DIY M3 Steering Wheel Install - Page 3

safe d · 12-16-2008, 02:38 PM

Has any one tried this with an E90 wheel? I have a UK car. Is all this still relevant?

cuz.iknim · 12-17-2008, 02:22 AM

Is it only me who sees the huge color difference between airbad and steering wheel.............? ANYONE?

tony325ci_51 · 12-18-2008, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by safe d

Has any one tried this with an E90 wheel? I have a UK car. Is all this still relevant?

It's certainly relevant to a UK e46, couldn't tell you about an E90, I've never inspected an E90 steering wheel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuz.iknim

Is it only me who sees the huge color difference between airbad and steering wheel.............? ANYONE?

Can't say I've noticed, or that I care. I'm just thankful that as a "safety" device it's not bright red or yellow

elliotchong · 12-18-2008, 10:16 PM

will this work only if i have a round airbag? My wheel has the square airbag and no buttons. I would love to upgrade my steering wheel.

Paul180 · 12-20-2008, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Is it only me who sees the huge color difference between airbad and steering wheel.............? ANYONE?

Most of the color difference is due to the flash and the fact that the wheel is brand new and never been exposed to the sun. It isn't noticible in person, at least to me.

Quote:

will this work only if i have a round airbag? My wheel has the square airbag and no buttons. I would love to upgrade my steering wheel.

You will need a round airbag in order to use the M3 steering wheel. Since the wheel doesn't come with one (unless you're buying it used) you will need to buy one seperately.

tony325ci_51 · 01-13-2009, 09:20 PM

Before:

After:

.

ThomasV · 02-28-2009, 11:32 AM

Thanks, this was my first work on my 2004 330Ci and the DIY was of great help!

jgs99v · 01-12-2013, 06:24 PM

OK - I was really concerned as the installer made this seem like such a difficult task.
However after reading thru E46fanatics is the best - saved me $270.00, and took only 45mins with 30mins wait time.
My Vehicle: 1999 328i 4dr sedan with Business package: All multi function, phone etc.....
Drove straight into the garage and check all aligned and steering wheel centered.
Removed the ground connection from the battery, and waited 30mins instead of 15mins - capacitive charge in the circuits might hold residual voltage, so you need to let these circuits bleed down the voltage. I just used my voltage meter to verify.
The tool spec was right on - some difficulty in centering the torkx, but persistance paid off - they came off with ease.
The OEM wheel connector verification check before disconnecting the air bag assembly - yes the business unit matched. So disconnected the airbag!
Removed the 16mm long bolt as indicated - but I did not wish to use the wheel lock, so braced with my hands - came off nicely since I used a longer arm socket.
As indicated the wheel just popped right off - no issues.
Double checked the splines and they were exactly the same.
Popped on the wheel - ensuring it was straight and properly aligned - inserted the bolt and no issues, then torque to 46#
Popped in the two connectors - although original was black the M3 was yellow, but the connector type and keying were exactly the same.
Next was the air bag connections - black and green - pulled up the locking tags as indicated. Then inserted the connector, I used a small #1 flathead to squeeze in the locking tabs as I did not wish to force them. Then when fully seated I popped the locking clips down, firm click then check their locking by pulling firmly on the cable/connector assembly - they did not pop out. OK kool
Then aligned and popped the wheel into location.
Waited a bit - 5-10mins, then installed the ground connection at the battery.
Inserted the key - and now airbag warning light good.
Interior lights check - all function keys alluminated
Horn check - good working
Radio control for sound, channel selection - check
Phone call and hang up function check - good
So then I consider this installation very sucessful.
The only additional tool I would add is a headlamp to get a good look at what you are working on, and to check the connector pins for oxidation at the hub. If you use a used airbag also check the pins on the airbag, if not shiny brass color or suspect. Use electrical contact cleaner from Fry's or similar electronic supply house.

Thanks guys!!!!!!

cheers,

jack ~

12-17-2008, 02:22 AM	#42
cuz.iknim Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: PA Posts: 327 My Ride: 2004 325xi View My Garage	Is it only me who sees the huge color difference between airbad and steering wheel.............? ANYONE? __________________

01-13-2009, 09:20 PM	#46
tony325ci_51 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: London UK Posts: 1,225 My Ride: BMW 335i 2007 Coupe View My Garage	Before: After: . __________________ My gallery is here: http://photos.e46fanatics.com/showga...=59936&cat=500

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12-16-2008, 02:38 PM	#41
safe d Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 43 My Ride: 328ci View My Garage	Has any one tried this with an E90 wheel? I have a UK car. Is all this still relevant?

12-18-2008, 10:16 PM	#44
elliotchong Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: vancouver Posts: 108 My Ride: bmw 320i View My Garage	will this work only if i have a round airbag? My wheel has the square airbag and no buttons. I would love to upgrade my steering wheel.

02-28-2009, 11:32 AM	#47
ThomasV Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Denmark Posts: 4 My Ride: 2004 330ci View My Garage	Thanks, this was my first work on my 2004 330Ci and the DIY was of great help!

01-12-2013, 06:24 PM	#48
jgs99v Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: East Bay Posts: 7 My Ride: E46 328I View My Garage	OK - I was really concerned as the installer made this seem like such a difficult task. However after reading thru E46fanatics is the best - saved me $270.00, and took only 45mins with 30mins wait time. My Vehicle: 1999 328i 4dr sedan with Business package: All multi function, phone etc..... Drove straight into the garage and check all aligned and steering wheel centered. Removed the ground connection from the battery, and waited 30mins instead of 15mins - capacitive charge in the circuits might hold residual voltage, so you need to let these circuits bleed down the voltage. I just used my voltage meter to verify. The tool spec was right on - some difficulty in centering the torkx, but persistance paid off - they came off with ease. The OEM wheel connector verification check before disconnecting the air bag assembly - yes the business unit matched. So disconnected the airbag! Removed the 16mm long bolt as indicated - but I did not wish to use the wheel lock, so braced with my hands - came off nicely since I used a longer arm socket. As indicated the wheel just popped right off - no issues. Double checked the splines and they were exactly the same. Popped on the wheel - ensuring it was straight and properly aligned - inserted the bolt and no issues, then torque to 46# Popped in the two connectors - although original was black the M3 was yellow, but the connector type and keying were exactly the same. Next was the air bag connections - black and green - pulled up the locking tags as indicated. Then inserted the connector, I used a small #1 flathead to squeeze in the locking tabs as I did not wish to force them. Then when fully seated I popped the locking clips down, firm click then check their locking by pulling firmly on the cable/connector assembly - they did not pop out. OK kool Then aligned and popped the wheel into location. Waited a bit - 5-10mins, then installed the ground connection at the battery. Inserted the key - and now airbag warning light good. Interior lights check - all function keys alluminated Horn check - good working Radio control for sound, channel selection - check Phone call and hang up function check - good So then I consider this installation very sucessful. The only additional tool I would add is a headlamp to get a good look at what you are working on, and to check the connector pins for oxidation at the hub. If you use a used airbag also check the pins on the airbag, if not shiny brass color or suspect. Use electrical contact cleaner from Fry's or similar electronic supply house. Thanks guys!!!!!! cheers, jack ~