MarkRyan15

Hi there. I'm new to this forum as well as MB vehicles. I'm currently looking to buy a 2011+ C300. I have found a 2011 local to me for sale that caught my eye. However, the vehicle lacks some of the features/options that are on 2012+ models (new style steering wheel, full color dash) I've read that these can be added, but how involved is the process?. During my research I've found that the steering wheel is plug and play. However, there was mixed answers concerning the illumination part of the wheel. I'd like everything to be fully functional if I swapped wheels. Also, is the new air bag plug and play also?

Regarding the full color dash, I've read threads and found no real answer. How hard is it to add? I'm not sure of any local shops around me that would possibly have the equipment to program a used dash to my vehicle. Any advice? (I'm located in Virginia, USA)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated and I look forward to using this forum!

Thanks!

mr.brightside

I think the easiest route to go is to find a 2012+ model near you. I'd consider the 2013+ as well, it has all the newer features and looks you want plus it has the newer 3.5L engine for the C300.

Adi-Benz

People have done it, I can't find the diy.

https://mbworld.org/forums/canada/62...3-air-bag.html

Welcome to the forums!

Edit: As said above, for the simultaneous post, easier just to buy a 12.

MarkRyan15

I understand it'd be more practical to buy a 2012+ and get the option I want. Only reason I haven't done that already is because I cant seem to find a 2012 or 2013 that's relatively close to my area with the AMG package on it (the 2011 has it). Also, the ones without the AMG package are almost $6-7K more! Not worth it in my opinion just for 2 additional features that I'd like to have.

Main feature I would defiantly want to add is the new steering wheel. I'm not too worried about the dash, but it would be nice. Is there any real difference between the dash clusters other than cosmetic?

xEryx

Facelift looks A WHOLE lot better and you will regret not spending 2-4k more to find a 12+

Alfadude

Not sure where you live in the US, but it doesn't seem very difficult to find a C300. They seem to come off lease all the time. Unless you are in a big hurry I'm sure you will find what you want soon. If you have a preferred dealer you could have them find one for you. Wait for what you really want. Don't settle.

MarkRyan15

Alright everyone,

I ended up knowing the person that's selling the 2011. So, with knowing the person, and knowing how they take care of their vehicles, that's most likely the route I'm going to go.

So, I'm back to ask, will the 2012+ steering wheel and airbag work on a 2011? I understand the button illumination won't work, but I can live with that. Just making sure the connectors for the airbag and wheel are the same?!

Ive read more on the dash and in all, I don't think it's worth the time and money for a color dash.

However, I'm also trying to get some information on possibly retrofitting or doing an aftermarket blind spot monitoring system. Anybody have any info on that? I've read threads and all end up coming to an end with no real conclusion. I've seen aftermarket ones, but I'm not sure if I like how the LED wouldn't be in the mirror. Could I maybe get the glass to the OEM blind spot mirror glass and put the aftermarket led inside the mirrors?

Sorry for the numberous questions, just exploring options.

Thanks

MarkRyan15

One other question,

when I upgrade the steering wheel and air bag on the 2011 to the 2012/13 wheel and airbag, how will I know if the airbag is effected by the Takata Airbag Recall? If I do the conversion, will the new style airbag be replaced by my Mercedes dealer when parts become available to fix them? Only because I don't want to do the conversion and then My dealer tell me that they'll only replace the stock one. Any input?