WTB Ivory steering wheel for a late model euro 250 SL

[zak]

I am looking for an Ivory steering wheel for my '67 250SL, late model, euro.
The original ivory wheel was replaced with a black steering wheel back who knows when.
Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that the late 250 SLs have the same wheel as 280 models.
I would take an early 250 SL Ivory wheel which I also believes fits my car.
Any steering wheel collectors out there ?
thanks,

jz

[114015]

Jeff,

If you have a car after serial 002979  then you need the late steering wheel...;
basically in the same one as you have right now.

There is no way to properly exchange a late steering wheel by an early one or vice versa....
sadly, it has become a bit difficult lately (throughout the last 25 years or so) to find a good ivory steering wheel for a decent price...
Depends what you are looking for ...
Perfect ones are just a bit more pricey...., and patience here really helps!

(Found one in 2013 with lots of hairline cracks but otherwise decent for 66.00 €€ - I gifted that one to a very nice friend...)

Good luck,
Achim

[zak]

Hey Achim. Yes my 250SL is # 3019 , so a late model by 40 cars. ( it must have been interesting to see how MB handled the changeover process at # 2980 ) Question: does the late euro steering wheel have a polished/bright chrome horn ring or the brushed chrome like the US model ?Since my car is a euro model I would like to confirm.
My car currently has a black and brushed chrome steering wheel.

There are a few ivory late steering wheels for sale on Ebay of varying quality priced between $ 600 and $ 2,000 US.

I am told that there are people who can refinish my black wheel in ivory color. Has anyone done or seen one ? I would be concerned about the color quality and longevity.
But that may be a route this cheapskate may follow if the process is viable .
best,

jz
 

[Benz Dr.]

Most euro cars have black steering wheels which I happen to prefer anyway.  It sort of depends on the colour of the car.

[zak]

Dan, my cars is Horizon Blue 304 with Dark Blue 332 hardtop and wheel caps and dark blue interior.
The fact that the factory wheel was ivory makes me want to put one back on.
Plus I think there is an elegance to the ivory steering wheel and ivory shift ball that harkens back to earlier MB models.
Just my opinion...
thanks,

jz

[MikeSimon]

Most euro cars have black steering wheels which I happen to prefer anyway.  It sort of depends on the colour of the car.

I think the key here is "depends on the color of the car". Most European cars are blue, silver or white (some red)
I talked to a dealer in Germany back in the 80s, shortly after I bought my car. He was looking for a used W113 and when he looked at my car, he called the paint a "juke box color"
Also, the ivory steering wheel was probably a cost option, while black was standard

[zak]

I bit the bullet today and found and ordered a used ivory steering wheel that is in nice old condition with no cracks and comes complete.
It's coming from what seems to be a small vendor of used MB parts in the UK - MBPARTS.020. It was on EBAY. 
A happy Fathers Day gift to meself !
Thanks for your help.

jz

[Bshaunessy]

Zak
   I recently purchased ($1290 usd) a used ivory steering wheel for my 1970 280 SL from the same UK vendor.  It arrived in about two weeks ( to Canada) and I installed today, and went for a long drive to test it out.   Perfectly described and in very good condition.  Looks fabulous in the car ( white, black leather interior). 

[lreppond]

I purchased a NOS ivory wheel from NiCola auction house last month.  It was €260. I also picked up a used black one in gorgeous condition for €150.  Even with the buyers premium and shipping both wheels were less than $600 since the exchange rate is essentially on parity.   I couldn’t believe my luck! 

[zak]

Lucky you, Len. You got a great deal. My purchase was on par with Mr. Shaunessy's. I did not want to wait and fish around. I've done some interior improvements lately and wanted the original factory ivory color wheel that my car came with to top it off. Now I need the ivory shift ball.
Len, may I ask what you are planning to do with those wheels ?

jz 

[lreppond]

I love the look of the ivory steering wheels and shifter knobs. I think they’re classy and definitely have an old school vibe about them.  I plan on using both in my pagoda.  With my cars beige interior and red dashboard fascia, I think the two ivory pieces will look terrific.  My dad’s 600 (my brother now has it) had a slight split in its black wheel and I’ll give him the black one as a replacement. 

[zak]

Len, hope the late type 280 steering wheel will fit the 600 Grosser.
jz

[zak]

 I received my used ivory steering wheel and in really good condition, as advertised. I am very pleased. It even came with the bright chrome horn ring that is correct for my late model euro 250 SL.
 My late model 250 has the 280 SL steering wheel. a 280 type steering wheel.
 I checked the tech manual and youtube and can't find how exactly to remove the old wheel with the ivory.
 The ivory wheel came with the rear black hub, just like the hub on the cracked black wheel that's on the car now.
I popped the horn pads off and both have the same bolt pattern.
To make the switch do remove the entire wheel/hub assembly, or just swap steering wheel and ring ?
Is the job best done by the mechanic ?
thanks,

jz

[Benz Dr.]

Len, hope the late type 280 steering wheel will fit the 600 Grosser.
jz

It does. I've changed steering wheels on them before and one of the few things that interchanges with other lesser models. That, and oddly enough, the glove box light.