The cruise in this car has been dead for years. But the last couple days there has been a strange surging behavior. The cruise control lever just sort of flops around but as I moved it around the engine would respond. Its good because it means part of the system is still working. But I don't trust it because it seems to activate on its own. Also, is there an indicator light for this thing?

The switch on the steering column needs to be repaired or replaced, at the very least. Is this a driveway job that can be done pretty quickly?

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

It can be done in about an hour, or less, depending on how fast you work. The steering wheel has to come off, as do the column covers (underdash and column cap under the wheel) plus the ductwork. I don't recall 100% but I don't believe there are even any screws retaining the switch. I think it took me about 45 minutes start to finish to replace the cruise stalk.

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Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

I just did this job on my 87 300e. Not a bad DIY. The cruise switch slides out of the assembly, but you have to push in ( I used a flat blade screwdriver) the little tabs on the back and pull.

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87 300e (white/black; amg body kit)
88 300ce (red/cream; amg body kit)
93 300ce cabrio (white/blue/blue top)
93 300ce cabrio (black/grey/black top)
98 ml 320 (totaled @ 137,000 miles)
99 clk320 (black/grey/black top)

Thanks. Sounds like the steering wheel r+r is the worst part of the job.

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

It's really not that bad. Once the horn cover comes off, there is one nut that must be removed. I anticipated that I'd need 150 ft.-lbs. to break it loose, but it was much less. I could do it myself by holding the wheel with one hand and the ratchet with the other. So, it could not be more than about 70 ft.-lb. or so.

One thing to note: DO NOT use the steering lock for counter torque. It has to be you or a helper.

Especially if this car has an airbag!

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

No airbag, and I'm glad for it!

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

The airbag is not an issue. Two Torx screws and it lifts right off. This is on the '86 SDL.