Shift Knobs
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Joined: Apr 2008
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C55 AMG
Shift Knobs
We were talking about it before I got busy and I will likely have some free time next week so I'd like to work on the shift knob project a little if possible.
I sent a clay mold of the top of the C55 shift knob and it was not good enough for them to get a accurate read on how convex the top should be. I will send them an OEM shift knob but I want to make sure the C55 and C32 share the same knob before I send it to them. This project will likely only be possible if the same top is used in both cars. Does anyone know if these cars share the same knob and has it changed over the model years?
The second topic is the construction and I think I have that all figured out. I think a resin topped bubble will be the most cost effective and durable option. The laser engraved chrome or nickel will probably look awesome the day you install it and like complete crap shortly after without a good hard shell.
I sent a clay mold of the top of the C55 shift knob and it was not good enough for them to get a accurate read on how convex the top should be. I will send them an OEM shift knob but I want to make sure the C55 and C32 share the same knob before I send it to them. This project will likely only be possible if the same top is used in both cars. Does anyone know if these cars share the same knob and has it changed over the model years?
The second topic is the construction and I think I have that all figured out. I think a resin topped bubble will be the most cost effective and durable option. The laser engraved chrome or nickel will probably look awesome the day you install it and like complete crap shortly after without a good hard shell.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Oakland, California
07 E550, 02 C32, 91 300E
Yeah honestly I think that is the weakest part of the interior on our cars. The plastic sticker thing on the top of mine started peeling pretty bad the last couple years.
I cant find it now but someone on here got some shift knob from Germany that was something crazy like 500 euros, but it had the AMG logo and looked stunning. I swear if someone made one like that for a reasonable price, it would sell like hotcakes.
I cant find it now but someone on here got some shift knob from Germany that was something crazy like 500 euros, but it had the AMG logo and looked stunning. I swear if someone made one like that for a reasonable price, it would sell like hotcakes.
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,184
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W210 E55 & W204 C63
Simple google search answers the question: C55 and C32 knobs have a different design. However I dunno about the fitment.
C55: http://www.203club.com/model%20data%...55interior.jpg
C32: http://www.203club.com/model%20data%...32interior.jpg
C55: http://www.203club.com/model%20data%...55interior.jpg
C32: http://www.203club.com/model%20data%...32interior.jpg
Super Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 636
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From: Oakland, California
07 E550, 02 C32, 91 300E
Yeah the one that I really liked was the one that 360 iti got with the AMG emblem on top that kind of looked like this CLS one: 
Or the SLK Black series one:
However it was something like 500 euros with shipping...
This was the thread but the images are broken now: https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c55-amg-w203/156125-finally-something-our-boring-shifter.html
Or the SLK Black series one:
However it was something like 500 euros with shipping...
This was the thread but the images are broken now: https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c55-amg-w203/156125-finally-something-our-boring-shifter.html
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 340
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From: Indiana
Silver 02 C32 & White 05 CLK500
Yeah honestly I think that is the weakest part of the interior on our cars. The plastic sticker thing on the top of mine started peeling pretty bad the last couple years.
I cant find it now but someone on here got some shift knob from Germany that was something crazy like 500 euros, but it had the AMG logo and looked stunning. I swear if someone made one like that for a reasonable price, it would sell like hotcakes.
I cant find it now but someone on here got some shift knob from Germany that was something crazy like 500 euros, but it had the AMG logo and looked stunning. I swear if someone made one like that for a reasonable price, it would sell like hotcakes.
I am also interested in the c32 amg floor mats if anyone is selling theirs.
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,057
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
"C32" on the shiftknob wasn't sticker. it was printed on.
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 587
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From: The Windy City
'02 C32, '10 135i M-Sport, '10 E63, '17 GLE63S
I ended up grabbing a Schatz shift-knob (carbon fiber + chrome trim) from
performanceproducts4benz.com quite a ways back for the same reason - the plastic peeling off the stock shifter.
This is pretty much it -
Check out the "Prestige Shift Knobs" here. I guess that's just the style code or model name for the Schatz pieces. There are a few out on eBay too. Definitely not cheap, by any stretch of the imagination. Mine feels extremely solid, doesn't heat up at all (even in direct sunlight), and looks fantastic. You can see the individual weaving of the carbon fiber and the look that it lends is phenomenal. I would imagine the wood versions are just as high quality (and I think they're cheaper too).
The only "issue" is that unless you get one off eBay, you have to wait for it to come from Germany, so it'll be a week or two until you get it. Definitely worth the wait, however
performanceproducts4benz.com quite a ways back for the same reason - the plastic peeling off the stock shifter.
