Thoughts on that big 80's MB steering wheel - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Flounder · #1 01-23-2008, 10:20 PM

On a business trip last week I rented some kind of new Pontiac, and it had a TINY steering wheel. Plus the steering ratio was so low that it made the car real twitchy. If I so much as sneezed I was changing lanes.

After I was home and got back in the MB it struck me how much I like the big steering wheel and steering box ratio. I think it makes for much better directional stability on the highway. Although I think the caster setting has something to do with that also.

Anyway, does anybody else love the big steering wheel?

Bert

bgkast · #2 01-23-2008, 10:30 PM

I feel like a bus driver. I just got this Nardi wheel to replace mine:

cavaliers16 · #3 01-23-2008, 10:41 PM

Yep- love it. I can rest my arm on the armrest or the door handle and still grip the wheel when cruising on the highway.

LUVMBDiesels · #4 01-24-2008, 08:02 AM

I like my bus wheels. The one on the BMW is even larger than on the MB and if you want a BIG wheel, try a 1957 chevy

The amount of leverage yo can get with these wheels is great. When my power steering belt broke on the 300SD I hardly noticed it

I don't like small wheels, they make me think I am driving a go-cart

Da Hawaiian · #5 01-24-2008, 08:44 AM

I now have a solid wood (zembrano) steering wheel, very much brings out the wood in Helga while keeping in line with the sedan feel. The only thing i dont like is having to actually bendmy head to see thru the wheel to gages. I didnt think it would pass inspection either, but she has 5 times in 5 years...I still have the orig wheel though.Its for sale...

Dakota

W123 300D Helga China blue 196K

Magoo · #6 01-24-2008, 09:23 AM

I like it but have trouble getting my long legs under it when getting in and out of the seat. Sure wish it had tilt wheel!
Hmmm, maybe I need to migrate to a 126... Not sure which models have Tilt, but it's probably roomier inside.

blackestate · #7 01-24-2008, 12:50 PM

I need to replace the one in the 83. What options do I have. I would like a slightly smaller one.
I too have issues when getting in and out of the car.

tobybul · #8 01-24-2008, 12:58 PM

I like it too.... reminds of our '68 VW microbus and '82 Vanagon. I think its very ergonomic..

Jeremy5848 · #9 01-24-2008, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUVMBDiesels

... if you want a BIG wheel, try a 1957 chevy

That's right! My parents had a 1955 and then a 1959 Chev. When they moved up to a 1965 Olds F-85 ($3000 -- big bucks for us), I remember thinking how small the steering wheel was. It also had such overpowering power steering that there was almost no road feel.

Jeremy

pj67coll · #10 01-24-2008, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cavaliers16

Yep- love it. I can rest my arm on the armrest or the door handle and still grip the wheel when cruising on the highway.

I feel *exactly* the same way. Love the huge old MB wheels. Hate the smaller ones' that replaced them. I have driven two W140's and the wheel is too small to rest my elbow on the door. Also too small for me to rest my other elbow on the center armrest and hold the wheel. Possibly the single biggest gripe I have about the car. I don't believe I'll ever own a Mercedes younger than a W126, largely as much for that old style feel as anything else.

- Peter.

Jim B. · #11 01-24-2008, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cavaliers16

Yep- love it. I can rest my arm on the armrest or the door handle and still grip the wheel when cruising on the highway.

That is no accident.

The Mercedes Benz engineers carefully designed it for exactly that very reason in the W126.

The S class cars are, first and last, long distance highway cruisers, built to goobble up HUGE chunks of interstate at one sitting, while leaving the driver refreshed and relaxed at the end of the journey.

After owning one for a dozen years I understand this perfectly well. In the very beginning the wheel felt way too big, especially while driving around town.

TheDon · #12 01-24-2008, 03:35 PM

the Chrysler Pacifica's steering wheel is 1/2" from the top of the guage cluster hump.. I drove one for a day and did not like how my hand kept getting stuck between the wheel and cluster.. I ride gangsta with one hand on the top sometimes... and with it getting stuck I had to drive normal...

I like the big wheel in m 300D... Its big enough I can rest both arms on the arm rests and just be comfortable while driving..

My moms Equinox has electronic steering asist... not power steering. So.. Zero road feel

Skippy · #13 01-24-2008, 03:47 PM

I've seen complaints about other models with electric steering, but never about the Mini Cooper which was the first to have it. I guess all the imitators are missing something.

I like the big steering wheel (it's bigger than the one on an MTVR), but I can adjust to smaller ones when I drive other vehicles. What I hate is overboosted power steering. I drove one of my dad's Cadillacs a couple months ago for one trip and refused to drive it anymore.

Diesel Dan · #14 01-24-2008, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackestate

I need to replace the one in the 83. What options do I have. I would like a slightly smaller one.
I too have issues when getting in and out of the car.

I'm afraid I have to join the long-legged objectors camp. I test-drove a couple early-mid 80's models before buying my w124, and the steering wheel was practically a deal-breaker. At 6'4" tall, I had to use my yoga training to get in and out of the thing! If I ever get one of those, I'll have to replace the steering wheel for sure!

Nate Stanley · #15 01-24-2008, 03:51 PM

I like the big wheel too, it just feels right. I just got back from a fast weekend trip to LA in my 123- first long trip in a few years - and arrived much more relaxed than I have in the LeSabre. The seats in that car are awful, but the wheel in the Benz helps add to the comfort level. I wouldn't trade down in size.