I am going to revisit the ongoing issue of retrofitting paddles and/or shift buttons to my C32 AMG. I have been in contact with @latemodel21 for the past week and we have been brainstorming the issue of the retrofit. So far, we have found 4 part numbers for the clock spring that is compatible with option code 428 which is the paddle gear shift option code. Oddly enough, the original part number is from the second generation A-class (W169). My guess is that it was just another part from the parts bin that Benz used on other models. Anyways, the part numbers are as follows: A169 464 0118;A169 464 0518; A169 464 0918; A169 464 1118. They also seem to have several different A203 part numbers. I can edit this post to include them at a later date. I am going to either use the Mercedes Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) or just remove my steering wheel to verify my current clock spring part number to see if I need to replace it with one with the earlier part numbers that I listed. I already found the needed clock spring but I won't buy it from the UK if my C32 already has it. If I am able to source the extremely rare C32 wheel with the paddle buttons already installed, I will do my best to buy it. If not, I will find a C55 or CLK 550 wheel from a junkyard or something and use that. As I am not very experienced with wiring, @latemodel21 may be able to add to this thread as we progress through this to explain things batter than I can. I do not know how long this will take, as money is a little tight right now, but I will do my absolute best to keep up with it. I am going to tag a few of the people from the original Paddle Shift thread in this thread as well
@knightrider2k2 , @dlwiser , @Robert AMG , @FrankW, @francoisisp , @aho , @02C32 , @<Silver_Arrow> , @simppa80 , @Phil_W , @KTMAdventure , @hrj922 , @320 dreamer , @precisionmike , @benzmodz , @c32kompressor , @2MCHCAR , @ez53436 , @hanknum , @AMG_55_cruiser

 

Happy to help with this project. As Jake mentioned above, he approached me about a paddle shift integration for the C32 and I told him I was happy to provide any info and insight that I could to make this happen. With his desire to add this to his C32 and skills/resources, I expect it will happen soon. Some here may already know that I produce a variety of paddle integration products (notably for the 2003-2006 AMGs and R170/Crossfires and a variety of Porsche models) and while I have been asked on a few occasions (over the last 10 years) about a c32 paddle integration, I've never had a c32 in my shop or the time to really get into it. ... I have however, collected some notes that I am happy to share that I hope will help to make this happen.

Some of this info is readily avail be on the EPC (mercedes Electronic Parts Catalog) like the Clockspring part numbers used in the 428-optioned c32 that were included in the original post.
A169 464 01 08
05
09
11

add to that, the N135 module (module under air bag for w203s with steering wheel shift option)
A 034 545 58 32
which was later replaced by
A 036 545 29 32

One thing I have not seen is the actual wiring for this option (428) on a C203 (normally indicated in the ETM and WIS schematics)
THIS WOULD BE HELPFUL : )

I notice that all of the VINs that I have seen for C32s are the "065 build version (203065), but there is also a "265" build version (203265) ... perhaps the 265 is facelift, or facelift european market? In any case, info searches using both build versions may yield more useful results.

Here are some screen shots of the programming steps that would likely be used for adding option 428 with StarDas











HTH,
Chris

 

Someone who seems to already have the answers to this is Benzmods ... It would be great to hear from him as he posted this recipe (in 2012) here https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...ml#post5466203


12-12-2012, 04:02 AM
#71
benzmodz
MBWorld Fanatic!
"From 2003 and later
-----------------------


Step 1
---------
Throw away your EGS2 out and install EGS3 transmission controller from 2005 car.


Step 2
--------
Perform coding of the chassis type and include 428 paddle shift option.


Step 3
---------
Install 428 compatible steering spiral in steering column


Step 4
---------
Add W203 paddle shift steering wheel such as R171 steering wheel (sold as sports pack on W203)


Step 5
-------
Throw away cheap lame plastic paddles and install amazing R230 metal paddles. Make sure you check part number since 2 versions exist.


Step 6
-------
Add C-S-M button to centre console.


FINISHED.

If you have PRE-2003 car ....... who knows. This version of the upgrade only works easily for MSG engine controller cars because of the steering spiral .

I dont know who is having problems here with this upgrade but I can assure you that after 2003 is it simple and uncomplicated because of the CANBUS associated with the upgraded MSG engine controller / new column switches / new windscreen sensor and new SAM software.

