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DIY - FL steering wheel swap
#151
When you say that you updated the steering column module are you referring to the combination switch that incorporates the indicator stalk / cruise control and the steering angle sensor / clock spring.
I'm have been holding off doing this mod because I'm not too clear on what has to be changed or not. Additionally I'm now even more reluctant to proceed as my car has now developed an electrical issue where the Command system turns on / off all by itself as I drive. It's driving me nuts. I took it to an independent who suggested I take it to MB, thinking that it's a SAM issue. I hope not given that a new one as quoted to me by MB is $2035 + tax
I'm have been holding off doing this mod because I'm not too clear on what has to be changed or not. Additionally I'm now even more reluctant to proceed as my car has now developed an electrical issue where the Command system turns on / off all by itself as I drive. It's driving me nuts. I took it to an independent who suggested I take it to MB, thinking that it's a SAM issue. I hope not given that a new one as quoted to me by MB is $2035 + tax
Change the Module and everything works..well..except the paddles, at least in my car.
My Steering Column module part number was for an estate, but except for an extra switch for the rear wash/wipe, everything works fine.
Last edited by ap10046; 05-27-2016 at 10:06 AM.
#155
MBWorld Fanatic!
If anyone is doing the Facelift swap Pm me i have an air bag for sale. Theres a thread in the Canada regional section and the classifieds interior parts section.
#156
just a quick update on my swop, me and my brother have now done the swops on both of our cars (sport models) now, he put a 2009 wheel (black stitching) on his and i have the 2013 (red stitching) on mine and both have everything working including paddles with no errors and no need to swop the stems out or coding so for anyone thinking of this upgrade on the similar car (with paddles already fitted) its a no brainer when you see it fitted looks awesome
#157
MBWorld Fanatic!
just a quick update on my swop, me and my brother have now done the swops on both of our cars (sport models) now, he put a 2009 wheel (black stitching) on his and i have the 2013 (red stitching) on mine and both have everything working including paddles with no errors and no need to swop the stems out or coding so for anyone thinking of this upgrade on the similar car (with paddles already fitted) its a no brainer when you see it fitted looks awesome
I still have a Facelift w204 air bag for sale if anyones interested! ad's are up in the Canada regional forum and Classifieds interior section!
Sorry for the spam hahaha
#159
Hi, I have very basic W204, I know maybe none of this member has my type of steering wheel, do you think I can swap with FL one? thanks!
this is my steering wheel look like, 4 buttons only
Only 4 buttons, very basic W204 classic
this is my steering wheel look like, 4 buttons only
Only 4 buttons, very basic W204 classic
#161
MBWorld Fanatic!
Cluster is easy.. But must be new or virginised. Steering wheel can be swaped. No problem. Just the right parts needed and programming.
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karedox (06-15-2016)
#162
for the cluster maybe i go with used one since new one is pretty expensive.
#163
MBWorld Fanatic!
Well it must be virginised....Or it wont talk to you car. Meaning you will only get a dottet line on the odo. It wont show the milage on the car. PM me if you want help...
#164
MJF
Hi I also bought wheel number one wide bottom anf flat AMG and I got airbag number two. Glad to see I don't have to look for another A/Bag. I still don't have anything wortking am going to an auto spark on Thursday (hopefully since I have everything I can find on MB world with me on the subject) it will work as it isn't right now. Thanks for your help.
I haven't seen one in our w204 thread so I thought I'd post this. If there's already one...then the more the merrier
You can find a few steering w/airbag on ebay or you can part it out like I did which saved me more $.
These are what I've purchased:
Steering wheel A172 460 2803. There was also 9E38 written after the part # on the steering wheel but not sure what they mean. It was taken off a CLS according to the seller.
Airbag
Description of the airbag was:
AMG airbag for C C63 CLS 63 E63 CLK SL W204 W218 W207 R231. AMG ONLY! This is important. Non AMG airbag is for a 4 spoke steering and will not fit. Thanks to MDMercedesGuy for pointing this out to me.
UPDATE
It looks like there are 2 type of amg steering wheels. I bought steering wheel 1 below but with airbag 2 so there's a gap on the bottom which I can live with. I've also seen some selling steering w/airbag in this setup so pay close attention to the images they provide or ask them a question if you're unsure.
So please consider the following:
If you buy this steering wheel w/o airbag
Then buy this airbag
----
If you buy this one w/o airbag
Then get this airbag
Either one you buy make sure the airbag has this connector included. You will have a hard time finding one of these otherwise.
***Again if you buy a complete set, still pay attention to the airbag as I've seen some still with wrong airbag.
So lets get started with the swap
Tools I used:
T30 torx
10mm socket set
10mm allen wrench
Now lets get started!
The battery is located under the air cabin filter box under the hood. It has 3 snap on clips. 2 on the sides and 1 center.
I forgot to take a picture of this one but this one shouldn't need it. But once the battery is exposed, use the 10mm socket wrench to remove the negative terminal from the battery and make sure to put something in between the negative terminal and negative post on the battery so they don't touch. I used rubber gloves. If you don't disconnect the battery you will get an airbag error which only the dealer or Mercedes tech can clear. So do not skip this step.
