I think that I've read through all of the steering wheel threads... and haven't found what I'm looking for. What is the most recent steering wheel that anyone has retrofit into an E55? I absolutely love the wheel in our '13 E350 and now must have one in the older car as well. I realize that there would be some wiring issues with the shift paddles and that all of the buttons may not work. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

this --->

 

If I'm not mistaken DTC ( or something like that ) said the shaft was different and that it would not fit at all.

 

I've got one from a CLK63 Black Series. I love it.

 

DCT Motorsports can make you a custom steering wheel. I ended up replacing my steering wheel with one of theirs--increasing the thickness (like the e60 M5 wheel), implementing the flat bottom, and later on retrofitted the E63 paddles (using the E55 switches--however I've been told there's a module someone sells that will allow you to use the E63 switches in the paddles)

In any case, I'd give them a call and see what they can do for you.

 

The "module" that you are referring to (Mercedes Paddle Converter module) which allows direct plug-in of the newer E63 aluminum paddles (into most AMG55 cars from 2003-2006 that came with shift buttons) IS available directly from DCT Motorsports. They can install it AND the E63 paddles in a stock wheel or a customized wheel for this application.

This module is also available in kit form (and includes paddle mounting hardware , installation templates, and instructions). This can be purchased from DCT motorsports as well or other retailers (or directly from me). Feel free to PM for additional information.

Chris

 

Go for the DCT wheel. Check out their web site. I went for the e63 paddles also because I like the bigger paddles on the e350. I don't use them - they just look pretty cool.

 

There is a place in texas that will custom wrap your wheel and make it thicker as well for about $350.

 

According to MBenzNL, you can use a SL steering wheel (the one without button in the center of the button cluster on steering wheel). Obviously you'll also need the airbag.

Here is one in a W211:


SL wheel:

 

Thanks for the input, everyone. I'm aware of the wheels suggested, but was hoping that someone might have tried the late model one like I posted. Perhaps I'll have to be the guinea pig and see what happens...

Can anyone confirm that the steering shaft is/isn't compatible? If not, what year did it change?

 

Woohoo...love it.

 

Im running the E63 steering wheel it was one of my best mods. I cant stand the thin antiquated E55 steering wheels and the ugly air bag.

 

Yeah I really like the one in the middle with the CF on the bottom.

 

What do you mean the one without button in the center of the button cluster on steering wheel?

 

BUMP... Any updates on this? Has anyone tried or successfully done this mod?

 

that def looks sick

 

This wheel works in our cars:

 

model year plays into the equation as well. Earlier years may need more than just airbag and wheel. Someone correct me if i am wrong, but '03-'04 may also need new clock spring and potentially something else.

 

Hi, I'm trying to replace my pre-facelifted steering wheel to the face lifted style (w219), every thing looks perfect no srs light, my only issue is that the buttons and the horn do not work, I think I need to by one more connector, the used air bag I bought only had one connecter that goes from the wheel sensor to the steering, were the preface lifted air bag had two connectors coming from the wheel sensor.

 

 

Do you have W211, or W219? If W211, then 2003-2004 will not work with the newer steering wheel unless you update the steering column electronics.

 

I have a w211 e500 2003, is it only the steering wheel sensor or there are other parts that needs to be swaped, I'm fitting a 2009 w211 steering wheel on it.

Thanks

 

The entire column of electronics needs to be changed, along with changing the harness the column connects to.

 

What place, what city?

 

For 2003-2004 cars, to update the steering column to accept newer steering wheels:

You will need the steering column electronics, from any 2005-2009 W211.


This one would be perfect:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-W21...Y/171470507708


You also need to replace the existing column harness with part 2114404509 (the old harness looks similar, but it will not fit).
When wiring up the harness, some of the existing wires need to be swapped as the wiring changed slightly.

On the new plug:
Pins 1 and 2 are steering wheel heating (they can be ignored if car is not equipt with it)
Pins 3-6 need to be color matched they are the airbag connectors.
Pins 8-13 stay exactly the same don't switch anything.


My notes from my install were:
Original harness pin -> airbag
4 -> yellow 2
3 -> yellow 1
1 -> green 1
2 -> green 2

New harness pin -> airbag
5 -> yellow 2
6 -> yellow 1
4 -> green 1
3 -> green 2

So pins 3-6 need to be matched up with the old wiring so they connect to the airbag correctly. Use a multi-meter and check continuity from the updated column connector pins, to find which pin is the correct airbag wire.

But do not take my notes as fact, and you should verify which wires to swap yourself(!!)


And finally after all of that, use DAS and disable the old paddle shifters under Drive -> Gear Selector Module -> Adjustments
The new shift paddles will work after this.


Credit goes to Mertd93, as he was the one to figure all this out.

 

mine 2010 SL63 steering wheel and bag