The play at full lock left or right is normal. I found the same thing quite uncomfotable with my first Mercedes but then realized it was normal and not anything to worry about.

Cars with rack and pinion steering of course do not do this. But then again they don't have the same great overall steering attributes that the Mercedes steering gear box has.

It is the on-center play that is to be watched. If there is too much straight ahead on center play then steering components and or steering gear box needs to be checked and/or adjusted.

Haasman

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)