'93 190E 2.6 general questions

[d.delano]

Hello- the '85 w123 turbo I had been happily driving for 5 years with no issue is off the road due to a high speed collision with a large quadriped. I'm now driving a '93 w201 2.6 w 135k. While the car is nearly perfect the steering wheel padding has separated from the rim at the 10 o'clock position. This is irritating. I know I'll need a replacement, but what are the issues with removal/installation? I don't want the airbag going off on me. Secondly this car has been in a covered garage for about 5 or 6 years with no use. Before I put it back on the road I put four new Michelins on it and changed the oil. It passed inspection but HC is a bit on the high side, 203 out of 260. I'm hoping that some new wires, dist cap, rotor, plugs and an a/f adjustment will bring it down. Possible? Lastly, brakes are a million times better than with the w123 but there is a grind/groan when braking casually like when one would stop for a traffic light. When braking hard or firmly the noise is absent. I think it's coming from the right front but can't be 100% certain. Wheel bearings? Glazed pads? Stuck caliper? Hose?

thanks for your input and Happy Thanksgiving

[Oracle12345]

to do the work on the steering wheel disable the airbag system for at least half hour because the srs module can hold voltage in its capicators and go off.
procedures to disable airbag are on the w201 service disc, if not i can send you documentson how to do it.

if the car has been sitting for 5 or 6 years i would check and replace whats necessary. Also gas goes bad after sitting for a few months. I would clean out the entire fuel system throughly.

For the brake issue, the calipers may have gotten stuck after sitting all those years. do a through inspection of your brake system and make sure the hoses arent cracked, the bads are good, the calipers arent stuck. Also you want to bleed the brakes because you should replace the fluid every 2 years. brake fluid brakes down as it gets older. Make sure you depressurize the abs system before doing this.

[Hirnbeiss]

Originally Posted by d.delano

Hello- the '85 w123 turbo I had been happily driving for 5 years with no issue is off the road due to a high speed collision with a large quadriped.

I knew the rats in DC were a problem (after nearly stepping on one from my motorcycle waiting at a light near Logan Circle) but had no idea the problem had grown to this size

The steering wheel is not technically difficult - see the DIY articles (eg W210 turn signal stalk) under the menu "Resources". Just remember if you disconnect the battery to disarm the airbag you will need to reset the radio code. Do not reconnect power with the airbag disconnected.
The steering wheel bolt itself is tough to break - you will need a big wrench/breaker bar while also providing counterforce at the steering wheel.

[MTI]

The airbag is removed via torx screws in the back of the wheel; the wheel itself is held by a 10mm allen head bolt that has MB loctite holding it in place . . . get a really big breaker bar and a helper.

[ARNOLDLewis]

You should be very careful in removing the air. here are some steps on how: Hope this would help

1. Disconnect the Battery, positive (+) and negative (-) sides.
2. Locate your fuse panel, (usually under the drivers side dash) and remove the fuse for the air bag (Inf. Res.).
3. Now, keep your head to one side, (common sense, just in case) if you reach around the back of your steering wheel, you will find two hex bolts on each side. Remove them.
4. Please be careful, with those bolts removed your bag will pull easily from the center of the steering wheel, there is a wire there, (I have seen it yellow, and I have seen it green) you need to cut that wire, make sure you leave it long enough so you can reattach it if you want to later.
5. Put the airbag someplace safe, FACE UP. (Unless you want a hole through the ceiling if something happens).

[Oracle12345]

Originally Posted by ARNOLDLewis

You should be very careful in removing the air. here are some steps on how: Hope this would help

1. Disconnect the Battery, positive (+) and negative (-) sides.
2. Locate your fuse panel, (usually under the drivers side dash) and remove the fuse for the air bag (Inf. Res.).
3. Now, keep your head to one side, (common sense, just in case) if you reach around the back of your steering wheel, you will find two hex bolts on each side. Remove them.
4. Please be careful, with those bolts removed your bag will pull easily from the center of the steering wheel, there is a wire there, (I have seen it yellow, and I have seen it green) you need to cut that wire, make sure you leave it long enough so you can reattach it if you want to later.
5. Put the airbag someplace safe, FACE UP. (Unless you want a hole through the ceiling if something happens).

dont cut the wire....

[babymog]

Please DO NOT follow the above poster's directions.

The four bolts are torx head as MTI mentioned,

The wire is plugged in, DO NOT CUT IT.

If the battery is disconnected, there is really no point to pulling the fuse, but again unlike the above poster's direction, it is located under the hood where all M-B sedans of this era are located.

[nissanzx1]

Agreed, do NOT cut the wire!! There is a plastic fitting that will slide off the metal connector... Really, not much to removing an airbag... Just use common sense and also use the search function on this forum.

-GH