E-Class (W212) 2010 - 2016: E 350, E 550
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Can I change the Mercedes Shift style from the normal look to the AMG one?

Old Oct 28, 2024 | 12:42 PM
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Mercedes Benz W212 220 CDI
Can I change the Mercedes Shift style from the normal look to the AMG one?

Hey everyone,

I'm planning to purchase a Mercedes W212 E220 CDI(2012) and have some modifications in mind:
  • Install an AMG-style body kit (prefacelift)
  • Upgrade to an AMG-style steering wheel (newer model)
  • Replace the instrument cluster with a digital version and install a larger infotainment screen
I have a couple of questions regarding the center console modifications:
  1. Can I replace the center console to fit the AMG-style shifter? If so, what specific components or modifications should I consider to ensure proper fitment?
  2. Instead of the standard drive mode dial and buttons, I plan to install custom-made gauges to display temperature and other parameters Can this be done?


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Old Oct 28, 2024 | 01:06 PM
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W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
HARDLY POSSIBLE....

This looks amazing!

You want to do these transformations all by yourself or do you know a specialist that can code donor parts to work??
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Old Oct 28, 2024 | 01:24 PM
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Mercedes Benz W212 220 CDI
I'm planning to do everything myself, and I've been doing my research. I found out that the E350 has steering-mounted shifters. Initially, my plan was to buy an E220 or an E250 and install a Stage 2 kit. However, the E350 has a V6 engine, which is the closest thing I can get to turning this car into an AMG.

So, is it sensible to buy an E350 and change the shifter to the AMG style, or should I just go for an E250 and do the same?
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Old Oct 28, 2024 | 02:05 PM
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I don't think the issue is the engine being 350 or 250.... the issue is coding modules to work with chassis and 722.9 tranny.

The features are activated in the chassis gateway... it's next to impossible to enable modules the gateway ignores.

To go around that limitation... you need to flash basic gateway to become an AMG Gateway... specialist who do that line of work are a rare breed.

If you're going to invest mounds of cash... get a worthy engine to propel your chassis.

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Old Oct 28, 2024 | 02:19 PM
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Mercedes Benz W212 220 CDI
What would you suggest I do?
I really want the V6 engine, but I don't like the steering-mounted shifter. If I've done my research correctly, both the E350 and E250 use the same 7G-Tronic transmission; the only difference is the shifter.
I want the AMG-style shifter as it looks cool
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Old Oct 28, 2024 | 06:21 PM
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W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
WYSIWYG !!

Originally Posted by Burnt_Godzilla
What would you suggest I do?
I really want the V6 engine, but I don't like the steering-mounted shifter. If I've done my research correctly, both the E350 and E250 use the same 7G-Tronic transmission; the only difference is the shifter.
I want the AMG-style shifter as it looks cool
Well you have your priorities well figured. Now you can make compromises.

Personally I like the ergonomics of the shifter mounted on the steering column.

Save some money in your budget for maintenance parts and labor. More power means more stress on everything like: brakes, tires, tranny.
Have you considered...

the AirMatic suspensions... best comfort!
the dynamic front seats... nice 'n sporty!
the (ILS) Intelligent LED HL... daylight at night!
the DistronicPlus... assisted self-driving chassis !

My take is whatever option come with your vehicle is what you get. Hardly anything is worth upgrading.


Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Oct 28, 2024 at 06:22 PM.
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Old Oct 29, 2024 | 03:27 AM
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It looks like a massive project , I have not seen one could tackle those .
As for your questions : I prefer column shifter , you can also have some extra spaces when you have it .
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Old Oct 29, 2024 | 06:36 AM
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Smile

I think I am going to stick with the E250 for now and just swap the shifter to the AMG style and install those gauges.
Thank you for guiding me in the right path!
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Old Oct 29, 2024 | 07:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Burnt_Godzilla
What would you suggest I do?
I really want the V6 engine, but I don't like the steering-mounted shifter. If I've done my research correctly, both the E350 and E250 use the same 7G-Tronic transmission; the only difference is the shifter.
I want the AMG-style shifter as it looks cool
The difference in shifters is NOT insignificant. The existing shifter is mechanically operated with physical shift linkages (shift rod). The AMG style (along with the stalk-mounted controls) is electronically activated (Electronic Selector Module -- ESM). There is a lot more than just the center console cover. You would probably need the dealer to code everything for you since the transmission is considered a high-theft part. That also may be difficult since dealers don't like doing anything outside of their authority to operate.
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Old Oct 29, 2024 | 07:21 AM
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Mercedes Benz W212 220 CDI
How feasible would it be to import a damaged or a used E63 in parts and transfer its parts onto an E250?

I can't import the car as a whole due to high taxes, and there’s also a restriction on importing cars older than 3 years into the country.
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Old Oct 29, 2024 | 10:26 AM
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W212 (212.065/276.820)
Originally Posted by Burnt_Godzilla
How feasible would it be to import a damaged or a used E63 in parts and transfer its parts onto an E250?

I can't import the car as a whole due to high taxes, and there’s also a restriction on importing cars older than 3 years into the country.
AMG exclusive parts are usually rather expensive. I don't expect any of those parts to be cheap even if purchased used from ebay or other websites. Cannot comment on import duties to your country.
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Old Oct 29, 2024 | 10:30 AM
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Mercedes Benz W212 220 CDI
I meant I would buy a whole car outside my country and part it out in a way which makes it easier for me to ship it back and install those parts on the E250.
Many have done this with the w204 c63
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Old Oct 29, 2024 | 10:49 AM
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W212 E63S Wagon - GSL580 - E63 - E350 - C300
I have both, drive both....while it is "neat" in the AMG car, so much easier in the 350. Plus, the 350 has more storage and better cup holders. To me, it would be akin to putting a sticker on the back that says "CESL34560AMGKOMPRESSOR 4Matic" (yes, I have seen that on the trunk of what I think was a C230 Kompressor). I guess if they wanted their car too be in costume, may as well wear the complete costume.

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Old Oct 29, 2024 | 11:07 AM
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W212 E63S Wagon - GSL580 - E63 - E350 - C300
Originally Posted by Andre Cateb
AMG exclusive parts are usually rather expensive. I don't expect any of those parts to be cheap even if purchased used from ebay or other websites. Cannot comment on import duties to your country.

They are often on ebay, not too spendy either. https://www.ebay.com/str/zavatskiyauto
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