What is the final word on paddle shifters on the E55?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2006 E55 AMG
What is the final word on paddle shifters on the E55?
Ive searched the forum looking for threads on converting the E55's shift buttons to the E63 style paddle shifters but see a bunch of different answers. I see many people manually switching them out and changing the computer chip, etc. Is there a direct and easy swap for a 2006 E55?
#2
Newbie
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: U.K
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
E55 AMG 2006
Ive searched the forum looking for threads on converting the E55's shift buttons to the E63 style paddle shifters but see a bunch of different answers. I see many people manually switching them out and changing the computer chip, etc. Is there a direct and easy swap for a 2006 E55?
#4
Super Member
#5
Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
2005 E55, 2002 GT2
Definitely check out the DIY thread. That's what I used in doing my mod.
The modification does involve some dremeling/machining of the e63 aluminum paddle and plastic retainer, as well as cutting down the size of the circuit board which you mine from your existing buttons on your steering wheel.
From what I understand, the e63 switch will not work in most cases, so you need to re-use your e55 switch.
It's a bit of work and involves some tweaking and cutting, but if you are attentive and careful with your work, it will turn out nicely. Several hours worth of work if you're unfamiliar with what needs to be done.
The modification does involve some dremeling/machining of the e63 aluminum paddle and plastic retainer, as well as cutting down the size of the circuit board which you mine from your existing buttons on your steering wheel.
From what I understand, the e63 switch will not work in most cases, so you need to re-use your e55 switch.
It's a bit of work and involves some tweaking and cutting, but if you are attentive and careful with your work, it will turn out nicely. Several hours worth of work if you're unfamiliar with what needs to be done.
Trending Topics
#8
Out Of Control!!
I have some friends who are manufacturing a set of direct replacement paddles for the E55. So no retrofitting. They've already prototyped a set on my steering wheel, and they're moving to production soon
Check out onrailsengineering.com
Check out onrailsengineering.com
#9
Member
This probably makes more sense than what the PO did to get paddles on my car, install the (insert insane price here) Brabus steering wheel.
Not that I'm complaining!
Not that I'm complaining!
#12
Please let us know when this happens! Any pics of your setup?
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...ml#post5290359
A nice solution using the AMG paddles has been popular from DCT motorsports for more than 3 years now.
2003 and 2004 E55's become plug and play using the "Paddle Converter Module". The module is available from DCTmotorsports as part of wheel upgrades or can be purchased on its own. In Europe, ComandonlineUK stocks this module ... OR, you can get it directly from me (I am the manufacturer).
2005 and later E55s are already electronically compatible with the AMG paddles (and therefore do NOT need the "Paddle Converter Module")
For those wanting to do this on there own, I can supply some useful instructions for modifying the E55 wheel for paddles (I have converted more 100 E55 wheels to paddles over the last 3 years and have created some instructions with annotated pictures) . I also have a laser-cut template that I supply with the paddle converter module (that I can send out separately as well).
Cheers,
Chris
A nice solution using the AMG paddles has been popular from DCT motorsports for more than 3 years now.
2003 and 2004 E55's become plug and play using the "Paddle Converter Module". The module is available from DCTmotorsports as part of wheel upgrades or can be purchased on its own. In Europe, ComandonlineUK stocks this module ... OR, you can get it directly from me (I am the manufacturer).
2005 and later E55s are already electronically compatible with the AMG paddles (and therefore do NOT need the "Paddle Converter Module")
For those wanting to do this on there own, I can supply some useful instructions for modifying the E55 wheel for paddles (I have converted more 100 E55 wheels to paddles over the last 3 years and have created some instructions with annotated pictures) . I also have a laser-cut template that I supply with the paddle converter module (that I can send out separately as well).
Cheers,
Chris
#16
MBWorld Fanatic!
While it could be argued that adding paddles will not likely improve your ET .... It can never be said that (unlike some other mods) it will require you make any compromises to your Mercedes in terms of ride quality and comfort.
For myself, I started (7 years ago) with an AMG that had no paddle option (SLK32), and even if I had not come from a racing background (10 years racing in NASCAR and then other forms of racing as well), I'm sure I would have been dis-satisfied with just the touchshift. So I created a kit for the R170 and Chrysler crossfires to add a factory-like paddle implementation. Was it for everybody ? no ..... are a lot of people enjoying the kit ? (hell)yes.
Then 4 years ago, I created the paddle converter module to solve this issue of making paddles plug and play on early 2003 through 2004 e55s (and 2003-2006 SL, S, CLK, CL 55s) .... Is this upgrade for everybody? no ... Is it for anybody who likes to shift and wants to bring their early AMG up to a newer spec ? yes
Do I have paddles on all of my daily drivers? Yes (well almost all, I don't have them on my 7.3L powerstroke F250 ... that WOULD be silly : )
I hope I answered your question.
