Mercedes-Benz R-Class W251 Multifunction steering wheel buttons replacement (2006 - 2009)

DIY-Tutorial

What you'll need: T20 Torx screwdriver, thin Torx-style tool (for the airbag springs), small tray or cup for screws.

1. Safety first: Disconnect your battery before touching anything on the steering wheel. Wait at least 1 minute after disconnecting to let the airbag system fully discharge.



2. Find the airbag access holes
On the back of the steering wheel, look for the access holes at roughly the 4:40 position (these are not the holes sitting directly behind the buttons, we will get to them later). Insert your thin tool and angle it until you feel the spring.

Once you feel the spring, push it in. The airbag releases on that side. Do the same on the other side and the airbag pops right out.





3. Unplug and set the airbag aside
Pull the connector clip to unplug the airbag from its harness. Set it face-up on a flat, stable surface. Never lay an airbag face-down or leave it somewhere it could fall.

4. Remove the surround trim panel
Use your T20 to remove the 2 screws on the surround trim panel surrounding the airbag cover (one left and one right).

There's also 2 screws on the back of the wheel — get these ones out too before pulling the trim off.





5. Unscrew the switch panel
Remove the 3 T20 screws that hold the switch panel in place.




6. Take apart the button panel
Pull the panel out and flip it over. You'll see a side clip. Remove it using a flat screwdriver.

Then, using a flat screwdriver again, unclip the buttons from the front.




The central and top buttons hold on to one more clip that you will have to undo.



7. Reassemble in reverse order
Put the new buttons onto the switch panel by simply pressing them in with your fingers.




Reassemble the buttons switch panel back on its module. You should hear a "click". Then tighten the 3 screws holding it in place on the steering wheel.

Then the surround trim (2 front screws and 2 back screw):




Plug the airbag back in, align it with the pointy end facing up, and press it in until it clicks.




8. Reconnect your battery
Plug the battery back in. Turn the wheel all the way left then all the way right to reset the system, then test your steering wheel buttons to confirm everything works.