Great site by the way. About time. I just bought a pristine 300TD (at a real good price) with 109K miles. The car drives as new and everything is in working order. It has been some time since I had a benz so I am not sure whether this problem is endemic or something that needs to be repair: the steering has play in at a dead center. Is this something that needs adjustment in the steering? The suspension seems to be okay.

Thanks,

Clint

Yes, the steering box wears a little, and yes, it can be adjusted.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Wow. Immediate reply!! Thanks!! What a great site!!

Clint

How much play? There is an allowable tolerance for this. I amnot 100% sure about the W123 chassis, but I know for a fact that up to 25mm (1 inch) of play left to right , is within tolerance for the W116 chassis.

__________________
1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

german cars traditionally have this play on center - it's called the "autobahn sneeze protection" feature, or something like that.

in case you sneeze while driving at autobahn speeds.