The collar behind the steering wheel is somewhat loose. The turn signal and the cruise control arms both turn with it. I am looking for advice on how to tighten this collar so that my turn signal doesn't slop around. If I apply any real pressure to the turn signal stalk, the whole collar shifts. I have to reach behind the wheel and twist it back to where it should be.

Anyone else have this problem?

Geoff:

I have exactly the same problem with my 1997 E 320. So far I haven't found a solution but I haven't been to the dealer hoping I could find a less expensive fix. Like you, I would appreciate any suggestions.

Russ Anderson
1997 E320

Russ,
I figured there would be others with this problem. I'm hoping to get some advice before I pull the steering wheel. I figure that there is a screw loose under the "collar" that hoilds the turn signal assembly to the column.

My '98 E320 has the same problem.

Anyone know of a fix?

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1998 E320 Blk\Blk
1995 BMW 530i (bad engine) sold
1989 BMW 535i sold after 170,000 fun miles
1996 Lincoln Town Car (6 passenger land barge, still smooth and quiet at 130,000 miles, make me an offer!)

The January/February 2004 issue of the Star magazine has a detailed article on how to replace the turnsignal/headlight switch on a W210. I'd say that if you got a copy of that, it would give some insight as to what the problem is.

Rather than struggle with removing the air bag and steering wheel I finally gave in and took my '97 E320 with the flopping turn signal/cruise control unit to my local MB indie shop. What he found is that the bracket that attached the shroud to the column was broken in two places. To correct it by the book would require R &R of the shroud and big bucks for parts and labor. He was able to secure the shroud to the back of the dash with two screws. Sorry, I don't know exactly where he put them because I can't get head down under the dash anymore. You can't tell anything different in appearance and the turn signal and cruise control are solid and work normally.

Sorry I can't be any more precise and offer more detail.

Russ Anderson

It's not that hard to fix, although the first step is the hardest, you need to remove the airbag and steering wheel. Under the wheel on the 97, I believe it would just have the "clockspring" for the airbap, or it may be a clockspring along with the steering angle sensor (if equipped with ESP). Either way, once the wheel is off, there will just be two small-headed phillips screws that retain the clockspring and/or steering angle sensor. After removing the part under the steering wheel, just pull it out enough to let it hang (no need to disconnect the wiring) and you'll see the 3 phillips screws which need to be retightened. Be sure to NOT turn on the ignition with the airbag disconnected, unless you'd rather disconnect the negative terminal from the battery first. Also, before you physically "remove" the steering wheel from the car, make sure the wheel is centered. It NEEDS to be centered to remove the 2 small-headed screws which retain the airbag clockspring/steering wheel angle sensor! You can't twist these parts around at will, you will break them.

Gilly

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Gilly,
Do the 1997 models require a T-30 torx bit to remove the steering wheel like the 98s do? I have been trying to remove the wheel using a T30 to no avail. I can't get it in the head and I can't se what's going worng. Any tips?

Thanks!

T30 sounds correct, yes. You need a long one though, a short one won't work. About 2" long. I believe all MB's use the same tool for removal, 97 and 98 would both be the same for sure.
I usually would take just the torx bit itself and get it engaged into the bolt, then connect the ratchet to the bit, seems easier to find that way.

Gilly

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Geoff:

That bolt head may be a triple-square head. Looks a lot like a Torx but has 12 "corners" . You can pick triple-square drivers at most auto supply stores.

The tech that repaired my E320 got down to the three screws but it wasn't loose screws, the part they passed through and that held the shroud had broken.

Getting the steering wheel off can be a bear. I think MB uses about a quart of thread locker it.

Hope yours is only loose screws.

Russ A

All:
This same thing happenned to my '97 E320 today!!!!! Seems like a defect - anyone aware of any recalls on this?

Also, what do we think and Indie would charge to fix it? Pulling airbags an steering wheels are a bit too much for me.

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'97 E320 Black Opal
'86 300E Smoke Silver / Burgundy (retired at 198K)
'63 Austin Healey 3000 Mk II (BJ7) (reluctantly retired)

Since there have been at least 3 seperate instances of this problem in '97s on this forum alone I'm beginning to wonder if it isn't a structural defect in the plastic or design that is just now reaching an age or operational failure point.

In my case, the turn signal/cruise control shroud repair was part one of two repairs and an oil change and regular service. Also, there were no parts used except 3 small screws. My indie said the steering wheel shroud repair took about an hour and a half to repair at $65/hour. I think the charges will depend on what the shop rates are in your area.

RussA

Thanks Russ - I'll bring it in!!

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'97 E320 Black Opal
'86 300E Smoke Silver / Burgundy (retired at 198K)
'63 Austin Healey 3000 Mk II (BJ7) (reluctantly retired)