1967 Mercedes-Benz Introduces a New Safety Steering System

Sectional drawing of the Mercedes-Benz safety steering system introduced in 1967 with an impact plate in the steering wheel and a deformable impact absorber; the steering column and shift rod can slide telescopically into each other in the event of a collision. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archives: U53041)

From August 1967, all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars received a new safety steering system with a telescopic steering column and an impact absorber in the steering wheel. At that time, the range comprised the W 108/109, W 100, W 110, W 111/112 and W 113 model series. Even before this, the steering was designed so that the steering column did not move directly towards the driver in the event of a severe frontal impact. For this purpose, the steering gear was positioned as far back as possible and directly in front of the front wall of the passenger compartment. The new safety steering system increased the effect: the components that could transfer forces towards the interior in the event of a serious accident could now be moved inside each other to reduce occurring impact forces and thus the strain on the occupants. This concerned the steering column tube, steering shaft and shift rod of the steering wheel gearshift. Experts quickly talked about a telescopic steering column. The journal “auto motor und sport” wrote in Issue 19/1967: “Safety research was already being carried out at Daimler-Benz when no law required it.” In addition to the telescopic steering column and impact absorber, other details improved the safety of the vehicle’s occupants from summer 1967 onwards: new door locks; child-proof door locks; protected and recessed dashboard controls; compliant plastic handles, armrests and window cranks; brake indicator lamp; folding outside mirrors