Now for the steering wheel removal.
Turn the steering wheel left and so the steering locks. This will be useful later.
Locate the steering mount holes located on the back of the steering. There’s one on the left and one on the right side. Use the T30 torx screw to loosen both torx screws all the way.
Slowly lift off the airbag from the steering wheel so you don’t accidentally yank on the airbag and steering cables.
You will see these 2 connectors on the steering column (brown & yellow). Hold the airbag or have someone hold it for you while you remove these connectors.
There are 2 tabs you need to push in to unlatch the connectors and then just pull the connectors straight out.
Once the original airbag is removed, you will have better access to the bolt that holds the steering.
Remove the center bolt using the 10mm allen wrench. It might help if you use the socket wrench you used earlier for the battery as a lever. Long end of the allen goes to the steering bolt, while the short end connects to the socket wrench.
And unscrew that sucker. Remember earlier, you made the steering lock. This is where it's useful if you don't have any to help or tools to hold the steering wheel. Now give it all you’ve got! It will be tough to remove but I didn’t give up. Just make sure you are pushing on the allen wrench at the same time so you don’t slip or end up stripping the bolt. Sorry I was working solo on this one so I couldn’t take a picture as I was trying to remove the bolt and didn’t want to drop the tools into the steering and scratch it.
Once the bolt is removed, pay attention to the marker inside. When you put your new steering wheel, it has to line up the same way or your steering will be off centered.
Time for the new FL Steering wheel
Put the steering wheel on and again make sure you line it up exactly how the old one was. I recommend you use lock tite on the bolt. Put the bolt back on. Make sure the bolt is on there tight!
Reattach the brown connector from the steering.
Grab the new airbag and attach the yellow cable to the steering column. Tug on both wires to make sure they are clipped in good and won’t come off.
Line up the airbag and just press it in till you hear the left and right side click in place.
Reattach negative terminal on the battery.
Enjoy your new steering wheel!
*** The paddles shifters worked on the new steering wheel for me even though my stock steering didn’t have them. Not sure this is true for all cars. So YMMV on this one.
W204 upgrade FL steering paddle shifter works - YouTube
You can find a few steering w/airbag on ebay or you can part it out like I did which saved me more $.
These are what I've purchased:
Steering wheel A172 460 2803. There was also 9E38 written after the part # on the steering wheel but not sure what they mean. It was taken off a CLS according to the seller.
Airbag
Description of the airbag was:
AMG airbag for C C63 CLS 63 E63 CLK SL W204 W218 W207 R231. AMG ONLY! This is important. Non AMG airbag is for a 4 spoke steering and will not fit. Thanks to MDMercedesGuy for pointing this out to me.
UPDATE
It looks like there are 2 type of amg steering wheels. I bought steering wheel 1 below but with airbag 2 so there's a gap on the bottom which I can live with. I've also seen some selling steering w/airbag in this setup so pay close attention to the images they provide or ask them a question if you're unsure.
So please consider the following:
If you buy this steering wheel w/o airbag
Then buy this airbag
----
If you buy this one w/o airbag
Then get this airbag
Either one you buy make sure the airbag has this connector included. You will have a hard time finding one of these otherwise.
***Again if you buy a complete set, still pay attention to the airbag as I've seen some still with wrong airbag.
So lets get started with the swap
Tools I used:
T30 torx
10mm socket set
10mm allen wrench
Now lets get started!
The battery is located under the air cabin filter box under the hood. It has 3 snap on clips. 2 on the sides and 1 center.
I forgot to take a picture of this one but this one shouldn't need it. But once the battery is exposed, use the 10mm socket wrench to remove the negative terminal from the battery and make sure to put something in between the negative terminal and negative post on the battery so they don't touch. I used rubber gloves. If you don't disconnect the battery you will get an airbag error which only the dealer or Mercedes tech can clear. So do not skip this step.
Now for the steering wheel removal.
Turn the steering wheel left and so the steering locks. This will be useful later.
Locate the steering mount holes located on the back of the steering. There’s one on the left and one on the right side. Use the T30 torx screw to loosen both torx screws all the way.
Slowly lift off the airbag from the steering wheel so you don’t accidentally yank on the airbag and steering cables.
You will see these 2 connectors on the steering column (brown & yellow). Hold the airbag or have someone hold it for you while you remove these connectors.
There are 2 tabs you need to push in to unlatch the connectors and then just pull the connectors straight out.
Once the original airbag is removed, you will have better access to the bolt that holds the steering.
Remove the center bolt using the 10mm allen wrench. It might help if you use the socket wrench you used earlier for the battery as a lever. Long end of the allen goes to the steering bolt, while the short end connects to the socket wrench.
And unscrew that sucker. Remember earlier, you made the steering lock. This is where it's useful if you don't have any to help or tools to hold the steering wheel. Now give it all you’ve got! It will be tough to remove but I didn’t give up. Just make sure you are pushing on the allen wrench at the same time so you don’t slip or end up stripping the bolt. Sorry I was working solo on this one so I couldn’t take a picture as I was trying to remove the bolt and didn’t want to drop the tools into the steering and scratch it.
