Paddle shifter install on tiptronic - write up
#1
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Paddle shifter install on tiptronic - write up
As I mentioned in another post, I am doing a write up on installing paddle shifters on my 2000 C2 cab tiptronic. There is a nice thread at: http://911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=97582 but I thought the wiring part was a bit confusing and there were some steps that were skipped, plus I wanted to keep my tiptronic buttons functional.
Firstly, I bought a set of Mercedes Benz Paddle Shifters PN: 171-267-0046 brand new off eBay for $148.97 shipped.
Firstly, I bought a set of Mercedes Benz Paddle Shifters PN: 171-267-0046 brand new off eBay for $148.97 shipped.
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Kiriletto (05-18-2023)
#2
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I disconnected battery and waited 15 minutes to prevent airbag discharge.
I removed the plugs from behind steering wheel and unbolted the airbag with T-27 torx socket; I then pulled off the airbag and pulled the yellow airbag plug straight off the airbag unit.
I removed the plugs from behind steering wheel and unbolted the airbag with T-27 torx socket; I then pulled off the airbag and pulled the yellow airbag plug straight off the airbag unit.
#3
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I removed the steering wheel nut with a 24mm (15/16”) socket and then marked the position of the steering wheel on spline before pulling the steering wheel off. I took a pic of the wiring to refer to when finished, to ensure that the wiring was correct at reassembly.
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I made a paper template from the bottom of the paddle shifters and transferred the shape to the steering wheel with a permanent marker. The template and resultant hole should be smaller than the widest part of the paddle for the best fit.
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I used a Dremel with a small grinder attachment to grind out a hole about 1 cm deep and then trimmed for the best fit. This was a bit messy and the paddle did not fit flush until it was “bolted in” in the next step.
#7
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Using a washer and a nut as spacer on each paddle, I used a self-tapping screw to install the paddles. As per the 911UK.com forum thread, the nut spacer shown on the bottom of the washer helps to push out the foam for a flusher install.
Once I was satisfied with the installation of the paddles, I reinstalled the horn plate.
Once I was satisfied with the installation of the paddles, I reinstalled the horn plate.
Last edited by Vince124; 04-15-2016 at 10:53 AM.
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Here is a pic of the wiring that needed to be done. Essentially I cut the wires for the Tip buttons and used three butt connectors to splice in the wires from the paddles; each paddle has a power wire and a ground wire. The first splice connects the yellow wire from the downshift paddle shifter to the yellow/brown wire; the second connects the blue wire from the upshift paddle shifter to the brown/red wire and the third connects the two black–ground wires (one from each the paddles) to the existing ground wire. After this pic was taken, I realized that the original cut ground wire from the Tip buttons needed to be spliced in also, so there should be four black wires going into that particular connector.
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Initial impressions after driving with the paddle shifters: They are much more intuitive for spirited driving and easier to find on a turn. The buttons which still work, seem quite small by comparison and are harder to find. I may convert these buttons to stereo volume/channel buttons down the line along with a new touch screen double DIN unit, but that depends on whether or not I decide to sell this car at the end of this year. There are also paddle extensions available on from various sellers on eBay in a variety of colors that fit these particular paddles.
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Turbo Racer (03-28-2023)
#12
I love your write ups. Very thorough. I don't have the patience to document to that level. Probably the reason why I don't like corporate gigs.
I'm assuming no issues on accidentally hitting the stock buttons at anytime you're using the paddles in a spirited way?
I'm assuming no issues on accidentally hitting the stock buttons at anytime you're using the paddles in a spirited way?
#13
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I'm glad I did this project... I very much prefer the paddles to the buttons. The total time to completion was about 3-4 hours.
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Great write up Vince, I was waiting for this one. I plan to tackle a similar job, but most likely will opt to use a D-shape steering wheel. Since you have already completed the install and have been inside the wheel, what are your thoughts on the difficulty of transferring the wiring to a non-tip wheel? Would it even be possible?
Thanks.
Thanks.
#15
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Great write up Vince, I was waiting for this one. I plan to tackle a similar job, but most likely will opt to use a D-shape steering wheel. Since you have already completed the install and have been inside the wheel, what are your thoughts on the difficulty of transferring the wiring to a non-tip wheel? Would it even be possible?
Thanks.
Thanks.