Value of a Nardi Wheel

[tomaco1]

I was just curious about the value of a Nardi wheel for a 1969 280sl?
After a long wait I will be getting my car delivered tomorrow, and I know it needs a wheel.

[abe280SL]

I just went through this with a 73 BMW 3.0 CSI.  I assume the process is the same...you have to buy a wheel adapter for the w113 $120 and a 390mm wheel $380.  Thats for a new set..you can google "Crowder's Customizing".  You can probably buy used for 1/2 -2/3 the price if you are patient.  Personally, I think the orginal wheel on our car looks great and I would never think of changing it.  The BMW wheel is UGLY and no one keeps the original.
You really should do a search here..lots of info.  I will be the first to admit I do not know what the correct and common size Nardi is for our cars and if those adapters work. From what I gather the adapters are different on the 230 vs 280.  Looking through the threads there is an outfit called ClassicoWheels who also has Nardi wheels.  I do not promote any of these companies....just giving you a direction to become educated.  
One more thing...in a car accident those splinters going through your lungs and heart might hurt a little.
 Good luck.
abe

[awolff280sl]

Abe, besides the Pagoda, I've always admired the looks of the BMW CS coupe from that era, but I know nothing about it.
I know this is off topic but, are they as nice as they look? I'm wondering how much they go for and parts availability.

[abe280SL]

They are nice cars and a better performance car than the 280SL....not as good a Porsche 83SC though.  You can also fit two in the back...tight.  Problem with these cars is RUST. Karmann made the bodies but with poor drainage.  Parts availability is also a big problem.  Best to buy these cars is restored..and then you add the little stuff yourself.  The most desirable ones are 73 and older...does not have big bumpers.  Also, a CSI (fuel injection) is better than carb...unfortunately  these were not imported to this country at the time.  
The 280 SL has alot more chrome and elegance.  The E9 was the answere to MB 280SE3.5....a much better performer but not as refined nor nearly as elegant.
There is a site called "E9coupe.com" that is very informative.
abe

[AGT]

Tomaco

I had a Nardi wheel fitted to my 280SL. I bought the wheel from Classico Wheels and the service was excellent.

I have sold my 280SL and don't have a Nardi wheel on my 230SL, nor do I plan to fit one.

The Nardi wheel looks good but does not really have much else to commend it. The negatives are that the wheel sits too close to the multi function stalk, depending on your height it blocks off the top end of the speedo and tachometer and now that we have grown used to airbags and air curtains having a chrome and wood wheel right in front of your chest just did not feel safe to me anymore.

Regards
Andrew
1966 230SL

[Fiams]

Abe,

similar interests here. I have a 3.0 cs also with a non standard steering wheel.

[RickM]

They are nice cars and a better performance car than the 280SL....not as good a Porsche 83SC though.  You can also fit two in the back...tight.  Problem with these cars is RUST. Karmann made the bodies but with poor drainage.
abe

Always loved these cars as well. I saw a pic of untreated body panels stored outside the plant waiting for assembly.  

[dldubois]

I've had one that I bought for my prior 280 for about $250 from NardiUSA.  I've also got one that's about 35 years old in my 69 280sl.  They're still identical... I like the look and feel though they do block a small amount of the gauges.

[w113dude]

I had one identical to this, sold a year ago for $275.00 including the hub. (with Nardi horn button).
Shaun

[69280sl]

One of the complaints about any aftermarket steering wheel is that the rim partially blocks the view of the instruments. That need not be. If you deal with Nardi or a stocking dealer instead of an ebay listing, , you can get one that closely approximates the diameter of the original wheel.

As for being too close to the "stalk", that's a function of the adapter hub. I had one that caused my fingers to rub on the stalk. replaced it with another, longer one and now have about 5cm clearance.

Personally, the "feel" of a wood rimmed wheel can't be beat. Warmer in winter, cooler in summer. And, (IMHO) it looks better.

Gus