AMGTestDriverNJ

Could it be that difficult for 08 models? Looks like the same wheel minus the fact that this one has paddles! Drove my buddies 09 E350 4Matic yesterday w/ the paddles and while they pretty much sucked as far as response time, they still look great and I would like the function just to have it. Anyone have any insight on this? The wheel swap itself shouldn't be an issue, I even imagine it will take my existing airbag being as they look identical. However, do you guys think there is a whole lot of extra electronics allowing the car to shift from the steering wheel? Seems like it could probably be relayed to the existing sport shift mode the shifter offers no? Anybody undertaken hooking up paddles on a previously paddle-less MB? With some help I would totally consider being the 1st to try this out!

gaazmon

I agree. It shouldn't be too hard at all. Unfortunetly I cannot provide any info on this. Good luck.

AMGTestDriverNJ

sent an email to steve at mbenznl I think he is just the guy for the job. I'll keep you posted.

Z356

AMGtestdriverNj: I switched the steering wheel on my 2007 CL600 (standard wood/leather with back shift buttons) to a 2008 S63/CL63 standard full leather AMG sport wheel with shift paddles. Took my MB independent tech 30 minutes to do in Monterey County, CA. We kept the original CL600 air bag and center leather (vs plastic on the S/CL 63) air bag cover. The wires that connect to the back shift buttons are now connected to the shift paddles. No issues and no problems. If your '08 E class has a steering wheel WITH shift buttons in the back, the swap will be very smooth. On my '09 E350 Sport I have the AMG sport steering wheel that comes standard on this model. At first sight, it looks similar to the one I put on my CL600. However, the reality is that the S63/CL63 AMG sport wheel is fatter, feels better in your hands, and has real aluminum metal paddles instead of plastic. If you can get your hands on one of these S63/CL63 AMG wheels, you will be much happier. The difference is really night and day in everyday use. Saludos, Z356.

AMGTestDriverNJ

Thanks Z, unfortunately I am not starting out with a paddle shift style steering wheel. I think the main issue will most likely be the hub which spools the wiring around itself that allows for it to give enough slack as not tear or be too short when turning the wheel. Being as I won't have the proper wiring ready, or if I do it might be too short to get where it needs to go w/o replacing the hub it will most likely be my main issue. I would like to confirm if it all possible if anyone who didn't have a paddle shifting option from the factory was able to hook up a paddle shifting steering wheel without serious difficulty.

MARK CUMMINS

You Must change the contact ring to make the paddle shift work along with the proper version code changed

Did it on my 209 as it did NOT have paddle shift..It does now..works Great!

AMGTestDriverNJ

Did steve do it for you? What'd it cost? If you like, PM me if you don't want to disclose that publicly. Thanks alot.

MBenzNL

swapping the contact ring IS required on a 209 but not on a 211

Adding paddle shifters to a 2005 (and up) 211 is as easy as swapping the steering wheel and version coding the transmission control unit.

Adding paddle shifters on a pre 2005 W211 is possible as well but requires a lot more parts to be swapped out (and some versioncoding)...my 2002 E220CDI has (WORKING) paddle shifters as well (pretty useless on a 4 cill diesel but who cares).

greetingz,

AMGTestDriverNJ

Hey is this Steve? I'm the one who has been in contact I believe with your partner in regards to this. Is the W211 wheel you have w/ paddles still available? I was told that my airbag would fit which is great. I just had a few more questions. It seems like this can be done pretty easily, but as far as the versioncoding, where can this be done? Is this SDS stuff? I have a feeling no dealership (if that is who does versioncoding) is going to agree to do this for me. What are my options? Again my model is 2008, so I would be using 2009 wheel. Thanks so much I really admire your work and hope we can meet one day when you get over here to the East!!