SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: button Shifter upgrade to Pedals?
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 64
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From: Los Angeles
SL55 AMG
button Shifter upgrade to paddles?
Has anybody seen an upgrade of the button shifter to paddle shifter on OEM AMG steering wheel?
Last edited by Tirreno; Jul 26, 2010 at 08:27 PM.
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Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
they can be substituted, old style is very difficult and the newer style is easier. You should contact DCT motorsport, they build custom steering wheels and they can swap the paddles, dont know the cost.
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From: Houston
2003 W211 E55, 2003 W220 S600
check post number 12. it is a easy mod. Paddle shifters cost $ 98 a pair from the dealer
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...installed.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...installed.html
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SL 550
I would give you mine if I could. I never use them and only "accidentally" hit them every once in a while. Then I end up looking like a tool because I run my RPM's up to 8,000 before I notice and can shift them. Interesting toy on the car but seldom used.
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From: Los Angeles
SL55 AMG
That was so funny man!
Thanks for the thought...and the sense of humor!
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
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From: Los Angeles
SL55 AMG
Thanks for the postings guys...
I read there are several paddles available depending on the SL (or others) model and years. Any idea which one would fit the 2005 SL55 best? I talked to my MB dealer, they don't have a clue, and just want a part number from me so that they can order it...
I read there are several paddles available depending on the SL (or others) model and years. Any idea which one would fit the 2005 SL55 best? I talked to my MB dealer, they don't have a clue, and just want a part number from me so that they can order it...
Last edited by Tirreno; Jul 26, 2010 at 08:28 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Sydney, Australia
Vath ML63 Brabus C63 SL63 CLK63BS C63BS
HI mate
I did the conversion of buttons to paddles on my 2007 ML63, I bought a set of C63 paddles and took them to my guy who simply removed the steering wheel and did the install. Took a few hours per side as each 'hole' in the back of the wheel to fit the assembly has to be made a little larger to accomodate the larger base piece of the paddle. Technically it is a very simple job.
You WILL NOT regret it! It makes the driving experience so much better, especially if you are always in M mode like me. Ergonomically it is just so much better than the buttons.
I did the conversion of buttons to paddles on my 2007 ML63, I bought a set of C63 paddles and took them to my guy who simply removed the steering wheel and did the install. Took a few hours per side as each 'hole' in the back of the wheel to fit the assembly has to be made a little larger to accomodate the larger base piece of the paddle. Technically it is a very simple job.
You WILL NOT regret it! It makes the driving experience so much better, especially if you are always in M mode like me. Ergonomically it is just so much better than the buttons.
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Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
OK, you have to have the e63 paddles. Dont remember but starts with 171#, And then cut up and remove the switches out of your shifters and put them in the e63 paddel frames. Plus grind out the steering wheel opening and cut the rectangle plastic to accept the oval paddles.
Do you want to do this yourself?
If not contact the DCT motorsport guy and they do it. I dont know how much.
Do you want to do this yourself?
If not contact the DCT motorsport guy and they do it. I dont know how much.
Thread Starter
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From: Los Angeles
SL55 AMG
I just completed my mod of the shifters for my 2005 SL55. I purchased the E63 paddles and mounted only one of the old circuit in the new paddle shifter the (+). I kept the (-) paddle shifter intact and used the old circuit as part of the wiring (they use some sort of resistor). Mounting the paddles on the steering wheel was a *****...Had to remove half of the plastic frame that was inside the wheel, cut some of the foam inside, and cut & shave the original plastic cover to make it fit with the paddle...Everything works now, except a SRS warning which I will get cleared in the next day or so.
Unfortunatelly, those suggested E63 paddles don't have a compatible shape and their electronic circuits are not compatible... It made the mod so much more complicated.
Unfortunatelly, those suggested E63 paddles don't have a compatible shape and their electronic circuits are not compatible... It made the mod so much more complicated.
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Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
The old style button shifters have the DOWN side as a normally closed circuit with a coil inductance in line.
The UP side has a normally open circuit with a 100 ohm resistance in line.
And both switches are in series and then run thru a diode.
The new paddles are just 2 normally open switches. This is totally incompatible to the old systems circuit so its unable to perform the switching to shift.
So if you want to have the paddles you have to use the old switches and put them in the new paddles
Its not meant to be done.
You can do it yourself but its a lot of work and thought. DCT motorsport does it , you can talk to them about it.
The UP side has a normally open circuit with a 100 ohm resistance in line.
And both switches are in series and then run thru a diode.
The new paddles are just 2 normally open switches. This is totally incompatible to the old systems circuit so its unable to perform the switching to shift.
So if you want to have the paddles you have to use the old switches and put them in the new paddles
Its not meant to be done.
You can do it yourself but its a lot of work and thought. DCT motorsport does it , you can talk to them about it.
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From: Los Angeles
SL55 AMG
One of the original circuits could not be mounted in the new paddle. There was just not enough room no matter how much you shave it. Period. I had to keep that paddle intact and use the old circuit outside of the paddle, place it inside of the steering wheel compartment. I welded the wires of the paddle shifters to the back of the old switch, essentially having the paddle act as the switch for the old circuit... It works, and its so much fun to drive with the paddles!!! 
I agree it is very difficult. DCT motorsport did suggest the E63 paddles. Not sure why since the E63 paddles are not compatible: Both the shape and electronics are wrong... Would the paddles for the 2007+ SL550 or other SL models compatible?
I agree it is very difficult. DCT motorsport did suggest the E63 paddles. Not sure why since the E63 paddles are not compatible: Both the shape and electronics are wrong... Would the paddles for the 2007+ SL550 or other SL models compatible?
Last edited by Tirreno; Jul 30, 2010 at 01:17 PM.
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Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
Like I said , its not meant to be done. If mercedes wanted you to update buttons to paddles, they would make a set of paddle shifters to fit in the old rectangular holes. And they would wire up like the origionals do.
If you have been able to get to this point, I suggest you take everything back apart and try to work it out right. Both buttons and paddles are the same sizes and they do fit. You will have to figure out what is wrong and keep trying. Go ahead and get it right and be done with it.
If you would later decide to redo the wheel you could get the back releathered and it would cover the rectangles and then look factory stock.
If you have been able to get to this point, I suggest you take everything back apart and try to work it out right. Both buttons and paddles are the same sizes and they do fit. You will have to figure out what is wrong and keep trying. Go ahead and get it right and be done with it.
If you would later decide to redo the wheel you could get the back releathered and it would cover the rectangles and then look factory stock.