The C32 was sold late into 2004 with the facelifted centre console and paddle shift from factory.
__________________
Modify your car and enjoy the benefits ! "

 

Alrighty, so I've run into the first hiccup in this process. I found a factory steering wheel that was optioned with code 428 which is the shift buttons. The part number is A203 460 39 03. The problem is that I found only one so far and it's in Germany somewhere, due to option code 428 only being sold in the European markets. Normally that isn't an issue as I can just have it shipped. Unfortunately, this seller does not offer international shipping, so I am stuck in the water with this specific wheel. If anyone has a spare wheel with part number A203 460 39 03 and are willing to part with it, or knows where to find one, don't hesitate to reach out to me! I found the wheel on here on eBay and here at https://www.elicar.de/en/sparepart/261. If anyone is willing to buy it and then ship it to the USA for me I would cover the cost and have immense gratitude! But as of right now, I am stuck without a wheel unless I cut up my current wheel (which I really do not want to do)

 

I did see that post in that thread, unfortunately my C32 is a 2002 model so his guide does not apply fully to me unless its compatible with all W203 model years

 

203265 is for the s203 c32

 

So so far I have received the clock spring and ordered a steering wheel control module. I did some digging in the developer codings while i coded out my secondary air pump and rear O2 sensors, and found a coding for "lenkradtippen" or "Steering Wheel Tapping". I did some searching and came to the conclusion that this is the coding that activates option code 428. Once the steering control module arrives and gets installed with the clock spring, I will go back and code in the "tapping". After that I need to wire up some paddles and see if it all works!

 

I have put together a kit for adding fully functional paddle shifters to the Pre-facelift (2002-2003) C32. Send me a note or email (latmodel21@yahoo.com) if interested in getting some more details.

Cheers,
Chris

 

Probably the first thing to check is having the following parts
- Option 428 compatible steering spiral
- Transmission control unit with the later firmware
- the correct C/S/M button
- a suitable steering wheel with the correct pins for the paddle function.

Some steering wheels had resistors and diodes, some had LIN converters, some had 3 pin paddles and some had 2 pin paddles. You dont want to mix these up too much. The best way is to lookup the VIN of a car that has the features you want in the first possible iteration when it was first seen. So the combination of parts differences can be evaluated.

There are some extremely rare C32 built just before the C55 and those have basically the same parts as each other as far as I could tell. If the C32 is built in 2004 the conversion is much easier. Because there are so many layers and versions of CANBUS. I can tell you that putting a 2005 steering wheel on a 2001 Mercedes plays beep beep beep beep ..... when you press the horn.

A later version of the front fuse box is always a good idea. It gives up so many more menu functions.

 

still make these?

 

yes, this kit is still available. if you send me an email with your VIN, I can give you some more information about the kit. Please email me at latemodel21@yahoo.com

Chris

 

do ya'll have a different 5spd? these things are insanely slow with paddles. There's really no point to them or do I have something wrong?

 

While I don't think that "insanely slow" is a fair characterization, it is fair to say that the 726 is slow by newer car standards. These transmissions are normally slow to upshift (as upshifts are mainly commanded/determined by speed/rpm vs pedal angle). Improved software helps ALL of these 726 transmissions. The paddles make down-shifting (which happens relatively quickly even with factory software) and then subsequent up-shifting easier (quicker) by virtue of the convenience of not having to move your hands off of the wheel. And for those who like manual mode, the paddles seem like a necessity. I have had paddleshifters in all of my 5-speed AMGs (with factory software and then improved 4-mode software) and used the paddles nearly every time I drove. Your experiences may vary.

Chris

 

Is mkultra the go to for software on these still? Most of what I've driven is stock trans. The 65 cars are brutal in shift speed. To add, the early 7 speed cars are pretty horrid too. Although the 5 spd software in the SLR is massively better. .

 

Troy (MK ULTRA) is talented and respected. I had one of his tunes in my SL55 (5 years ago) and it was significantly better than stock. I imagine his tunes have evolved since then, and I am under the impression that he has some SLR influenced tunes now as well.

 

Josh from The Mercedes Swap Shop has the best trans tunes on the market right now. MK Ultra is still better than the OE software, but if you want damn near 725 (9G tronic) shift speeds, Go with MSS

 

I have decided to manual swap my car instead of doing the paddles just as a quick update to this thread