This is pretty much it -
Check out the "Prestige Shift Knobs" here. I guess that's just the style code or model name for the Schatz pieces. There are a few out on eBay too. Definitely not cheap, by any stretch of the imagination. Mine feels extremely solid, doesn't heat up at all (even in direct sunlight), and looks fantastic. You can see the individual weaving of the carbon fiber and the look that it lends is phenomenal. I would imagine the wood versions are just as high quality (and I think they're cheaper too).
The only "issue" is that unless you get one off eBay, you have to wait for it to come from Germany, so it'll be a week or two until you get it. Definitely worth the wait, however
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,539
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From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
I ended up grabbing a Schatz shift-knob (carbon fiber + chrome trim) from
performanceproducts4benz.com quite a ways back for the same reason - the plastic peeling off the stock shifter.
This is pretty much it -
Check out the "Prestige Shift Knobs" here. I guess that's just the style code or model name for the Schatz pieces. There are a few out on eBay too. Definitely not cheap, by any stretch of the imagination. Mine feels extremely solid, doesn't heat up at all (even in direct sunlight), and looks fantastic. You can see the individual weaving of the carbon fiber and the look that it lends is phenomenal. I would imagine the wood versions are just as high quality (and I think they're cheaper too).
The only "issue" is that unless you get one off eBay, you have to wait for it to come from Germany, so it'll be a week or two until you get it. Definitely worth the wait, however
performanceproducts4benz.com quite a ways back for the same reason - the plastic peeling off the stock shifter.
This is pretty much it -
Check out the "Prestige Shift Knobs" here. I guess that's just the style code or model name for the Schatz pieces. There are a few out on eBay too. Definitely not cheap, by any stretch of the imagination. Mine feels extremely solid, doesn't heat up at all (even in direct sunlight), and looks fantastic. You can see the individual weaving of the carbon fiber and the look that it lends is phenomenal. I would imagine the wood versions are just as high quality (and I think they're cheaper too).
The only "issue" is that unless you get one off eBay, you have to wait for it to come from Germany, so it'll be a week or two until you get it. Definitely worth the wait, however
I have that knob and love it. It has a great shape and feels great in the hand. Quality is superb and it looks so cool!
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From: Keesler AFB, Gulfport, MS
C32 AMG
I just picked up and installed a Schatz shifter like the one pictured. That baby has some heft to it! Very solid feel...love it.
However, after installing it, the leather boot is just a smidgen too short. What did you guys do to get around this? I don't care to do any cutting or anything that would look tacky. My tacky peeling C32 shifter was the reason I replaced it in the first place. As it is now, the new shifter aaaaalmost pops the cover off when going to park or drive. It looks as though the shifter should sit lower on the shifter stick (for lack of a technical term) coming up from the tranny but its as low as it will go. Perhaps drill out the shifter knob so it will sit lower?
However, after installing it, the leather boot is just a smidgen too short. What did you guys do to get around this? I don't care to do any cutting or anything that would look tacky. My tacky peeling C32 shifter was the reason I replaced it in the first place. As it is now, the new shifter aaaaalmost pops the cover off when going to park or drive. It looks as though the shifter should sit lower on the shifter stick (for lack of a technical term) coming up from the tranny but its as low as it will go. Perhaps drill out the shifter knob so it will sit lower?
Last edited by SilverBulletAMG; Dec 17, 2008 at 10:05 AM.
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 226
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From: San Francisco, CA
W203 C32 AMG, W124 E300D
The sticker on mine came completely off, i bought this one off ebay for around $60. Its an aluminum piece with AMG etched in it rather then a sticker. Good quality too, but havent put it on the car yet...to lazy 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,213
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LET C32 2002
I ended up grabbing a Schatz shift-knob (carbon fiber + chrome trim) from
performanceproducts4benz.com quite a ways back for the same reason - the plastic peeling off the stock shifter.
This is pretty much it -
Check out the "Prestige Shift Knobs" here. I guess that's just the style code or model name for the Schatz pieces. There are a few out on eBay too. Definitely not cheap, by any stretch of the imagination. Mine feels extremely solid, doesn't heat up at all (even in direct sunlight), and looks fantastic. You can see the individual weaving of the carbon fiber and the look that it lends is phenomenal. I would imagine the wood versions are just as high quality (and I think they're cheaper too).
The only "issue" is that unless you get one off eBay, you have to wait for it to come from Germany, so it'll be a week or two until you get it. Definitely worth the wait, however
performanceproducts4benz.com quite a ways back for the same reason - the plastic peeling off the stock shifter.
