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Hello members im interested in doing a facelift on my 2014 w222 amg s63 to the newstyle 2020 AMG S63 and i was considering buying from CKM CAR DESIGN , i sent a few emails to the owner and his reply's are short and always directs me to watch his videos on youtube which are not very detailed in my opinion so it doesn't give me much confidence in doing business with him ESPECIALLY since he is in another country. Is there another option in the states ?
Same experience here, poor communication was the reason I passed when I was shopping for new headlights when I had my S550. I have no verified purchasing experience, but communication was enough for me to pass. If you search the forum here, you will see other reports about vagueness in prices as the price suddenly increase after putting the order due to a jump in shipping charges beyond reasonable values shown in advance of the order. Many vendors just like him nowadays have a vague pricing structure by not posting in clear and transparent term their full cost of their service which should include everything from A to Z; to me, this is a red flag and I have done before and passed on the greediness of other vendors for the same reason. When a vendor asks me to refer to the website instead of answering my question, or ask me to fill out a form or whatever, that by itself is enough for me to pass. Go hire people to do customer support if u r that lazy to answer clients, unless there is a budget issue, then it’s expected to lose reputation and clients. Again, I have no real purchasing experience with CMK as I didn’t make it that far just based on communication experience.. So for verified purchasing experience. I’d search the forum for another relevant thread that was posted just a few weeks ago (one of them is below).
Another data point, which am not sure if it matters for you or not, he was banned form this website awhile ago.
Agreed his pricing and wording seems sketchy ESPECIALLY on shipping seems like he is using some trickery with changing shipping pricing after order is placed. I just never had a good feeling about how they business and the vague answers .
I paid $1375 for a replacement steering wheel that I could never use as the airbag did not fit. I sent him numerous emails and took it to two different professional installers wasting more money. He just kept saying there was nothing wrong with it. Obviously there is something VERY WRONG WITH IT. Never buy from him. He stole $1375 and more from me.
I paid $1375 for a replacement steering wheel that I could never use as the airbag did not fit. I sent him numerous emails and took it to two different professional installers wasting more money. He just kept saying there was nothing wrong with it. Obviously there is something VERY WRONG WITH IT. Never buy from him. He stole $1375 and more from me.
Well, hopefully that was all via a credit card or PayPal. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I agree that his attitude is very suspicions; I decided to not move forward with him long time ago when I had my previos W222, and many users here reported some bad experience working with him. By the way, he was here on the forum long time ago, and he got banned.
I paid $1375 for a replacement steering wheel that I could never use as the airbag did not fit. I sent him numerous emails and took it to two different professional installers wasting more money. He just kept saying there was nothing wrong with it. Obviously there is something VERY WRONG WITH IT. Never buy from him. He stole $1375 and more from me.
Pictures would help here. Many buy updated steering wheels failing to realize that new airbag purchases are also needed, especially when switching to an AMG design (varies by model). Was it a wrong airbag connector or physical fit?
Pictures would help here. Many buy updated steering wheels failing to realize that new airbag purchases are also needed, especially when switching to an AMG design (varies by model). Was it a wrong airbag connector or physical fit?
I don't know the history or the details behind @Darrick30 's experience/story, but I recall in the past when watching some of the videos by Chris that the updated steering wheels he sells needed some form of a connector to work. In all cases I think he should have received better customer service/support. This is not directly related to the last comment, but rather to the thread itself, I think Chris at CMK tends to be dry (which I don't care about, it's fine), and also have a history of not communicating well with his clients either before or after the sale. Am talking about this from experience as I contacted him before when I had my previous s-class looking for an upgraded steering wheel. I did not get a single clarification or confirmation about the compatibility (it's all like, take it or leave it, u take all the risk). My point is, if I ever buy from him, I'd only do that if am 100% certain I know all the details and won't need any details/responses/support following the sale with zero expectations of product return or refund. Of course, the pricing and specifically the shipping cost vagueness structure (bait and switch style in my view) is subjective; some are okay with it as you still get the chance to review the final numbers; but I would not support businesses with vague pricing style or those who'd tell you (check my website, do this, do that, for whatever). If the owner doesn't have enough money to hire customer support people, while at the same time not willing to spend time answering question, I'd rather not work with that business.
Well, hopefully that was all via a credit card or PayPal. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I agree that his attitude is very suspicions; I decided to not move forward with him long time ago when I had my previos W222, and many users here reported some bad experience working with him. By the way, he was here on the forum long time ago, and he got banned.
Unfortunately it was purchased on a debit card. I would have pursued it with my bank but I thought Chris was going to help me. The emails went on for months. He was aggressive and terrible to deal with when he would finally respond. He should not be able to sell anything.
Last edited by Darrick30; Jul 26, 2023 at 06:39 PM.
Pictures would help here. Many buy updated steering wheels failing to realize that new airbag purchases are also needed, especially when switching to an AMG design (varies by model). Was it a wrong airbag connector or physical fit?
The airbag was also purchased from CKM as a package deal with the steering wheel. The airbag shipped separately from another location. It was the physical fit of the airbag that was the problem. It connected electrically fine, but when the airbag was pressed into place it would only catch on the right side, leaving the left side unattached. If I could get it working I’d be so happy to have not wasted all that money. I’d even be willing to buy another airbag if I was sure it’d fit. Chris refused to send another airbag. I’ll send pics. The steering wheel has been in a box for more than a year.
Last edited by Darrick30; Jul 26, 2023 at 06:42 PM.
The airbag was also purchased from CKM as a package deal with the steering wheel. The airbag shipped separately from another location. It was the physical fit of the airbag that was the problem. It connected electrically fine, but when the airbag was pressed into place it would only catch on the right side, leaving the left side unattached. If I could get it working I’d be so happy to have not wasted all that money. I’d even be willing to buy another airbag if I was sure it’d fit. Chris refused to send another airbag. I’ll send pics. The steering wheel has been in a box for more than a year.
hey man, don’t mean to highjack this post. I run RUcarbon shoot us some pics of the wheel you got along with the airbag. I’m sure we can get you sorted out.
The airbag was also purchased from CKM as a package deal with the steering wheel. The airbag shipped separately from another location. It was the physical fit of the airbag that was the problem. It connected electrically fine, but when the airbag was pressed into place it would only catch on the right side, leaving the left side unattached. If I could get it working I’d be so happy to have not wasted all that money. I’d even be willing to buy another airbag if I was sure it’d fit. Chris refused to send another airbag. I’ll send pics. The steering wheel has been in a box for more than a year.
from what it sounds like if its only catching on one side my money is on the actual airbag contact plate. depending on which wheel you purchased there are a variety of different backing plates; if the wrong one is used the airbag wont be able to clip into it. in any case I have a surplus of these plates. not going to charge you anything always willing to help out a member with something this small and stupid
if it was an actual function issue that reuired programing thats another story but for the plate i got you
Guy was a ******** to deal with. Tried inquiring about doing a steering wheel swap on my W221. He responded to me like I was an idiot for even asking. Didn't end up replying after that since I was so turned off by the interaction. Found another supplier who was awesome and ended up with a successful steering wheel swap with a functioning airbag and all.
Guy was a ******** to deal with. Tried inquiring about doing a steering wheel swap on my W221. He responded to me like I was an idiot for even asking. Didn't end up replying after that since I was so turned off by the interaction. Found another supplier who was awesome and ended up with a successful steering wheel swap with a functioning airbag and all.
Originally Posted by Darrick30
The airbag was also purchased from CKM as a package deal with the steering wheel. The airbag shipped separately from another location. It was the physical fit of the airbag that was the problem. It connected electrically fine, but when the airbag was pressed into place it would only catch on the right side, leaving the left side unattached. If I could get it working I’d be so happy to have not wasted all that money. I’d even be willing to buy another airbag if I was sure it’d fit. Chris refused to send another airbag. I’ll send pics. The steering wheel has been in a box for more than a year.
