benz_addict

I did this on my CL55. Followed instructions from here...
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...installed.html

SO I started...
Took the steering off followed the DIY for steering removal...
Pryed out the old button shifters.. here they are next to the new ones.
The old circuit needs to go in the new shifter in order to work. This requires massive modification of the circuit it self and shifter housing.
The new shifter needs to be disassembled by taking out the brass pin that holds the shifter in place and revmoved the new circuit.

Here are the old curcuits that need to be modified to fit into the new housing...

Excess sides shaved down to fit into the new housing.

The new housing had to be modified in order for the curcuit to fit and the shifter to work properly. It is a tight fit.
This took the longest so I had to take my time to make sure everything fits properly and works. Here is the result:


After that put everything back together and test fit it into the wheel. Aligned the shifter properly to drill a hole to hold the new shifter in place.
The new shifter's base is alot bigger so the opening needs to be modified. I used a sharp saw type knife.

benz_addict

Hole drilled:


Installed the new shifter, installed the screw and everything was a nice firm fit.
Did the same thing for the other side.
Here is the end result...


Here it is, I can't believe I actaully pulled it off!

930chas

That looks awesome! Great work. I need paddles. The buttons are no fun.

ATKM5

Looks amazing bro! Sick DIY as well!

snail45

Very nice DIY. Never even thought of doing this mod, but now, the thoughts are rolling.

Hammer Down

How about I just send you mine

930chas

Haha..I did not want to be the first one to say it, but I would definitely pay for that!!

pearlpower

One of my favorite mods as the left and right manual shift never made any sense and the tiny little button is ridiculous.
Also, Mercedes will list two different paddles depending on the VIN, just tell them you need the cheaper one.

mikeevo

Great Job ,how long did it take total you think.

shardul

iTrader: (1)

nice job, how much did the paddles cost you. can you also post a pic of the rear of the steering wheel so we can see the fitment.

jkintegra

Thank god these were on when I bought it...

shardul

iTrader: (1)

you bought aleks' car?

gts007

How much was the paddles?

Nait Sirhc

Those cuts in the back of the steering wheel look pretty rough and jagged.... is it just the angle?

benz_addict

Mike it took Approx 6 hours

Just the angle...

notice the stitching just above the shifter, that was in the way

tgoss

Looks awesome!

I still want DCT to do this on their wheels. I love those paddles, so much more ergonomically suited for a sport steering wheel.

The '04 wheel is just disappointing. Getting a replacement is more than likely the next mod.

Well Done!!

benz_addict

Thnx!

For those who are PMing me asking me why I had to replace the new circuit not just splice the wires and use the old connectors on the new shifter is because I tired it and it didn't work. Also because the new circuit is just a simple switch type, the older one is more complex system.

What the hell were they thinking back then? lol

slownrusty

The new hole that you drilled into either side of the steering wheel is that to secure the new shifters in place.

Also are the new shifters secure, meaning there is a fair bit of finger force on them, any change that they come loose?

Also you stated "The new shifter's base is alot bigger so the opening needs to be modified. I used a sharp saw type knife" <- can you elaborate or post pictures..did you have to cut just leather on the wheel or actually into the opening iteself with a Dremel, you were vague on this detail.

Also and most importantly, how does it feel once you are driving?
Thanks.
Yasin

SterlingE55

Looks awesome, do you have the part number for the paddles by chance?

jkintegra

It was what I was looking for besides the color as I already had a silver AMG.

But you can't be too picky when looking for a good price.

Same thing happened years ago with my first AMG, got silver only because it was a great deal.


Been happy with it since, doing a few mods shortly and will start posting once I make the car mine. I feel I am still driving Alek's car since he had it posted all over this forum

Nait Sirhc

Ahh, okay. It was just the angle, you're right. That looks a lot better.

benz_addict

They are very secure! I was scared that bit of force might break them or they might come out but the screw holds them in tight. The new shifter was longer too then wider, so I shaved down the rubber on the steering (length wise) so it can fit in and just pushed it in place. I didn't have to modify the width because I just pushed it in place for a nice firm fit and screwed it in place so it doesn't move. Once you start the project you will see what needs to be done as the instructions I was following were vague them selves.

They feel very firm and good while driving I can't stop using them! haha. GL on yours

DirtyBird the part number for the paddles is "171 267 00 46"

Thnx nait!

SterlingE55

Thanks Benz_addict!

shardul

iTrader: (1)

how much did the shifters cost?

jdeastbay

Nice mod. I just moved from the 55 to 63 and paddles are 100x better.