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It became an option somewhere mid-2019 (MY2020) for the A217/C217 (S cabriolet/coupe) also, does it mean that for facelifted cars (mine is from Q1 2019) it is not possible to do the retrofit without new VDM or is it an "easy" retrofit?
The factory option code for the AMG drive unit as seen on the original window sticker that list it as:
U88 AMG drive unit steering wheel buttons:
I honestly don’t understand why Mercedes didn’t make it standard on all MY2020 E63s. They are much much convenient to use instead of looking for the right buttons to push either on the dash or center console, it’s all there on the steering wheel with color displays and it looks so much sportier.
Α free options that most MY2020 didn’t have and are making people pay 1k or more for the update.
It was a "must have" option for me which is why I ordered (for ED) a mid production MY20 in the first place. It not only looks great but as others have stated, the convenience of use is the unequaled. The closest I've seen are the M buttons on BMWs and the Mode selector on Porsche GTS cars (mainly 911 and Panamera) and they don't even come close to the level of functionality in the AMG Drive Unit controls.
It does suck that the free option costs $1000 (unconfirmed) but it's worth it IMO.
The AMG Drive Unit is definitely one of the best additions in later AMGs. It changes the driving experience and is much more driver focused. What I love the most is that besides turning the knob on the right side to select one of the modes, you can also push it to directly activate the Individual mode, regardless of your current mode. I don't think everybody knows this. In the GT R roadster and the 2019+ C63S it also serves as the controller for the 9-stage traction control.
11-15-2021, 12:02 PM