This guy is apparently a a semi-scam. Most garage/home office vendors working behind a screen develop such ego and rudeness personality once they get a few interested clients. They don’t understand that reputation and history isn’t something they can buy with time but rather with 24/7 respect and clean history.
from what it sounds like if its only catching on one side my money is on the actual airbag contact plate. depending on which wheel you purchased there are a variety of different backing plates; if the wrong one is used the airbag wont be able to clip into it. in any case I have a surplus of these plates. not going to charge you anything always willing to help out a member with something this small and stupid
if it was an actual function issue that reuired programing thats another story but for the plate i got you
I really appreciate your reply! It gave me hope for this mod I’d put to bed and hope that there are awesome people out there too. I think this is the problem. I’d brought this up to Chris without a reply. Here are pics. If you need a pic with it pressed in I can, but it’s almost impossible to remove once pressed in because the fit is wrong. Literally took me hours to remove last time.
Last edited by Darrick30; Jul 28, 2023 at 05:48 PM.
I really appreciate your reply! It gave me hope for this mod I’d put to bed and hope that there are awesome people out there too. I think this is the problem. I’d brought this up to Chris without a reply. Here are pics. If you need a pic with it pressed in I can, but it’s almost impossible to remove once pressed in because the fit is wrong. Literally took me hours to remove last time.
darrik thanks for the pics. im away from home for the next 2 weeks, but if you want to shoot me a pm with you address ill be happy to send out a new plate once im back
i need to look at one of my airbags as well. those 4 bolts on the back look a bit long to me. would def cause issues when trying to press the horn. but again ill check mine when im back. worst case you need to shave them down some. dont put it back in if its a pain to remove no need.
with this wheel there are 2 backing plates, basically the hole where the airbag clicks in is 2 different sizes. im assuming chris gave you the mounting plate thats intended for the other amg bag with the smaller hole. so your forcing it in and when you try to release the latch you need to force it out. the way its supposed to work is once you pop the latch inside the bag practically pops out
if this isnt something you are comfortable with messing with youre more than welcome to send me the entire package doesnt matter to me.
feel free to shoot me a txt or a call whatever works for you 9788443251
Darricks wheel is enroute, lets get this guy back in action
for anyone interested ill attach some pictures of the fix and whatever additional work the package needs to get it all to fit perfectly
Darricks wheel came in today, did a quick plate swap, tested and going out tomorrow. this concludes the random 3rd party wheel repairs. everyone should be on the road by end of next week
all it needed was a new airbag contact plate.
FYI to all
the 2019 facelift-2021 Mercedes wheels come in a few different formats
flat bottom (AMG) there are 2 different contact plates for the 2 different style airbags, if your airbag isnt clipping in its because you have the wrong plate
Mercedes also makes the non amg version (round wheel) this is an entirely different airbag, it can fit the amg flat bottom wheel but will be obvious it does not belong (the airbag cover is different) cheapest option is to purcase and AMG airbag cover and swap it over, this will fill in all the gaps.
When looking at the AMG airbag it sits at an angle while the non amg airbag sits flat
for those people who already have the new style wheel I highly recommend; if purchasing a custom wheel. just buy an empty core and transfer your internals; this way you will know 100% that all your parts fit and work
for those looking to upgrade an older car to a newer wheel, ask whoever is building the wheel for you to send a video of the bag clipped in, ask them to push down so you can see how the airbag is depressed. if there is no movement theres a problem with the hardware. do your research there are tons and tons of companies offering these wheels. prices are all over the board. if its too good to be true it probably is.
in Darricks case ckm should of provided him with a replacement backing plate for the wheel he ordered, but all thats resolved now.
if anyones got questions on the retrofit feel free to ask. im not interested in pushing a wheel sale on anyone just here to help, at this point theres nothing i havent seen
shoot me a pm, visitor message whatever
This person is a legend and should be protected at all costs. The world needs more compassionate folks like you. Thank you for being a solid human being.
This person is a legend and should be protected at all costs. The world needs more compassionate folks like you. Thank you for being a solid human being.
He really is a solid human being! I'm really grateful to him for helping me. Would recommend him to anyone. I have the wheel back. Pictures coming of it installed, finally!
Darricks wheel is enroute, lets get this guy back in action
for anyone interested ill attach some pictures of the fix and whatever additional work the package needs to get it all to fit perfectly
Thanks to this guy, my wheel is installed after so long and so much headache. I’m excited about my ride again! The car is feeling pretty complete now. Here are some pics. Thank you so much lthlc63!
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