Optional Chrome Steering Wheel Trim (W116 and R107)
 

I've noticed in my trips through the wrecking yards that some W116 and R107 cars have 4 pieces of chrome trim on the steering wheel where it meets the horn pad, while some don't. Did this trim only come on cars of certain years, or was it that only certain models had this?

Not sure if this is model dependent, but I have only seen this on early cars, e.g. 71 and 72 R107's. I've never seen it on a /8 so perhaps S class only.

I think the later cars has the 'ribbed' steering wheel, and the starting with the 126 the flat black one.

I noticed them on a 1970s 450SLC and a 1974 450SEL. My 1979 300SD does not have them, but the steering wheels are identical except for the added trim. I may add the trim to my steering wheel.

I have seen them on one type of /8, the 115 300D. Both of mine have that trim, but none of the others I've seen. They are '75 & '76 models. My '79 SD doesn't have it either.