IDEA! Paddle Shifter for non-AMG W209 ???? - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

unitfreebie · 05-31-2008, 03:54 PM

Hey! I find the transmission + and - shift to far out of place and mind to be useful... so... What do you all think of this.....

Buy and install Paddle Shifter switch on steering wheel, extend and run the switch cable down the steering shaft and over to the transmission and connect in parallel to the transmission shift switches???

Pro?
Con?

Anyone interested and wants to get in on this MOD ????

goliath27 · 05-31-2008, 04:13 PM

My shift points SUCK on my w215 in general, how about we fix THAT first on our cars lol. Slow shifting sucks!

ALi

unitfreebie · 05-31-2008, 05:18 PM

oK that would be a CON - Slow shift points on your CL500.. can you please elaborate or give an example?

Maybe you can compensate by starting the shift sooner?

The PRO would be that the paddle shifter would allow you to concentrate on hitting the shift sooner, especially through a turn?

Does the AMG transmission shifter faster?

More Comments???

goliath27 · 05-31-2008, 05:51 PM

OK To my knowledge(limited) I doubt I can change the shift points without a actual ECU flash, and Even then I don't think that accelerates the actual response time of the shifter.

Another problem I face in a 500 is that I only have 4 gears to play with when shifting it manually, which bums me out. I'm currently sitting in a C300 from the dealer that has 6 whole gears, I WAS SHOCKED!!!!!

Transmissions on the AMG's might be better, But I do know the new SL's have a faster shift response time. Sure of that

ALi

unitfreebie · 05-31-2008, 06:53 PM

Ok ... I think there are threads here and on the W211 and AMG forum about slow shifting and what to do about it.

Yes, 5 speed tranny gives you only 4 shifts to play with.. I have a 7 speed tranny and thus 6 gears to play with. And it is kinda slow 'cuz it's not an AMG but I think paddle shifting would be more convenient than reaching down to the shift knob and wacking it left or right .. uh.. right or left.. not to user friendly if you have to think about it!!!

I didn't think the 5 speed tranny computer could be flashed? If so, do a search on the forum and see what others have found out.. good or bad.

So another PRO would be that Paddle shifting is more intuitive and convenient.

Also it would have the COOL factor, even if it does shift slower than you like.

I think it would be cheap to do ... less than $150 in parts.. just some time to mount the paddle shifter switch behind the Air Bag frame and run the wires down the steering column and over to the tranny switches!

Anymore comments???

goliath27 · 05-31-2008, 08:13 PM

this Mod I would be more then happy to do.... But we need to find compatible steering wheels from salvage yards if its gonna work properly. i doubt the dealership would only run 150 in parts. Plus wiring and all. I rewired my entire car (dodge) to have heated seats and auto stick previously, so i am well aware with the task ahead. Even thou this will be a million times harder lol.

ALi

Mark Cummins · 05-31-2008, 08:32 PM

One can add FACTORY paddle shift to a NON Paddle shift 209 with all OE MB parts.
we added paddle shift/comand/parktronic/DISTRONIC/rear sunshade/and a COMPLETE Two Tone AMG interior with heat / vented/multicontour front seats on the 209 oh and a CLK EURO63 front bumper

You will need

Factory paddle shift steering wheel
contact rings

Program via SDS aka Star

WE did it on our 209 clk 350

as It now has a AMG Manufactur Steering wheel WITH Paddle shift

and YES it does work

View topic - Mark Cummins's New Two-Tone Interior | THE Mercedes-Benz & AMG Forum for and by the Enthusiasts | MyMBonline.com

unitfreebie · 06-01-2008, 04:04 AM

Thanks guys for comments...

Mark, is the shift speed faster using your method using AMG steering parts compared to the regular transmsision +/- shift method? OR is it the same because they both go to the same computer input port which is activated by the STAR computer?

The other question is if the multi-pin socket in the steering column has the connections for the AMG shift paddles already, then wouldn't it be possible to just plug in the non-AMG paddle shifter switch (probably have to MOD the wires)? And then have the Dealer activate it with the STAR?

What do you think?

goliath27 · 06-01-2008, 10:56 AM

Mark, know how much a wheel would go for? about?

I Think a ECU reflash or mod would help you more in the shift points.

ALi

Mark Cummins · 06-01-2008, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unitfreebie

Thanks guys for comments...

Mark, is the shift speed faster using your method using AMG steering parts compared to the regular transmsision +/- shift method? OR is it the same because they both go to the same computer input port which is activated by the STAR computer?

The other question is if the multi-pin socket in the steering column has the connections for the AMG shift paddles already, then wouldn't it be possible to just plug in the non-AMG paddle shifter switch (probably have to MOD the wires)? And then have the Dealer activate it with the STAR?

What do you think?

The Shift points are the same Unless You do software mods to the TCU

Re the Paddle shift harness..Its a LOT harder than just plug and play...as You MUST change the Air bag/Horn Contact rings and wire then up so that the paddle shift will work then Version code the car Paddle shift present via the SDS aka Star

But YES it can be done on a Late 209 car that was built without Paddle shift
All OE MB parts used and NO HACKING