The perfect investment for anyone who doesn't accept compromises.
The quality levels:
Restored steering wheel: Old plastic, mostly cracked, has been refurbished. After a good job, a nice steering wheel.
Advantage: cheapest price.
Disadvantage: The plastic shrinks further when exposed to sunlight, causing cracks
go on again.
Reproduction: Mostly reproductions produced in Indonesia.
Advantage: low price, new plastic that won't crack.
Disadvantage: Deviations in shape and color, usually no operating permit.
NOS steering wheels: old stock items from Mercedes Benz.
Advantage: Old new product, so no deviations from the original steering wheel.
An investment with added value.
Disadvantage: High purchase price because it is very rare.
Used polished
Steering wheels: Old goods in good condition, usually due to longer storage and selection
Advantage: Original old goods in very good condition, no tearing, cheaper than NOS
Disadvantage: Possibly slight signs of wear