This is pretty much it -
Check out the "Prestige Shift Knobs" here. I guess that's just the style code or model name for the Schatz pieces. There are a few out on eBay too. Definitely not cheap, by any stretch of the imagination. Mine feels extremely solid, doesn't heat up at all (even in direct sunlight), and looks fantastic. You can see the individual weaving of the carbon fiber and the look that it lends is phenomenal. I would imagine the wood versions are just as high quality (and I think they're cheaper too).
The only "issue" is that unless you get one off eBay, you have to wait for it to come from Germany, so it'll be a week or two until you get it. Definitely worth the wait, however
are they pricey
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,213
Likes: 8
LET C32 2002
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
W203 C32 AMG, W124 E300D
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,717
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From: Keesler AFB, Gulfport, MS
C32 AMG
c32used, the Schatz aren't too bad if you troll ebay. I got mine for $60, brand new in original box from Germany.
As for the tight fit, this seemed to have helped. Last night I took a bunch of leather conditioner and let it soak into the boot. It seemed to have softened it up just enough to keep the cover from popping off or lifting while in P or D. Plus its nice and soft now. Still not perfect, but better....
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 47
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From: North Plains, OR
Crossfire SRT6
Try this link..there are a few more and one with the AMG logo and birdseye maple which I think I want to put in my SRT6. It should look great with the Aero Blue console.
http://www.formymercedes.com/mb_resu...ry=Shift+Knobs
MikeR
http://www.formymercedes.com/mb_resu...ry=Shift+Knobs
MikeR
Super Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 636
Likes: 0
From: Oakland, California
07 E550, 02 C32, 91 300E
Try this link..there are a few more and one with the AMG logo and birdseye maple which I think I want to put in my SRT6. It should look great with the Aero Blue console.
http://www.formymercedes.com/mb_resu...ry=Shift+Knobs
MikeR
http://www.formymercedes.com/mb_resu...ry=Shift+Knobs
MikeR
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,013
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From: Livingston, California.
2002 c32 AMG 2012 c250 Coupe
Super Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 636
Likes: 0
From: Oakland, California
07 E550, 02 C32, 91 300E
I actually looked at that same shift knob on ebay and was trying to decide between that one and the Schatz. I decided on the Schatz just for the different look but the one you picked up will be a better fit as it looks the same as OEM. You should slap it on, takes 2 minutes to swap out.
c32used, the Schatz aren't too bad if you troll ebay. I got mine for $60, brand new in original box from Germany.
As for the tight fit, this seemed to have helped. Last night I took a bunch of leather conditioner and let it soak into the boot. It seemed to have softened it up just enough to keep the cover from popping off or lifting while in P or D. Plus its nice and soft now. Still not perfect, but better....
c32used, the Schatz aren't too bad if you troll ebay. I got mine for $60, brand new in original box from Germany.
As for the tight fit, this seemed to have helped. Last night I took a bunch of leather conditioner and let it soak into the boot. It seemed to have softened it up just enough to keep the cover from popping off or lifting while in P or D. Plus its nice and soft now. Still not perfect, but better....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,213
Likes: 8
LET C32 2002
c32used, the Schatz aren't too bad if you troll ebay. I got mine for $60, brand new in original box from Germany.
As for the tight fit, this seemed to have helped. Last night I took a bunch of leather conditioner and let it soak into the boot. It seemed to have softened it up just enough to keep the cover from popping off or lifting while in P or D. Plus its nice and soft now. Still not perfect, but better....
As for the tight fit, this seemed to have helped. Last night I took a bunch of leather conditioner and let it soak into the boot. It seemed to have softened it up just enough to keep the cover from popping off or lifting while in P or D. Plus its nice and soft now. Still not perfect, but better....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 2
From: Diamond Bar & Anaheim, CA
2003 C-Class Sportcoupe
Here's the shift knob I have on my coupe.
I bought it off ebay about 2 years ago. It's a knock off of the Brabus R171, but slightly different since it has CF on the top instead of alcantara, and the bottom metal rod is square instead of round. It used to say "Sport" on the top and it was a Keyless Go shift knob, but since then I have replaced the top with a Brabus emblem and got rid off the Keyless Go feature. My guess is that it was made in Taiwan, but I have never seen anymore of these anywhere.
This is the authentic R171 Brabus shift knob that I replaced with the knock off. The CF on the knock off matches the CF trim on my center console better.
I bought it off ebay about 2 years ago. It's a knock off of the Brabus R171, but slightly different since it has CF on the top instead of alcantara, and the bottom metal rod is square instead of round. It used to say "Sport" on the top and it was a Keyless Go shift knob, but since then I have replaced the top with a Brabus emblem and got rid off the Keyless Go feature. My guess is that it was made in Taiwan, but I have never seen anymore of these anywhere.
This is the authentic R171 Brabus shift knob that I replaced with the knock off. The CF on the knock off matches the CF trim on my center console better.
