broken criuse control stalk

[JHZR2]

hi,

Today I was driving my 83 300D and had the cruise on. I pushed it in(towards the speedometer) to turn it off in order to coast. When I did this, the stalk broke off!
I took the rubber boot that goes around the windshield wiper stalk and the cruse stalk, and looked at the switch for the cruise. The stalk is a round peg that goes into a round hole that has some sort of post in the middle (Perhaps to hold said stalk in the hole).
I tried to force it in, but I cant get good control of the switch, and going around some curves the stalk flops all the way down until its pointing straight down. I didnt want to try crazy glue if the stalk can be replaced itself, but I tried a ttohpick end, some aluminum foil, and finally some wood glue to helpmake some more friction in the hole to holfd the shaft and make it usable, but had no success.
DOes anyone have any idea what Ill need to do? Can I simply replace the cruise control stalk, or will I have to geta whole new switch assembly? If Ill need to replace the whole switch, Maybe Ill try some crazy glue or JB weld in there first to make a permanent bond. I didnt want to do that without checking here first, as I was worried that if ti was replacable, that Id be stuck with the old semi broken stalk, which may break again.
If I must repalce the whole swotch (I assume that teh stalk comes with a switch that Id buy from fastlane), could someone tell me whats involved in getting out the old one and putting in the new? There were a lot of wires going to the switch that I couldnt exactly figure out how they were connected to the switch. I wouldnt want to take my chances soldering onto the switch, or cutting the current connections. If that was the case, I think Id leave it to the dealer rather then tryng to make it a DIY job...
Any help is most appreciated.
Thanks

JMH

[Billybob]

This is from a 126 check the numbers it might work and the picture will maybe give you an idea what your working with.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1824577384

On this one it looks like the CC switch itself may be a seperate removable unit? I'm pretty sure its a DIY swap you've got to remove the steering wheel! Good Luck!

[JHZR2]

Can anyone comment if this part mentioned above (part # 126 545 10 24) can be used in a w123 1983 300D? both stalks look exactly the same as mine, except the lettering is in German. I would be willing to replace both the headlight/wipers/turn signal and the cruise assembly if needs be, since this one is cheap, and Ill have to get the whole steering wheel, etc off anyway.
Any comments most appreicated, thanks

JMH

Check the part number at your local MB dealer. That is the only way to know for sure if that will fit. I know some parts from the 126 are interchangeable, I wouldn't want to buy it to find out it won't fit....after you get the steering wheel off!!

[mikemover]

They are very easy to remove...I forget if there's 2 or 4 screws, and a couple of wires. I see used ones in salvage yards and pull-your-own parts yards all the time, VERY inexpensive, and they almost always work fine.

Mike

[can-do]

Greetings JMH,

The cruise stalk and switch can be ordered here at Fastlane for about $43. It will be the correct part you are looking for. The problem with used ones seems to be that they to look and feel fine in operation but won't hold the set speed as there contact surfaces have become worn as well. I'd go with a new one at that price and it is an easy DIY'er job.


Charles

[mikemover]

Good point, can-do.

I didn't realize new ones were that inexpensive.

Mike