Mercedes AMG Performance steering wheel SLw232 steering wheel heating steering

Genuine Mercedes-AMG SL (R232) Performance Steering Wheel

Heated Nappa Leather (Code 443) | AMG Drive Unit (Code U88)

The R232 SL Roadster represents a unique challenge for steering wheel design: balancing the high-performance grip of an AMG with the open-top comfort required for chilly morning drives. This Genuine AMG Performance Steering Wheel specifically includes Steering Wheel Heating (Code 443), a feature that is often difficult to find in combination with the AMG Drive Unit (U88) satellite buttons. Mercedes AMG Performance steering wheel SLw232 steering wheel heating steering

This “Twin-Spoke” wheel is standard on high-spec SL 55 and SL 63 models, providing a seamless interface between driver and machine.

Key Technical Specifications

Advanced Comfort: Steering Wheel Heating (Code 443)

Unlike previous generations that used a physical stalk on the steering column, the R232 heating is deeply integrated into the car’s thermal management system:

• MBUX Sync: The heating is often linked to the Seat Heating and AIRSCARF® neck-level heating. When you activate your seat heater, the steering wheel can automatically warm up to a comfortable 35°C (95°F).

• Rapid Response: The heating elements are positioned just beneath the Nappa leather surface for near-instant warmth, which is essential for top-down driving in spring or autumn.

• Decoupling Option: Through the MBUX “Comfort” menu, you can decouple the wheel heating from the seat heating if you prefer warm seats but cool hands.

   

AMG Drive Unit (U88) Features

The R232 wheel features the latest evolution of the LCD satellite buttons:

• Right Side: Rotary dial to toggle through Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race, and Individual modes.

• Left Side: Two customizable haptic buttons with mini-displays. Common shortcuts for the SL include the AMG Active Ride Control (suspension lift), Performance Exhaust (Open/Closed), and the Active Rear Spoiler position.

Material & Design Note

For heated wheels, Mercedes-AMG almost exclusively uses Nappa Leather (L6J).

Why? The heating elements perform more consistently through leather than through DINAMICA (Microfibre). Additionally, Nappa leather is more resistant to the oils and moisture associated with hand-warming than microfibre, which can become “matted” over time with frequent heating use.

Retrofit & Compatibility Warning

If you are looking to retrofit this wheel into an SL that did not come with heating:

1. Clock Spring: You will likely need a new steering column clock spring (contact plate) that supports the high-amperage power draw for the heating elements.

2. Coding: SCN Coding is required to add Code 443 to your vehicle’s data card so the MBUX system recognizes and displays the heating controls.

3. Drive Unit: If your SL did not have U88 buttons previously, a specialized wiring harness and coding are required for the LCD displays to function.