Petri W126 Zebrano Steering Wheel – Custom Mercedes-Benz OEM Wood & Leather Wheel

The Petri W126 Zebrano Steering Wheel is a distinguished and increasingly rare OEM accessory created for Mercedes-Benz models of the era. Manufactured by Petri—one of the most respected steering-wheel suppliers for German automobiles—this wheel blends craftsmanship, factory-correct materials, and tailored ergonomics into a single highly desirable piece for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts seeking an authentic period-correct upgrade. The combination of black leather and Zebrano wood makes it stand apart visually, especially for owners of classic Mercedes models who want to elevate both interior refinement and driving feel.

This particular steering wheel features a custom layout with Zebrano wood grips across the top and bottom sections of the rim while the side portions are wrapped in high-quality black leather. The original Mercedes-Benz star emblem is mounted at the center on the horn pad, giving the wheel an OEM-correct appearance suitable for factory restorations. On the reverse side, the original W126 part number is clearly visible, verifying its authenticity as a genuine Petri-built Mercedes steering wheel and not a reproduction.

The seller reports that the wheel is compatible with a wide range of Mercedes-Benz chassis, including the W123, W124, W126, W463, and R129, making it a desirable upgrade whether it’s being used in a period-correct environment or installed as a tasteful enhancement in later compatible models. Because Petri produced genuine steering wheels for Mercedes-Benz, the wheel integrates seamlessly into interiors both aesthetically and functionally.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Petri
Type: OEM Mercedes-Benz Steering Wheel
Material: Zebrano wood + black leather
Compatibility: W123, W124, W126, W463, R129
Center Emblem: Mercedes-Benz star
Back Markings: Original W126 part number
Grip Design: Wood top/bottom, leather sides, finger grooves on back
Condition: Excellent; no cracks, fading, or leather imperfections
Fitment: Direct fit with appropriate hub; OEM-correct horn pad
Style: Custom OEM wood/leather hybrid
Era: Period-correct for Mercedes-Benz interiors of the time

This Petri W126 Zebrano Steering Wheel offers a level of craftsmanship that reflects the era when Mercedes-Benz interiors were constructed using premium natural materials such as Zebrano wood, real leather, and hand-assembled components. The steering wheel’s design showcases a timeless combination of genuine wood and leather, creating an interior focal point that enhances both tactile satisfaction and visual harmony.

Design & Material Quality

The wheel features a two-tone construction:

• Zebrano wood grips along the top and bottom arcs of the wheel

• Black leather wrapping along the left and right side grips

• Contoured finger indentations carved into the backside of the Zebrano sections

• Original Mercedes-Benz star emblem on the horn pad

• Petri-built OEM structure retaining factory safety and fitment standards

The Zebrano wood, well-known for its natural striping and elegant coloration, presents beautifully on this wheel. The seller notes no fading, cracking, or discoloration in the wood sections. The finish remains glossy and even, indicating it has been well preserved. The striking contrast between the dark leather and the patterned Zebrano wood enhances the interior ambiance of any Mercedes model it’s installed into.

The black leather used on the side grips is reported to be in excellent condition, free from imperfections, wear marks, or deformation. The stitching remains tight and clean, consistent with Petri’s high manufacturing standards. The comfortable ergonomic shaping provides smooth transitions between the leather and wood surfaces, making extended driving more enjoyable.

Ergonomics & Driving Feel

The wheel retains the classic Mercedes-Benz rim thickness favored by many drivers of the period while integrating updated tactile refinements through the custom wood and leather placement. The wood inserts include finger grip channels, adding both comfort and functional control. These grooves improve grip during spirited driving or long drives while maintaining the luxurious Mercedes feel.

The leather-wrapped sides provide soft, cushioned hand placement points where the driver most often holds the wheel, delivering a balanced sensory experience: the cooling smoothness of polished wood paired with the soft, tactile comfort of leather.

Authenticity & Part Identification

On the back of the steering wheel, the original W126 part number is clearly present, confirming the wheel’s authenticity and origin. This is a Petri-produced wheel intended for Mercedes applications—not an aftermarket replica. The presence of the correct part number and factory markings makes the wheel highly desirable among enthusiasts and collectors who value provenance and originality.

The OEM horn pad includes the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star, integrated cleanly into the center pad as originally designed. This ensures that the wheel maintains the correct factory appearance when installed in any supported vehicle.

Condition Overview

According to the seller, the wheel is in excellent condition with no signs of structural wear, cracks, damage, or fading. Both the wood and leather are intact, maintaining the wheel’s high-end aesthetic. No defects or imperfections are noted on the horn pad, the leather, or the wood inserts. The stitching is tight, the wood retains its shine, and the emblem shows no wear.

This makes the wheel ideal for:

• Show-quality restorations

• High-end driver builds

• Period-correct custom interiors

• OEM-plus upgrades

Vehicle Compatibility

The Petri W126 Zebrano Steering Wheel fits several major Mercedes-Benz chassis lines. The seller confirms compatibility with:

• W123

• W124

• W126

• W463 (G-Class)

• R129

This compatibility gives owners of sedans, coupes, convertibles, and even the classic G-Wagen a chance to incorporate a rare and elegant steering wheel into their interior. The wheel’s OEM design ensures proper fitment with the correct hub and maintains a natural integration with the existing dashboard and column controls.