Okay, folks, I finally got around to changing my W210 steering wheel. This basic procedure is the same for pretty much all of the newer MBZ vehicles with airbags.
First, a few caveats. Remember that this is a basic procedure, but not for the faint of heart. Make a misstep and you could end up with a mess. Second, be prepared; once you have the airbag assembly off is not the time to find out you don't have the tool necessary to pull the retaining bolt. Third, take your time; no sense in rushing. Last, be sure you have your owner's manual and radio code handy.
STEP ONE. Bring the steering wheel to almost center, I left it slightly left as you can see in the photo to permit easier access to the left airbag assembly bolt. Extend the steering wheel from the dash as far as it will go.
STEP TWO. Disconnect the negative lead from the battery. You can access the lead from the snap-off cover in front of the right-side rear passenger seat. It's a 7/16" nut. Be sure you have unlocked all doors and that the key is in your pocket. Close the door to extinguish the dome light, then remove the nut and pull the lug off the terminal end. I stuck the plastic cover halfway back in to ensure the cable lug wouldn't drift back over and make contact.
STEP THREE. Loosen each of the airbag assembly retaining screws. They are T30 Torx, but you can use an allen wrench if you desire. Although I had torx sockets, the hole provided is too small for anything other than a straight-shaft tool, so I ended up using a 5/32 allen wrench and a cheater to get enough torque to loosen these screws. Once each of the screws is loose, go ahead and completely loosen them. They will remain in the steering wheel, so you'll have to periodically pull on the airbag assembly to see if you're finished loosening them.
STEP FOUR. Gently pull the airbag assembly away from the steering wheel and rotate it as in the picture. Pull the yellow airbag connector straight off the airbag and then disconnect the other connector. Remove the airbag assembly and set it somewhere safe.
STEP FIVE. Use a 10mm allen-head socket to loosen the steering wheel retaining bolt. This bolt has a tapered seat and will be very tight to break loose. Don't use the steering wheel lock but rather have a helper hold the steering wheel while you loosen it. When the bolt is quite loose tug on the steering wheel; it should slide forward. If not, have the holder pull on it while you use a small piece of wood and a hammer to strike a blow to the retaining bolt. Don't hit your helper!
STEP SIX. With the wheel able to move, remove the tapered retaining bolt and, supporting the wheel with one hand, carefully feed the connector wires and ends through the hole noted in the picture. Remove the wheel.
STEP SEVEN. Support the new wheel and feed the wires back through the same hole. Line up the wheel and place it in position, securing it with the retaining bolt. 60-70 ft. lbs. should be fine; once the taper seat hits, torque will rise dramatically.
STEP EIGHT. Reinstall the airbag assembly, connect the general connector first, and then the airbag connector. Align the airbag assembly into place and start the two screws, then tighten them.
STEP NINE. Close the doors and reconnect the battery. Replace the plastic cover.
STEP TEN. Go through the manual's procedures to correct the malfunction warnings, reset the power windows and enable your radio.
STEP ELEVEN. Go for a drive, enjoy the new feeling!
Hey, Storm/OX, can one of you add this to the DIY sticky?
__________________ If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under. Ronald Reagan
When you learn from your own mistakes, that's experience.
When you learn from the mistakes of others, that's wisdom.
When you fail to learn from any mistakes, that's government.
STEP TEN. Go through the manual's procedures to correct the malfunction warnings, reset the power windows and enable your radio.
I've disconnected the battery in my '96 E300 a few times. Once for an entire week.
When it is reconnected, I must enter the radio code but nothing else needs to be reset. The seat memory, window positions and IR synchronization remains.
MAN that does look great!! Where did you find the wood steering wheel. I know AMG E has one but unsure how to find one for 01 E320 w/ tan leather (excuse me if it is worn color - Newbie on forum). I have had car for 1.5 yrs and want to make some changes. THIS IS A GREAT ONE!!!!!
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