Cheers,
Chris
#17
Senior Member
E 55 works like a charm
I'll presume your question is NOT rhetorical and you are actually curious. While those who view their Mercedes as a quarter-mile car may have little need for shifting gears manually (yes, the car will never shift "exactly" when you bump the touchshift or use a paddle) ... for every other form of spirited driving, shifting is more convenient with paddles ... For downshifting on corner entry and just keeping it in the right gear in the hills what other choice to you have (other than shifting?) I would think that if you used manual mode on your e55 you would get to like the paddles. ... and you would likely find that the car shifts (downshifts in particular) close enough to instantly after you push the paddle.
While it could be argued that adding paddles will not likely improve your ET .... It can never be said that (unlike some other mods) it will require you make any compromises to your Mercedes in terms of ride quality and comfort.
For myself, I started (7 years ago) with an AMG that had no paddle option (SLK32), and even if I had not come from a racing background (10 years racing in NASCAR and then other forms of racing as well), I'm sure I would have been dis-satisfied with just the touchshift. So I created a kit for the R170 and Chrysler crossfires to add a factory-like paddle implementation. Was it for everybody ? no ..... are a lot of people enjoying the kit ? (hell)yes.
Then 4 years ago, I created the paddle converter module to solve this issue of making paddles plug and play on early 2003 through 2004 e55s (and 2003-2006 SL, S, CLK, CL 55s) .... Is this upgrade for everybody? no ... Is it for anybody who likes to shift and wants to bring their early AMG up to a newer spec ? yes
Do I have paddles on all of my daily drivers? Yes (well almost all, I don't have them on my 7.3L powerstroke F250 ... that WOULD be silly : )
I hope I answered your question.
Cheers,
Chris
While it could be argued that adding paddles will not likely improve your ET .... It can never be said that (unlike some other mods) it will require you make any compromises to your Mercedes in terms of ride quality and comfort.
For myself, I started (7 years ago) with an AMG that had no paddle option (SLK32), and even if I had not come from a racing background (10 years racing in NASCAR and then other forms of racing as well), I'm sure I would have been dis-satisfied with just the touchshift. So I created a kit for the R170 and Chrysler crossfires to add a factory-like paddle implementation. Was it for everybody ? no ..... are a lot of people enjoying the kit ? (hell)yes.
Then 4 years ago, I created the paddle converter module to solve this issue of making paddles plug and play on early 2003 through 2004 e55s (and 2003-2006 SL, S, CLK, CL 55s) .... Is this upgrade for everybody? no ... Is it for anybody who likes to shift and wants to bring their early AMG up to a newer spec ? yes
Do I have paddles on all of my daily drivers? Yes (well almost all, I don't have them on my 7.3L powerstroke F250 ... that WOULD be silly : )
I hope I answered your question.
Cheers,
Chris
3 modes, Cruise, Sport & Manual, and here this is where it comes in handy very very much indeed, as for ex going downhill I dont want burn my brakes flip the switch 1 gear lower and or engage cruise control is actually much better I have to admit, futhermore the buttons just sucks are small and hard to hit lol paddles diffently is better.
Now as my friend said
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
I got to answer on this one to being a E 55 AMG V8 Supercharged driver, im not sure if you have the 5G Gearbox but we have
3 modes, Cruise, Sport & Manual, and here this is where it comes in handy very very much indeed, as for ex going downhill I dont want burn my brakes flip the switch 1 gear lower and or engage cruise control is actually much better I have to admit, futhermore the buttons just sucks are small and hard to hit lol paddles diffently is better.
Now as my friend said![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
3 modes, Cruise, Sport & Manual, and here this is where it comes in handy very very much indeed, as for ex going downhill I dont want burn my brakes flip the switch 1 gear lower and or engage cruise control is actually much better I have to admit, futhermore the buttons just sucks are small and hard to hit lol paddles diffently is better.
Now as my friend said
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
"im not sure if you have the 5G Gearbox but we have
3 modes, Cruise, Sport & Manual ... "
One of my daily drivers is a 2003 SL55; it has the same 3 modes. And, with an upgraded 2004 valvebody in the transmission and 2004 TCU it behaves very much like yours. One of my other DDs, the SLK32 has essentially the same transmission (only 2 modes however ... one being "manual" by virtue of a tuned TCU).
The Paddle Converter Module will make the AMG paddles plug and play in your 2004 E55. PM your email address to me if you would like me to send you some more information about it.
Cheers,
Chris
Last edited by latemodel21; 09-25-2015 at 11:04 AM.
#20
Super Member
latemodel: Be assured I was not being sarcastic or rude and sincerely apologize if I appeared that way. I really was wondering because I feel the shifting performance of these cars is horrible, either in a straight line, down windy roads in any mode.
#21
MBWorld Fanatic!
Its all good bud
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Cheers,
Chris
P.S. SilverStrk thanks for the kind words .... it was good working with you.
Last edited by latemodel21; 09-25-2015 at 05:06 PM.
#22
Super Member
Cheers! Yes, upshifts are horrible and I equate it to much like a clutch car (of the 70's). If there is a solution, please let me know. I got the Eurocharged TCM programming but didn't really see a difference.
#23
Out Of Control!!
#24
Senior Member
#25
MBWorld Fanatic!
I have a set of 63 paddles I never put on my 55 before being totaled. New in the box paid about $110 or so. Sell for $75 shipped.