Can I replace the factory steeringwheel myself? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 03-14-2003, 02:45 PM

I just received the Wood/leather replacement steeringwheel for my ML today. I talked to the dealership and they want me to drop the car off and then charge me $86. I then called another European Automotive Shop and they want $112!!

Is this something that I can do myself? I am just worried about the airbag, but if I disconnect the battery that should not be a problem right? Has anyone done this??

Thanks in advance!!
Jason

Gilly · #2 03-14-2003, 08:05 PM

Man, that's crazy. $86 I assume is 1 hour labor, the $112 I don't know how they arrived at that figure. 1.5 hr?
It's less than .5 hour to do it.
The airbag is fairly easily removed with the proper TORX bit to remove the 2 bolts that are inside the 2 holes on the back side of the steering wheel spokes. I'm sure you can spot them on the new wheel, they should be there already (no need to transfer over from the old wheel). Once the 2 connectors are removed from the back of the bag (they are locked into place with flip-off clips that secure the connectors) then you don't want to turn the ignition on until the job is complete. One small tip is to open the fusebox and remove the relay for the horn (look at the application chart to find this one).
The central bolt can be tough to remove so you can remove the steering wheel. It's I believe an 8mm Allen head. You'll probably want to get a fairly long 1/2" drive ratchet and socket to get this bad boy off. Before actually removing the wheel, you'll need to disconnect the 2 wires for the horn contacts, then they pass through some holes in the sheetmetal in the steering wheel structure. Pay attention to how these wires are routed, and also the routing of the airbag wiring through the steering wheel hub.
You should have the steering wheel centered before removing it so you know the new one will be on straight, but remember DON'T turn the key to the on position after the airbag is removed, or you defeat the whole purpose of doing it yourself, as the codes will need to be read and erased, probably at a dealership, and they'll probably want just as much to do that as installing the wheel to begin with.
Those wooden wheels are really nice looking, installed a few of them already.

Gilly

#3 03-14-2003, 08:31 PM

The stock 2002 wheel I have is different than the wood wheel I got. The wiring position on the 02 one has the wiring going through at a 12:00 position and the wood one has it going through a 3:00 position. The Mercedes tech said that he thought that it was for an older ML than my 02. Do you know anything about them changing the wiring position and what year they did it? I may just sell the wheel since it won't work on my ML. I havce attached the picture showing where the wiring goes through on that one.

Gilly · #4 03-14-2003, 08:45 PM

Is the other tech just saying this to you, or have you looked at it yourself?
The reason I ask is I just R&R'd a steering wheel on an older one today (a 98) and the electricals passed through the steering wheel hub at the 12 o'clock position on the 98. I think your 02 has it just like your wooden wheel. I think the wooden wheel is correct for your truck. I'm not sure when the change was made exactly, but I believe possibly it happened when ESP was introduced, which would have been about 99. I think later in 98 model year ESP was an option, then in 99 it was in all ML's.
If you care to post the part number of the wooden wheel i can check if it is the correct part on Monday.

Gilly

#5 03-14-2003, 10:16 PM

I tried to have it installed today at the Mercedes Dealership and they showed me how my factory steering wheel had the wires going through the 12:00 position, but if you notice in the picture of the wood one above the wire position is at 3:00. I don't have a part number since I got the wheel from performance products.

Thanks for all your help!!
Jason

Gilly · #6 03-14-2003, 11:16 PM

Another possiblity then is that the steering wheel is intended for a car not an ML. Not really sure at this point. i may take the airbag off our service truck (03) just to compare it to how the 98 looked that I just did.

Gilly

#7 03-14-2003, 11:32 PM

Thanks Gilly it would be nice to know if it will work on other MLs.

It is so nice to have someone of your knowledge and experience to help people like me out!! I think I speak for everyone when I tell you how much we appreciate all your help and support!!!!!

Jason