Mercedes: Mercedes Stering Column Movement, mercedes club, mercedes dealer

Question
2005 Mercedes E320 - The steering column quit going up and down when getting into car.  It sounds like it is trying to move but it eventually quits grinding and has not moved.  I think the gears are broken. The steering column still telescopes in and out.  How can this be fixed?  The Mercedes dealer wants $500 to fix it.  Is this a reasonable charge?

Answer
Fran,
I expect that your are right and that the drive unit is bad. Based of the Dealer rates this is probably normal. High but, remember that dealers make their profit out the back door, not on the showroom floor.
I would check with the local Mercedes club, or ask around for an independent auto mechanic, to see what they would charge. You may be able to locate the part used from a salvage yard at a much reduced price. The important thing is the fact that the person servicing the steering column, must deal with the airbag circuit.
This unit has a chemical charge for deployment and one needs to know how to disarm the bag before beginning work.
Hope this helps. Good LUck
Rob