S-Class W222 Discussion on the two-spoke steering wheel of the W222 S-Class

[Wolfgang]

^ Did you read the text MBZ FAN just posted?

Model series 116 (1972 to 1980)

The name of the next-generation 116 launched in 1972 also reflected what had been on the agenda at Mercedes-Benz for decades: all luxury sedans with an ‘S’ in their model designation were now officially referred to as ‘S-Class’. The new designation went hand in hand with a whole bundle of innovations that set new standards in respect of safety and comfort. The comprehensive safety concept included a collision-proof fuel tank, a four-spoke safety steering wheel, dirt-deflecting side windows, larger headlamps, distinctive turn signal lamps and dirt-deflecting ribbed rear lamps.

http://mercedes-benz-blog.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-mercedes-benz-s-class-epitome-of.html

Suspect Mercedes may unveil a reason for a different 222 wheel.

 

[deity]

Who in the world corners with the spokes and not with the upper part of the steering wheel....?

 

[K-A]

^ Did you read the text MBZ FAN just posted?

http://mercedes-benz-blog.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-mercedes-benz-s-class-epitome-of.html

Suspect Mercedes may unveil a reason for a different 222 wheel.

Interesting, so Mercedes themselves considered the 4-Spoke a safety-measure.

I've been in situations where my hands slide on the soft Nappa on my wheel, say if somebody cuts into my lane and I have to make a quick maneuver when my hands were in a lazy/relaxed mode before, therefore having any lower spoke to break the "slide" and connect with my hand in that situation is paramount.

 

[HKS786]

I can't believe this discussion is still going on lol

 

[lukeswiss]

I've been on a few driving courses, with Merc and Porsche. The professionals have never recommended using a spoke for turning. It was always recommended to have the hands at around 10 and 2 or 9 and 3 position with the thumbs on the outside of wheel. Basically where the spokes are, but not with your thumb around the spoke.

 

[Wolfgang]

^ Agreed. Think it had more to do with passive safety. Maybe thanasi has more info?

http://www.daimler.com/dccom/0-5-1301673-1-1281370-1-0-0-1301966-0-0-135-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.html

 

[K-A]

I don't know why people think I'm talking about actually driving with the spokes purposely. Like Wolf said, it's more of a Passive Safety measure. Extra insurance that if you're in a SUDDEN AND DIRE situation and your hands aren't at utmost alert positions and grip and strength, you can connect with a spoke to make a quick turn, anything helps. It can be the matter between crash or no crash.

 

[lukeswiss]

I understand what you're saying, I just don't think your hand would connect with a spoke before it connects with the wheel itself. You don't reach for the center of the wheel really, it's unergonomic. If you're holding a spoke you have a much lower range of movement for those quick turns. I think it's maybe more perceived safety ?

 

[K-A]

Perhaps. I do know that I use the spokes sometimes to help out with things if I need to correct quickly and it's the first thing I grab.

Also, on long drives it's nice to rest your hand against one sometimes. I actually prefer the ergonomics of a 4 spoke over my AMG 3-spoke on my current E, though the 3 spoke is much sportier in nature.

What I love about the AMG 3 spoke is the pleated leather so your hands don't slide all over that soft nappa so much. Also, I love the aggressive bulges in key areas which the 4 spoke luxury wheels don't have as dominantly. I find BMW's M steering wheels are lacking in the sense that they don't have the pleated (holes, if that's called "pleated") leather, making it less grippy.

 

[Levi68]

A thread to discuss the S-Class stearing-wheel.

 

[lukeswiss]

Yeah, I mean, I do use them sometimes too I guess... usually if I am being lazy. I guess we do a lot of things that aren't necessarily recommended while driving....... Eating etc

 

[Serpens]

This thread humors me. MY family's old, recently retired, spare vehicle 2002 Ford Expedition never gave me any problems with its 2 spoke steering wheel. Never bothered me in the slightest and I put almost 25,000mi solely by myself.

 

[K-A]

Indeed, M-B should be following the steering wheel nature of a 2002 Expedition/Ford product (hence how I keep comparing the W222's "Grandpa wheel" to the Lincoln Towncar which is of the same generation of a 2002 Expedition).

That proves our point completely.

 

[Serpens]

Indeed, M-B should be following the steering wheel nature of a 2002 Expedition/Ford product (hence how I keep comparing the W222's "Grandpa wheel" to the Lincoln Towncar which is of the same generation of a 2002 Expedition).

That proves our point completely.

They already took the fenders from a Hyundai for the W221, they're obviously not above taking cues from Ford.