Changing to paddle shift steering wheel??
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 4
From: Long Island NY
E550
Changing to paddle shift steering wheel??
I have a 2008 E550. My mechanic talked me out of the E55 since I live in the Northeast. Good choice. The two things that I had to give up by this choice are the paddle shift and the dynamic seats. I wondering if I can change to a paddle shift wheel? The tranny has the slap stick version/option so I'm thinking it should work? Has anyone tried this?
Sorry if this has been beaten to death but I entered the keywords and found nothing.
Sorry if this has been beaten to death but I entered the keywords and found nothing.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
No one has answered because probably no one has made the change of wheels. My impression of the paddle shifters, and thoughts from other owners I know, is that they are pretty useless and no one I know, including myself, bothers using them. The on board computer system sets limits on the rpm ranges you can shift so in effect you are not really choosing when to shift. It's like having your Mother in the car telling you when it is ok to shift up or down. If the rpm's had no limits I could see the fun of paddle shifting but as it is the restrictions take the fun out of the process and the car is really in control. Also, on really winding curves, it's tough to use the paddles when the steering wheel is spinning in circles when you need to shift. I personally have more fun using the auto stick shift at that point. Good luck in your quest. I hope you eventually find your information.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 4
From: Long Island NY
E550
Thanks Utopia. What I really want to know is if the steering wheels are compatible. I have a beautiful wood/leather wheel but the wood is getting cracked. I want the wheel with the leather thumb rests etc. Don't really care if the paddles work or not. I just can't get a definitive answer what fits a 2008 E550. Most wheels that I find used always say 2006 and earlier. What changed in 2007 and 2008?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 773
Likes: 22
From: Dallas
2013 CLS63, 2001 ML430, 2012 e350 coupe
what changed was there were no e55 is 07 they were e63's . i believe it will mount up but thats why its not saying those years because an 07 e55 doesnt exist
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 52
Likes: 10
From: West coast
2006 S65 AMG
I can adapt ANY wheel and ANY set of paddles to your car. I seem to be the only one out there who has figured out how to do so. The problem lies with the +&- shift switches. They are not a mechanical contact type. They are optical readers. I have paddles in my own car too and W220 S500 never was even an option. Works and looks perfect. Way more fun than the floor shift.....if you want yours done, I'm in Las Vegas.
