My 1973 350SLC has a well worn steering wheel which I would like to replace. I would also like to fit something a bit newer and smaller. I am aware that the late 107 (from about '79-'80) got a different wheel to my '73 and have heard that these have different splines and/or fastening bolt.

How many different versions of MB steering column splines and fastening bolts were there between say 1970 and 2000? If the early and late 107 were different, can the column from a late one be fitted to the early model or would this require changing so many other items that it would be impractical.

Ideally I would love to have a leather steering wheel from say a late W124 or 201 fitted to my 107 (note that airbags are not an issue as they did not become standard fitment on MBs here in Oz until around '93). Presumably such a wheel would not be compatible with the column in my 107 but would it be compatible with the column from a late 107?

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107.023: 350SLC, 3-speed auto, icon gold, parchment MBtex (sold 2012 after 29 years ownership).
107.026: 500SLC, 4-speed auto, thistle green, green velour.
124.090: 300TE, 4-speed auto, arctic white, cream-beige MBtex.
201.028: 190E 2.3 Sportline, 5-speed manual, arctic white, blue leather.
201.028: 190E 2.3, 4-speed auto, blue-black, grey MBtex.
201.034: 190E 2.3-16, 5-speed manual, blue-black, black leather.

I have done a steering wheel replace on my 1971 350 SL. I put a W 126 (1985)wheel on the car, but as you say, the splines are diffrent. The W107 splines are VERY fine ( 14,5 mm diameter), and the W 126 have different splines and 20 mm or so in diameter.
I buy a Mercedes aluminum boss,(or adapter) from my local supplyer, (sorry my bad englich) Turn it down in a lathe and thread it outside 1" UNF (25,4mm)
After that i put the W 126 wheel in the lathe and thread it inside 1" UNF.
Secure the "new" boss with lock tite and four- 5 mm screw.
The new wheel are great.
From Norway
Arvid

W 107 350 SL 1971
W 210 E 240 1999
http://www.chevroletnorge.com

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Thanks for the reply. Obviously they are very different and your method for adapting a later steering wheel is interesting. Pressumably because yours is a 1971 model it would have had an earlier version again than the wheel on mine. From memory the very early 107 series had a steering wheel with a thinner rim and chrome trim. Mine is the version fitted to most 107 models from about '72 to '79. I'm not sure if it has the same spline as the very early models and whether it is the same as any other later models.

__________________
107.023: 350SLC, 3-speed auto, icon gold, parchment MBtex (sold 2012 after 29 years ownership).
107.026: 500SLC, 4-speed auto, thistle green, green velour.
124.090: 300TE, 4-speed auto, arctic white, cream-beige MBtex.
201.028: 190E 2.3 Sportline, 5-speed manual, arctic white, blue leather.
201.028: 190E 2.3, 4-speed auto, blue-black, grey MBtex.
201.034: 190E 2.3-16, 5-speed manual, blue-black, black leather.

Yes you have right. The wheel on my car have a thinner rim and chrome trim. The rim was loose from the steel ring, and well worn. The W 126 wheel are thicker and better to hold on. A think the small splines goes up to 1975 or more?
Arvid

Thanks Arvid,

I will look around for a newer wheel and consider a modification similar to yours.

Thanks,
Greg

__________________
107.023: 350SLC, 3-speed auto, icon gold, parchment MBtex (sold 2012 after 29 years ownership).
107.026: 500SLC, 4-speed auto, thistle green, green velour.
124.090: 300TE, 4-speed auto, arctic white, cream-beige MBtex.
201.028: 190E 2.3 Sportline, 5-speed manual, arctic white, blue leather.
201.028: 190E 2.3, 4-speed auto, blue-black, grey MBtex.
201.034: 190E 2.3-16, 5-speed manual, blue-black, black leather.