Hey guys, as you can see in the pics I did the conversion from the lame buttons to the KING paddles last night and although the fitment is not perfect (1st time try) I am very satisfied with the end result! All this was done with massive help from Chris, so thanks man!!

I'm happy to answer any questions regarding the subject as far as I can here.

You are welcome, Michael ! Glad I was able help.

Thanks for posting some pics


When you get a chance, please email me any thoughts you have on the steering wheel modification instructions I sent you. Please don't hesitate to point out where you think improvements to the instructions can be made (or more specific information is needed).

Cheers,
Chris


and ...
( hope you don't mind the slight thread hijack ... )
for anyone interested, I am always happy to answer any questions about the installation process and provide some useful instructions for modifying the steering wheel for using paddles along with this module.
... In an effort to work within MB World Policy, I should probably point out that while it's possible to get this module directly from me, the most correct way to get this module (the "Mercedes Paddle Converter") is to buy it from an MB WORLD Sponsor (rather than directly from me). DCT motorsports (an MB World sponsor) stocks this module (and offers it installed with paddles in amazing steering wheel remake/retrofit conversions). If you happen to be in Europe, http://www.comandonline.co.uk also has this module in stock. Any questions about this module are best directed to me.

a 2 page info sheet on the module can be found in this post ...
https://mbworld.org/forums/5323223-post154.html


Chris

Looks great! Are there longer paddles that can be fitted? Those seem a tad small but nice nonetheless

these are the biggest AMG paddles available. I think Brabus makes bigger ones but I wanted to stick to OEM. these are the same ones as C63, E63, SLS etc... they replace the flimsy 'click' buttons and the feel of them is sooooo much better. RECOMMENDED TO EVERYONE! haven't actually been able to test them as I have one wheel being repaired atm, but all I hope is that there is no delay with the module.

Looks good.

There is no delay that any human could ever percieve ....
worst case delay .... a little less than 3 billionths of a one second ( max 2.5 nanoseconds ... ie 0.0000000025 seconds )

The paddles are faster swiching than the buttons (in my experience) so the net is faster. If you want to make your paddles faster still. you can mod them (with a thin shim) for a little faster action (I will provide details if you like).

look forward to seeing the wheel in your car,
Chris

damn, 0.0000000025 seconds, I hope I can live with that haha...

just a quick question, there are 2 inputs and 1 output on the converter, does it matter which paddle goes on the left or right input? i noticed the actual plug on the paddles has different connections, so i think it will figure it out by itself, but im not 100% sure?

Cool upgrade! I'm doing the same to my R Class.

The only larger paddles are made by Brabus ($700!!!! vs. MB is about 150-200) and Brabus says it won't work on the older cars.

The transmission in general lags after you attempt to shift gears. It's sure no SMG.

Anything will beat those nasty buttons we have behind the wheels. Ill look on ebay see if i can spot a set of paddles.

Yes, it will figure it out on its own. The left paddle uses pin 3 and the right paddle uses pin 2 (and common is pin 1) so the module will recognize the paddles correctly regardless of which header (on the module) that they are plugged into.

The delay stated does not include the car's delay; it is only the difference between the factory buttons and the paddles (using the module) ... and it only applys to the "up" paddle (the down paddles has none). 0.0000000025 seconds delay is for all practical purposes equivaling to "none at all" , but I thought I would toss the real number out there.


P.S. if anyone wants to use the ($700) Brabus Paddles on any older model that uses buttons OR paddles, I would be happy to assist in making that happen.

Chris

maybe the Brabus ones would work with the paddle converter though? I mean, if they are plug and play for newer models I couldnt see why this converter wouldnt work with them.

here are the cheapest I could find:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/AMG-Mercedes-...item3cc89e594c

The Brabus paddles (and some other amg paddles from various models) are pinned differently than the A1712670046 paddles ... but can be made to work (electriclly in their place) by reconfiguring their connector(s) (as they all use "normally open swithes").
If this is going into a vehicle that (because it came with the old configuration of normally open AND NORMALLY CLOSED switch) needs to use the paddle module (to use paddles) then it too needs the paddle module for the Brabus paddles. Distributors (of the Brabus paddles) suggest that they are NOT compatible with earlier models ... but I am confident that they can be used without much trouble in nearly any car that came with shift buttons or paddles.

Like I said, I would be willing to help anyone make this happen for their car.

Chris

Great, Thanks

Guess it's too late to do the Brabus! LOL They look really cool but they are a bit rich.

Nathan, It may not be too late .... give me a call if you are interested in this.

Chris

I'll just stick to the OEMs for now. It's still an upgrade over my stock plastic buttons.