Can proper paddles be retro fitted?

[notax]

I am going to buy a 2005 SLK55 AMG and would prefer the full shift paddles as fitted to the newer cars, pather than the large 'rocker style' ones fited to earlier cars. Can they be upgraded?

[kilarney]

Yes they can. Either buy a later wheel which is easy or convert the existing which is cheap but it requires some cutting to fit.

[d8ean]

you saying that the wheel pictured in the link can be fitted to a 2005/55 car?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mercedes-SL55-R230-CLS55-CLK...

[buckster]

Hello mate!

I bought my SLK55 AMG back in summer 2009 and retro fitting the paddles was going to be one of my first jobs on the car. However, once purchased I never bothered as the buttons are great, not worth the trouble and/or cost IMHO.

However, if you want to go down that path, do a search for "paddle" on slkworld.com, loads of posts/pictures/advice.

I can tell you that sterring wheel on Ebay would fit the SLK but you would still need to purchase the complete airbag unit from one of the 'compatible' MC cars listed in his description as the SLK one will not fit.

Good luck and hope you get the motor, they are excellent cars (buy the Xpipe, I did and what a noise!).

Cheers

[kilarney]

d8ean said:

you saying that the wheel pictured in the link can be fitted to a 2005/55 car?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mercedes-SL55-R230-CLS55-CLK...

No you need a 2007 on R171 slk 55 amg wheel not an sl R230 wheel although the paddles themselves (alloy ones) are the same on R230 and r171 amg,s wheels. The alloy paddles are far better than the plastic buttons and Ive done the conversion, you can buy the paddles seperately.

[notax]

kilarney said:

d8ean said:

you saying that the wheel pictured in the link can be fitted to a 2005/55 car?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mercedes-SL55-R230-CLS55-CLK...

No you need a 2007 on R171 slk 55 amg wheel not an sl R230 wheel although the paddles themselves (alloy ones) are the same on R230 and r171 amg,s wheels. The alloy paddles are far better than the plastic buttons and Ive done the conversion, you can buy the paddles seperately.

Where did you buy the paddles from, direct form Mercedes? Can you explain how you fitted them? I guess you fitted them to a standard wheel from what you say? Thanks. The car I am after is a 2005 SLK55 AMG.

[kilarney]

I have a 2005 slk amg. Yes the paddles are from mercedes or sometimes on fleabay. I modified the original button wheel. In simple terms the old button switch housing is used to fill the original hole (which is longer and thinner)then grind the aperture plastic and foam (dremel) out in width and depth until the paddle switch fits then drill through the wheel and fix the paddle assy using m5 screw hiden behind the airbag. Its competent diy level difficulty but expensive if you screw up. It looks professional not like the preceeding sounds. Takes about 4 hours

[notax]

kilarney said:

I have a 2005 slk amg. Yes the paddles are from mercedes or sometimes on fleabay. I modified the original button wheel. In simple terms the old button switch housing is used to fill the original hole (which is longer and thinner)then grind the aperture plastic and foam (dremel) out in width and depth until the paddle switch fits then drill through the wheel and fix the paddle assy using m5 screw hiden behind the airbag. Its competent diy level difficulty but expensive if you screw up. It looks professional not like the preceeding sounds. Takes about 4 hours

Thanks. I'm collecting the car next weekend and will make butchering the steering wheel one of my first jobs! Do you know which car the metal paddles I need come from? I can't find any on Ebay so likely to order from Mercedes. TEmpted by some of the sports steering wheels which come with paddles but they seem to be £500-£1000!

[kilarney]

You need the alloy (AMG) paddles for r171 amg 2008 on or late R230 sl 55 amg.

Edited by kilarney on Sunday 24th January 20:02

[d8ean]

kilarney said:

You need the alloy (AMG) paddles for r171 amg 2008 on or late R230 sl 55 amg.

Edited by kilarney on Sunday 24th January 20:02

not sure if these are right, but im sure talking to them may clear up any issues

blinding little site

http://www.comandonline.co.uk/product.php?producti...

[kilarney]

Yes those are the ones you need.

[SimNugget]

The Part number is A1712670046 and is only £111.55 inc VAT from a Mercedes dealer. I fitted them to my CLK as soon as I got it because the original plastic buttons felt nasty. My existing steering wheel did have the same shape fitting, and I got around £25 for the old ones on eBay.

Details are here...

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/interior/70550-amg-...

Simon

[notax]

This is an easier mod for you as the paddles are a straight swap for your plastic ones. The SLK55 AMG like mine has a different shape button as standard and hence the Dremel needs to come out to reshape the holes to accomodate the metal paddles.

Having driven 1000 miles in my car in two days I actually quite like the metal buttons, so may leave them as standard afterall...

[SimNugget]

There was a post on a US forum somewhere of the Dremel action. I was just giving you the part numbers and UK MB dealer price if you wanted it.

The metal paddles are real cold at this time of the year!!!

S