Once the bolt is removed, pay attention to the marker inside. When you put your new steering wheel, it has to line up the same way or your steering will be off centered.
Time for the new FL Steering wheel
Put the steering wheel on and again make sure you line it up exactly how the old one was. I recommend you use lock tite on the bolt. Put the bolt back on. Make sure the bolt is on there tight!
Reattach the brown connector from the steering.
Grab the new airbag and attach the yellow cable to the steering column. Tug on both wires to make sure they are clipped in good and won’t come off.
Line up the airbag and just press it in till you hear the left and right side click in place.
Reattach negative terminal on the battery.
Enjoy your new steering wheel!
*** The paddles shifters worked on the new steering wheel for me even though my stock steering didn’t have them. Not sure this is true for all cars. So YMMV on this one.
W204 upgrade FL steering paddle shifter works - YouTube
#165
Junior Member
Has anyone have a 2010 C300 and swaped there steering wheel out with the same year model steering wheel as there car but did a AMG steering wheel? I don't want to swap out my steering wheel with a newer model because computer most likely will have a compatibility issue and the buttons won't work.
If so did your buttons work and light up? and paddle shifters worked?
If so did your buttons work and light up? and paddle shifters worked?
#166
MBWorld Fanatic!
If you take one from same year you can put anything in there and it will of course work.. All wheels had the same codings and internals the same year.
The following users liked this post:
intrdrgn (01-17-2017)
#168
Newbie
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Israel
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
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1 Post
E320 2003 silver color
Hello Aznmode,
Thank you for all the info you gave us,
May I ask you a question ?
I live in Israel , And own an E250 2013, with a steering wheel like model 2, and just bought a new wood leather AMG type steering wheel like model 1 but without air bag , you wrote that you used the type 2 airbag with a type 1 steering wheel but that you have a gap on the bottom of the airbag that you can live with,
Can you please put up pictures of how does it look with the gap ? so maybe I'll be able to use the airbag I have in the new steering wheel .
Thank you in advance
Yoram
Thank you for all the info you gave us,
May I ask you a question ?
I live in Israel , And own an E250 2013, with a steering wheel like model 2, and just bought a new wood leather AMG type steering wheel like model 1 but without air bag , you wrote that you used the type 2 airbag with a type 1 steering wheel but that you have a gap on the bottom of the airbag that you can live with,
Can you please put up pictures of how does it look with the gap ? so maybe I'll be able to use the airbag I have in the new steering wheel .
Thank you in advance
Yoram
#169
Hello
Just to say Thank You for your post regarding steering wheel upgrade.
I have successfully changed my steering wheel (MB A'180 CDI), thanks to your instructions.
Best regards from Croatia
Just to say Thank You for your post regarding steering wheel upgrade.
I have successfully changed my steering wheel (MB A'180 CDI), thanks to your instructions.
Best regards from Croatia
#170
Newbie
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: TX
Posts: 10
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C350W Sport AMG
Has anyone done this to their 2013 C350w? I have the AMG Wheel, just doesn't have the Paddle sifters... Is it really that easy to buy a new wheel and replace it?
#171
Yes, it is very easy to replace it.
I bought an used AMG wheel with Paddle shifters and followed the MJF`s instructions. My airbag is for the round wheel, not for the AMG type, but it fits, there's a small gap on the bottom which I can live with. Have disconnected the Paddle shifters and all buttons are working well.
I bought an used AMG wheel with Paddle shifters and followed the MJF`s instructions. My airbag is for the round wheel, not for the AMG type, but it fits, there's a small gap on the bottom which I can live with. Have disconnected the Paddle shifters and all buttons are working well.
#172
Newbie
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: TX
Posts: 10
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C350W Sport AMG
So i already have the AMG wheel in mine, but it doesnt have the PL Shifters. Its the same exact wheel. I called the dealer, found the wheel just like mine, but with PL Shifters, I have them check the part for the airbag from mine to the C63, and its the same part number. So in my case I just need wheel, everything else should be plug and play!
#173
Newbie
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: TX
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C350W Sport AMG
Steering Wheel came in today!
Yay it came in, Got it for 550 without the airbag since i already have the same exact wheel, i can re-use the airbag
Will have the dealer install this very soon...!
Will have the dealer install this very soon...!
#174
I have a 2008 C320cdi. Chip swap is unnecessary, I simply changed the clockspring, indicators and cruise stalks ( bought in single piece for £40 on ebay) from a facelift or any 11-15 model. My particular one was from an slk 250! Anyway, all works 100%. Paddle shifts, illumination, all function perfectly.
Last edited by mikerth; 03-15-2017 at 10:50 AM.
#175
Super Member
I have a 2008 C320cdi. Chip swap is unnecessary, I simply changed the clockspring, indicators and cruise stalks ( bought in single piece for £40 on ebay) from a facelift or any 11-15 model. My particular one was from an slk 250! Anyway, all works 100%. Paddle shifts, illumination, all function perfectly.