billandpixi

My car is a 2007. The down-shift paddle only works once in a blue moon. Up shift is OK on the other paddle and manual on the gear selector is OK both up and down. The car has an AMG soft-grip wheel with tall paddles. I imagine I need to remove the center boss on the wheel, gently remove the airbag and look what I can see.
Are there any parts like a micro-switch that I should get in before i start?
How is the center boss removed without damage?

Many thanks,
Bill Bowen

latemodel21

if you have the aluminum paddles that came on the 2007 SL55, there is no removable micro switch assembly. The (normally open) switch is an integral part of the paddle. It can be dissembled and cleaned .... though I've never seen this be the problem. Usually this is caused by a broken paddle base and/or overtightened mounting screw.

To get to the paddle mounting screw, adjust the wheel as far rearward as possible then remove the 2 T-30 screws (accessed from back side of wheel). If you feel the need to unplug the airbag connectors DO NOT turn on the key while it is unplugged (this will cause an SRS deactivation that requires a trip to the dealer to reset with the "Star" tool).

Chris

billandpixi

Many thanks. Your answer makes more sense than disconnecting the battery and the airbag. I think I will need the kind of TORX tool that is like an allen key. The paddles seem to be available only as a pair for about $140 but then I knew she was not going to be cheap to run (my last car was a Porsche Cayenne Turbo so I'm acclinatised).
Bill

latemodel21

The paddles are $110.25 (free shipping included) for a pair from oediscountparts.com . Use part number 171 267 0046

the torx is t30 (for the airbag) and the paddles are held in by one torx screw each as well (T15, T20 ... don't recall).

Cheers,
Chris

billandpixi

Thanks Chris. I have an AMG steering wheel on the car with rectangular switch holes. Looking at parts on Ebay it seems that 0002673946 (replaces 2302670346) might also fit. I have not been able to confirm that 1712670046, the part you recommend, is for the SL55 AMG wheel.
Bill

latemodel21

Yes, they are mechanically identical

here is the new (over priced) part number you mention http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mercedes-...-/150842560871

and here is the 1712670046 set that you can buy for $110.25 (with free shipping) ... just buy them through oediscoutparts.com and they are shippied directly from a MBZ dealer to you.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mercedes-...item2585e2fbe2


those are the paddles that I use in paddle conversions and in paddle replacements on all AMG wheels (prior to 2012 or so)

here they are mounted in a 2007 sl55 wheel (in my own sl55)

Chris

billandpixi

Chris,

Thanks for that.
I live in Qatar so by the time I get parts here they cost a lot.
I don't want to buy something that won'r fit!!

Bill

billandpixi

Fitted the new paddle shifters today.
Better to try the part Chris quoted.

A 000 267 39 46 is not the correct part for the AMG wheel on a 2007 SL55 AMG.
The lead for the downshift switch is too short and the plugs on both switches are wrong.
I cut off part of the old leads with their plugs and with a little soldering the job is done.
Be sure to remember which plug came from where and do not mix up the plugs the because they are slightly different.

I used a No 30 allen key type of Torx for the air-bag with a vice grip as a cheetah on the short arm. The screws were pretty tight.
Used a similar No 15 Torx for the paddle shifters (and a No 15 Torx screwdriver). The air-bag can be left connected are carefully rotated out of the way.

Bill