steering column is off-center

[ricoled]

Hello everyone! I'm hoping you could answer my question.  I am considering buying a 1968 280SL automatic roadster.  I've noticed in this car though  that the steering wheel is not perpendicular to the driving position but somewhat slanted to the right. With hands gripped normally at 9:00 (left) and 2:00 (right) positions, the 09:00 hand is slightly lower / closer to the dash than the 2:00 hand. The entire steering column seems to be at a slant, coming through the firewall and into the steering box.  Is this normal for this model and if so, any reasons why?  Thank you.

[W14]

Hi Ricoled,

There was quite a discussion on the Yahoo site about this.  It is the normal condition, although some are more pronounced than others.  I can't remember if there was a reason for it.

Will W14
1965 230SL 4spd
Victoria,BC

[ricoled]

Thanks Will, I found the discussion threads on this topic at the Yahoo site.  It's good to know that this condition is normal and I can proceed with my acquisition of the vehicle.

[Cees Klumper]

The common opinion is that the wheel is slanted to allow easier access. I never noticed this until the discussion took place on Yahoo!
For comparison, the 300 SL steering wheels have a manual tilt feature to allow access to the cramped quarters.