W203 Coupe Indicator Stalk

[xp2500]

Hi all,

I am finding I have to hold the indicator more often than not with my finger as it just flops back off

It occasionally functions as designed and stays on if the steering wheel is rotated to the oposite direction of indication.

If you have already turned your steering wheel slightly right and then try to indicate right the indicator will not stick and stay on. The stalk returns to center as soon as i remove my finger.
( I hope this makes sense)

Although If I have my steering turned to the left and indicate right it will stay on until you say finish leaving a roundabout.


I read this post : http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/67230-w203-indicator-stalk-problem.html

which seems to suggest that this part fails.

Has anyone had a similar experience or know if I am just doing something retarded. ( I have driven other mercs and never had this issue )

Could anyone let me know a good source for the part, I have checked ebay and there seem to be quite costly £90-£100
Anyone know dealership prices?

 

[Benza750]

Hi

Check with the dealer as I am sure they are around £90 new & around an hour to fit it.

It is a common problem, we change quite a few for similar issues

 

[Buffers]

Mine went the same way. I agree with Benza750 its a common problem.

 

[xp2500]

Thanks!
The part cost £100.80 from mb dealership in croydon.
I am just looking up how to fit it.
It already feels a lot more firm than the indicator in my car at present.

 

[xp2500]

I'm not to sure on this job, has anyone got a guide?

(I have only found a guide to take of the steering wheel : W203 steering-wheel swap how-to - MBWorld.org Forums )

Also I have to modify something according to :

Would anyone think this job can be tackled as DIY or best left for a mechanic.

Thanks

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Personally I think I would get a qualified MB Indie to do the job, due to any risk with the airbag.
However if you feel confident, instructions to the best of my knowledge are below. I think I've incuded all the relevant information, but if there should be anything missing let me know. I noticed that it says to remove the lower facia, but I'm not sure if that needs to be done so haven't included that part. Steering wheel removal not included, as you say you have that info.

Please read through ALL information before starting the job as it is taken from different section of the manual.

 

[xp2500]

Hi all!

I went to my cousins garage to fit this thing as I did not have the tools to do so.

Firstly that note from Mercedes about modification was really not applicable to me.
So I ignored that.

1)Firstly with the keys in the ignition to turn the steering lock off I took out the two torx screws at the back. ( there is not much clearance so you have to have thin torx socket or allen key etc. Also pull the steering wheel out as necessary )

2)Then I turned the ignition off and carefully removed the air bag and the three connectors on the rear of it.

3) I then took the steering wheel of with the 10mm Allen key in the centre. (I made sure the steering was straight before, and also someone else had marked the steering wheel to make sure you can put it back the way it was taken out)

4) I used the red pin provided by Mercedes to lock the binnacle in place. (You can also use tape if you don't have this like the guide suggests)

5) Removed the torx at the bottom of the steering column.

6) Pulled the unit out ( You have to put some effort in and just pull the whole thing straight back out)

7) Once the unit was out there are 3 small torx screws at the back to take the plastic shroud off. ( be careful and dont loose the two plastic covers on the other side of the Indicator stalk and cruise control stalk)

8) Once you have taken the shroud of, you can then look at the front of the binnacle and take of the 3 screws carefully to allow you to remove the indicator stalk. ( be careful not to loose one brass spacer that is part of the assembly around one of the legs of the indicator stalk)

9) Swap the unit and reverse the steps.


This is just what I did. I did not remove the battery due to lazyness ( did not want to set the clock again or mess with my stereo) and the fact that I had a snapon computer to hand to reset airbag stuff.

I also noticed a bit of a plastic rubbing noise when turning ( I asked my cousin and he believed it was coming from dirt that had got between the binacle .

I took it apart again and tried to use a airline to clean it to no avail .

I thought the windscreen wipers were not working but I had just left by bonnet open.

Apart from that the job went really well indicator works perfectly, on hindsight I don't think I would have bought a new official part and gone with a second hand one.

Thanks for the guide grumpyoldgit it was helpful.

 

[Benza750]

If you have a scrapping noise when turning the wheel that you never had before you have put it back together wrong.
It causes the column housing to catch the steering wheel when operating the steering

 

[theburger]

HI,

Just changing my switch. The blue cable was broken in mine. When I took the switch out of the boss a brass spacer fell out and I can not see where it goes back in. Any help would be great.

 

[theburger]

HI,

Just changing my switch. The blue cable was broken in mine. When I took the switch out of the boss a brass spacer fell out and I can not see where it goes back in. Any help would be great.

I have sorted this out. New stalk in and everything working again

 

[johnch121]

I have sorted this out. New stalk in and everything working again

Hi could you tell me where the brass spacer goes?

thank you very much