CLS55 4 Spoke to 3 spoke steering wheel

[andy27168]

Hi Guys,
Whilst in lockdown I find myself trying to think of things to do in the way of improving my AMG.
As I have some wear on the leather on the existing steering wheel and always up for a mod or two I want to fit a facelift 3 spoke one.
I have read somewhere that fitting of the three spoke wheel is a straight forward swap.
Has anyone carried this swap out? and point out to me exactly what I will require, is it just the wheel and airbag? Do i need new/additional wiring?
Any info greatly appreciated

 

[whitenemesis]

My only experience is with the W203 (2005) when changing from the facelift 3 spoke to the pre-facelift 4 spoke wheel. When fitted no buttons or horn on the steering wheel worked. Turns out there was a change in communication protocol between the model years and I needed an adaptor box within the steering wheel. All documented within WIS but wasn't immediately obvious ...

 

[andy27168]

Hi Peter,
Hope you are well.
I have already got this box possibly because mines is 2006 model year, the gear shift buttons directly plug into it.
I think later cars possibly got rid of this, possibly a different module behind the wheel or the box got incorporated into the airbag as the images of the three spoke airbag seem to have sockets in it other than the normal ones for its activation.

 

[whitenemesis]

Thanks Andy, all fit and well here, trust the same for you?
I found this, again for the 203 but highlights the data flow format change.

 

[moodi]

Not aware of any straight fits, the shaft being different across newer models, etc. Rumours of a 3 spoke SL wheel fitting but I have always thought they 'clash' with the interior of the W219.

My favourite upgrade is a refurb of the original W219 wheel to include; slightly thicker wheel, flat bottom, E63 paddle shifters. Feels very modern, OEM+ without looking out of place.

 

[Capa]

I think I'd be tempted to sack it off and throw it at Royal Steering Wheels if it were me.