[merccringer]

I purchased a 2010 S-Class 4Matic Saturday with 45K miles on it. Test drive went fine. After I left the dealership I went to change lanes on the highway and nothing happens. The steering wheel started spinning freely, turning 360 degree with no action from the front wheels. The power steering system and skid control indicator came on prior to the loss of steering on the display. Scared the crap out of me.I hit the flashers and slowed down (freaking out) I was able to get a little tension to the steering wheel and drift off to the shoulder.
Dealer brought me out a fairly new 2013 S550 4matic to drive temporarily but now I'm staring at the steering wheel often. Based on some posts I've read that this is akin to gearbox issues associated with the spline from the steering column shift etc.

Any body experience total failure of S550 4matic, where the wheel spins freely and no control of steering? While the dealer is willing to correct the deficiency, the first thing they offered was just to take the car back and give me back my trade(S500) No harm no foul. Finally, I'm not sure if calling Mercedes directly will make a difference or not as the outcome could have been much different. Thoughts on next steps?

 

[triode]

Does the s550 for 2010 have the electric-type power steering (as opposed to hydraulic)?
I found this article:
Electric vs. Hydraulic Steering: A Comprehensive Comparison Test - Feature - Car and Driver

 

[eric242340]

Does the s550 for 2010 have the electric-type power steering (as opposed to hydraulic)?
I found this article:
Electric vs. Hydraulic Steering: A Comprehensive Comparison Test - Feature - Car and Driver

Both types have a pinion shaft that connects via splines to the steering column, to loose all steering these two shafts have to part company. Or one of them has snapped. Either way I have never seen this happen and it is quite scary.

 

[merccringer]

My service adviser said the same thing. Dealer has committed to make it right, but not sure I want this car anymore especially at the price I bought it at. I am considering calling Mercedes to have them intervene. Not sure how effective that would be. But calling the attorney today.

Both types have a pinion shaft that connects via splines to the steering column, to loose all steering these two shafts have to part company. Or one of them has snapped. Either way I have never seen this happen and it is quite scary.

 

[eric242340]

My service adviser said the same thing. Dealer has committed to make it right, but not sure I want this car anymore especially at the price I bought it at. I am considering calling Mercedes to have them intervene. Not sure how effective that would be. But calling the attorney today.

To me this appears to be a one off incident so I do not think MB will help much here. You could have had a very nasty accident and consulting with an attorney is a good idea.

 

[ImInPA]

I agree with getting an attorney. Since the shafts would have to be severed from the rack to have the "free spinning" wheel you describe, I would also send an independent mechanic to document the damage. I am hoping that the poster is not embellishing this story. That would be terrifying.

 

[merccringer]

I figured as much. I've got a call into the attorney now.

To me this appears to be a one off incident so I do not think MB will help much here. You could have had a very nasty accident and consulting with an attorney is a good idea.

 

[merccringer]

Embellishing the story, really? This situation could have killed my whole family or an innocent pedestrian. Unfortunately this forum doesn't allow me to post a video of the wheel spinning like a top.

I agree with getting an attorney. Since the shafts would have to be severed from the rack to have the "free spinning" wheel you describe, I would also send an independent mechanic to document the damage. I am hoping that the poster is not embellishing this story. That would be terrifying.

 

[ImInPA]

You could post a link to the video showing the wheel spinning like a top, and, most importantly you can show it to your dealer. I just can't figure out how it could have disconnected so completely and then reconnected itself so you could drive. Very scary stuff. I would not drive it at all until MB fixes it.

 

[BT ZR1]

take your car back and start all over.

 

[merccringer]

Thanks. They have the car, going back down to get my trade.

take your car back and start all over.

 

[RajwanyS550]

you already said they offered to take the car back and give you your trade back.
so what is the problem, why would get an attorney involved.....