handful of "nothing" and loosing it - be a shame to trash a 107 that way.

I tried going back to the standard wheel but got fed up dislocating joints getting in and out -also when my wife drives it (she's 5'2") with the seat right forward and raised the standard wheel is also in the way, though she can see the speedo through it, so I just got used to the MOMO -and now it's hardly a problem - you get used to the engine note to judge the speed anyway - I remember Stirling Moss taking a traffic cop to court years ago over a speeding offence on the basis that he could tell he wasn't speeding by the sound of the engine - can't remember the result of the case though or what car but it could have been a 107!

Enjoy the car

Cheers

Jim

[Graham]

Originally Posted by GregZ

Hi All,

I have a problem with my 1983 380SL. The original steering wheel was too big; I could hardly get into the car (I am 6'3"). I got a smaller aftermarket wheel and everything was perfect, except that now I cannot see the speedometer. If the steering column was higher then I could (but it is not). I am thinking of cutting the top "half" (of my nice new) steering wheel. Anybody with a good solution (or does anybody even have the same problem?)?

I wouldn't worry about seeing the speedometer - Just get a good radar

Graham

[alabbasi]

Try getting in and out of an MGB.

[DanielG]

Originally Posted by Graham

I wouldn't worry about seeing the speedometer - Just get a good radar

Graham

Actually, Garmin GPS devices show speed (I would guess the other hand held GPS' do as well) -- mount the GPS on the windshield and check your speed that way.

[Graham]

Originally Posted by DanielG

Actually, Garmin GPS devices show speed (I would guess the other hand held GPS' do as well) -- mount the GPS on the windshield and check your speed that way.

Good idea! - Our GPS allows you to set the speed alarm. I usually have it at about 15-20% over the limit. My wife has a heavy foot but hates that beep beep beep

[Tims450SL]

Valentine 1 only way to go for radar front and rear- and I usually never look at the speedo- If I am passing someone I know im speedin...but the last motor cop that pulled me over (had the top down) told me that he couldn't give me a ticket because that was one of his favorite all time cars- yeah i got lucky- but I was very thankful for that one...

[nobby]

I have a 13" Nardi in my SL.
I can't see the speedo either and I'm 5'11".
I just keep an eye on the tach.....which I can see.

[coleyjf]

Greg

This is what my 300SL looks like with a MOMO, I like the look as well as the convenience. ( OK the wheel is on the wrong side - but that's just your side of the pond ha ha!)

cheers

jim

[jplinville]

Has anyone added tilt steering from another model Benz? Just curious...