Distronic RetroFit
04-03-2009, 02:39 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
S550
Distronic RetroFit
I'm getting a new '09 S550V4. Distronic was not available in any color/ option package that I was interested in, although I think it would be a good safety option. I asked the dealer about a retrofit. I was told it would be extremely expensive and would need to replace the entire wiring harness in the car.
Is this true? Any idea what the cost would be or where it could be done?
SM
Is this true? Any idea what the cost would be or where it could be done?
SM
04-03-2009, 04:51 PM
#3
Senior Member
Send an email to MBenznl@gmail.com and get a quote based on your VIN#, I had him quote me on a retrofit for my 07 and it seems reasonable for what needs to be changed. He was even able to quote for the older Distronic system (i.e not the Plus) for a cheaper price because it doesn't require as many sensors. Bear in mind that including tax Distronic Plus is at least a $3000 option from Mercedes, so it's already not a cheap option...
MBenzNL as I only recently discovered, travels the globe and does Mercedes retrofits using genuine Mercedes Parts, sometimes performing the work at the dealership itself. Check their web site for some of the impressive retrofits they have done...
Personally I'm leaning towards some 8 piston/405 mm (16") Brembos as my distronic solution ;-).
BTW, MBenzNL will be in the SF bay area in April...
MBenzNL as I only recently discovered, travels the globe and does Mercedes retrofits using genuine Mercedes Parts, sometimes performing the work at the dealership itself. Check their web site for some of the impressive retrofits they have done...
Personally I'm leaning towards some 8 piston/405 mm (16") Brembos as my distronic solution ;-).
BTW, MBenzNL will be in the SF bay area in April...
04-03-2009, 07:11 PM
#4
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
S550
Send an email to MBenznl@gmail.com and get a quote based on your VIN#, I had him quote me on a retrofit for my 07 and it seems reasonable for what needs to be changed. He was even able to quote for the older Distronic system (i.e not the Plus) for a cheaper price because it doesn't require as many sensors. Bear in mind that including tax Distronic Plus is at least a $3000 option from Mercedes, so it's already not a cheap option...
04-04-2009, 03:12 AM
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Europe
Posts: 6,375
Received 295 Likes
on
247 Posts
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
I assume you are after Distronic Plus, this would need new bumpers and all the radar sensors, including the centre radar with a new grill. There is an option to maintain the acoustic parking sensors and only the centre radar, this would be Distronic (without the Plus). Should be easier to retrofit for the one who can do the coding but this would provide less functionality than Distronic Plus of course.
04-04-2009, 10:52 AM
#7
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
S550
I assume you are after Distronic Plus, this would need new bumpers and all the radar sensors, including the centre radar with a new grill. There is an option to maintain the acoustic parking sensors and only the centre radar, this would be Distronic (without the Plus). Should be easier to retrofit for the one who can do the coding but this would provide less functionality than Distronic Plus of course.
I don't understand why auto manufacturers don't take a more modular approach to their designs. Something like this should be nothing more than bolting on the electronics and entering a license code in the firmware.
