Tiptronic won't work - even though gearbox is fine

[LDN]

We've just bought a second ML, purely for our trips to France. It's an '06 W164 and we've only had it a week. The car is faultless - however the tiptronic buttons on the steering wheel do not change the gear, as they should.

What could this be? I'll be taking it back to garage as it has warranty but I'd like to go back, informed, as best I can...

Any ideas?

[Speed addicted]

Which mode is the gearbox in? I test drove a CLS about the same age and it needed to be in sport for them to work.
In the BMW's I'm used to they work all the time.

[Mr M]

I had the same issue on my AMG. If you take it to an indie or main dealer they'll probably suggest a new steering wheel. Which for mine was £1330. I managed to find one from a fellow SLK enthusiast on the SLK forums who had upgraded to the R172 wheel, so I got it for a fraction of the price thankfully. It's going to be fitted next week. It may be worthwhile you trying the MB forums. If you're technically minded you could probably replace the buttons yourself but with airbags and all I didn't really want to attempt it.

Edited by Mr M on Friday 20th February 18:48

[LDN]

My other ML has paddles and they work all the time - so these buttons are new to me but I assumed they'd work the same. I will definitely check it all out.