DTM/Sport Steering wheel with paddles for 2004 E55
 

I would love to drop a steering wheel from a clk63 AMG Black Series in my 2004 E55. I know, however, that the steering wheels from the '08 CLK63 BS's are getting harder and harder to find and I was wondering what other chassis has "plug and play" steering wheel compatibility with my 2004 W211 AMG? I'm really looking for a DTM style wheel (or even one of the newer three-spoke wheels) WITH paddles instead of the buttons that my '04 came with. Has anyone had experience with other steering wheels in our W211's? Can you share what other chassis/years can be used in my E55? Thanks in advance for your help!

On a related note, let me know if you're selling (or know someone selling) the wheel out of a CLK 63 BS :naughty:

Those are nice :)

I bought the DTM steering wheel from DCT Motor Sport and then I purchased some E63 paddle shifters from eBay and fitted them on my steering wheel.

Thanks for the tip! Have you been happy with your results? If you don't mind me asking, how much were the paddle shifters?

+1 And how did you install them? I despise the button shifters.

I have the DCT wheel, love it... I should have done the paddle option but did not:smash: I'm currently looking into this right now.. Guys at my shop say buy the paddles and they will do the install..

To order paddles.
part #: 171 267 00 46
parts.com
select
Mercedes
2007
E63 AMG
can leave sub model blank
enter part number
current price $105.60

Hope this helps the following steering wheels are compatible with the E55 (don't forget you need the clock spring and airbag):
CLK550
W211 E550
CLS550
S550
CLS63
CLK63
S63

The best price for the 171 267 0046 paddles is at OEDISCOUNTPARTS.COM (110.25 shipped). Parts.com adds 15% to the price of whatever your order, so $105.60 ends up being $121.44 ahipped.

Later (starting sometime in 2005) W211 E55s are relatively easy to convert to paddle shifters. Check the part numbers on the buttons currently in your wheel. If they are 870273-0004 & 870273-0005 then you merely need make an adapter harness.

If, however, you have an earlier E55 (2003 until sometime in 2005) your car came with buttons marked "870273-0002 & 870273-0003 These buttons are different (normally open AND normally closed switches with a couple of electronic components) and came configured in series (verses ... in parallel like the newer buttons .... and ALL AMG paddles) SO these older cars came with very diffident support electronics (button shifters signals were added to data bus in the floor shifter rather than the SCM as in later models). These cars can only be converted to paddles in one of two ways. Either you risk compromising the feel of your new paddles by gutting them and then mounting the switches from the old buttons in them (the Frankenstien method) OR, you use the paddle converter module (which electronically simulates the output of the old buttons with the new paddles).

If you want more info, send me a PM. I am happy to help out here . I can supply info on physically converting your wheel ... I can get you a converter module if you need one .... or, If you don't want to do the work yourself, I can probably help you with that too. Another option is to call Ivan at DCT motorsports (408-802-4500) and get this done while you have other improvements made to your wheel.

Cheers,
Chris

I would definitely consider a DCTMS DTM style steering wheel. Fit and finish is top notch with great feel, leaving you with an improved driving experience every time! :yThanks for the informative post Chris! I popped my buttons off and found I have 04 and 05 suffixes. Now I'm definitely going to consider upgrading to paddles. :D

I understand some trimming of the original opening and a hole needs to be drilled to properly secure the paddle shifters, correct?

if you pm me your email, I can send you some info for modifying your wheel

here is how you begin .... and here is a pic of the laser cut template that I supply along with the paddle converter module that works as a go/no-go gauge for the pocket AND is a drill guide for the mounting screw.

I have some specialized tools that I use, but you can do an adequate job with a good exacto knife (and a hot knife). Or, I can do it for you if you like.

Cheers,
Chris

Need to give a BIG THANKS and Kudos to Chris.:y:y He just did my paddle conversion on my DCT wheel and it is TOP NOTCH..

If you have been considering doing this DO IT.. I never used my buttons hardly at all and now I find myself using the paddles Alot... Again, Chris Great Job..:y:y

+1

Thank you Chris!! :y

Ritch,
It was my pleasure adding the paddles to put the finishing touches on your beautifully customized DCT motorsports wheel . Sean and the guys at ACG automotive were great to work with on this as well. I am looking forward to seeing a pic of your wheel back in the car!

Cheers,
Chris

thanks Gunther, I was happy to help
Chris

Thanks for all of the advice, everyone. I went with DCT Motorsports for the steering wheel, and he installed the paddles, as well. I am very pleased with the results!! :zoom::naughty:

:wootrock::boink: