w126 steering wheel sizes (gas/diesel 1st gen)
 

Hello everyone,

I was planning on swapping out the steering wheel on my 300SD with that of a 500SEL. I just wanted to make sure that the SEL's wheel is smaller diameter than that of the SD. I always thought they were but I was hoping someone could confirm this and maybe provide dimensions.


Thanks!

I know the late 2nd gen cars wheel is smaller then the early 2nd gen. (like your 560SEL). I could be wrong, but I think all the old non-airbag wheels are the same size.

Perhaps look for the wheel from a 190 or W123?

-J

Hm. For some reason I always thought the gassers were smaller in the first gen...

I have a spare 190E wheel but I dont have a airbag/cover for the center...

Late Gen 2 W126s had smaller wheels.

IIRC 1988-1991 Wheels were smaller.

I put a 91 560SEL leather wheel on my 300SDL, used my original airbag etc.

Hmmm. I'll take a tape measure to the junkyard today and see.

I'd need an air-bag-less unit as the SD doesnt have one and I'm certainly not going to buy one lol.

Alright so just fyi, all the first gen wheels are the same size. 16".

The 500SEL and my 300SD have the same size.

A while back I bought a 190E wheel to replace my car's, however the airbag style changed and mine doesnt work on the older wheel. I'll put this on the SD.

Today I bought the 420SEL's wheel+bag and the 190E's bag so that the SD will have a complete wheel.

Total price $50 (420SEL, bag,wheel + 190E bag) WOO.

Nice deal! I love junkyards. Because a car that has otherwise been completely picked over could have that 1 part you need. I scored a nice late model 300CE steering wheel in mint shape with bag last year for around $50 too! I hate how dated the Gen1 steering wheels from the late 80's-early 90's look!

I'm torn weather I want to change the wheel in my car to the late W124 style or not. The straight lines of the wheel match the straight lines of the car and the dashboard.

-J

My buddy scored a fuel pressure regulator, EHA and a bunch of interior switches for $20