Steering Wheel Differences (98-99 M3)

[tdriggers]

Hey Guys,

I noticed that some 98 M3s (and all 99s) have a steering wheel with an actual BMW emblem in the middle.

My 98 M3/4 has a steering wheel with a molded emblem.

I've always been curious as to what the difference is.. any ideas? Non-airbag?

[Iguana8334]

its just a better, more sporty wheel dude. 3 spoke > 4 spoke, cool little ///M-blem and better looking. both have airbags.

[CMG]

Cool upgrade, but not worth the money IMO

[ChosenGSR]

Cool upgrade, but not worth the money IMO

+1

[99E36M]

I'm very glad my M3 was a '99 with the new wheel because I love it, but not sure I'd spend the money for the retrofit.

[Xiphos]

I'm actually not a big fan of the 99 wheel. It looks too bulky, even though its smaller than the older wheel.

Besides, I like resting my hand on my leg and driving with that hand, can't do that as well with the newer wheel.

[smittyM98]

Why is the dash with the not-cool steering wheel so funky lookin? The RPM gauge and gas guage... I thought it was a Euro M3 but those things redline at like 7000+

and btw,
so as not to offend anyone, I have the not cool steering wheel also.

[Xiphos]

Why is the dash with the not-cool steering wheel so funky lookin? The RPM gauge and gas guage... I thought it was a Euro M3 but those things redline at like 7000+

and btw,
so as not to offend anyone, I have the not cool steering wheel also.

Looks normal to me...

[smittyM98]

Really? Look at the first pic, the redline doesnt start at 6500 and then eventually fill out in red to the 7000 like the other picture. Then the gas gauge is labeled for each 1/4 of gas. Not to mention the MPG gauge is different.
I dont know, mine is different... I didnt know US M3's gauges looked like that, nor did I know they came like that. No big deal though, I was just wondering bout that.

[Xiphos]

Really? Look at the first pic, the redline doesnt start at 6500 and then eventually fill out in red to the 7000 like the other picture. Then the gas gauge is labeled for each 1/4 of gas. Not to mention the MPG gauge is different.
I dont know, mine is different... I didnt know US M3's gauges looked like that, nor did I know they came like that. No big deal though, I was just wondering bout that.


Oh, I'm retarded. I thought you were talking about the 99 steering wheel, not the pre-99. The pre-99 is a euro model.

[smittyM98]

It's all good man. But yeah thats what I thought at first too... Thanks for clarifying.

[tdriggers]

Oh, I'm retarded. I thought you were talking about the 99 steering wheel, not the pre-99. The pre-99 is a euro model.

I just grabbed two pics off the 'net that showed the two wheels. Whats the cost of the upgrade? (So I can rule it out mentally)

[Xiphos]

I just grabbed two pics off the 'net that showed the two wheels. Whats the cost of the upgrade? (So I can rule it out mentally)


Check the for sale section, you can usually find them there. Depending on the condition, they usually range from $200 without an airbag to $600 with an airbag

[easymoney]

I just grabbed two pics off the 'net that showed the two wheels. Whats the cost of the upgrade? (So I can rule it out mentally)

An average of $400. A lot of enthusiasts say they dont like it. It's prolly due to the cash they have to shell out. When I like something i really dont care much about the cost I just do it. You know the saying "it's just money".

[I3MW]

I've had both and can safely say the three spoke is better.

[Jonathan 90 M3]

Oh, I'm retarded. I thought you were talking about the 99 steering wheel, not the pre-99. The pre-99 is a euro model.

The pic with the older wheel isn't even an E36, thats an E34 M5.:confused

[Hova]

The pic with the older wheel isn't even an E36, thats an E34 M5.:confused

yep sure is, no e30 or e36 m3 ever had a speedo that read 180mph. Plus if u look, it has the EDC button to the right, the e36 never came with that.

[Xiphos]

yep sure is, no e30 or e36 m3 ever had a speedo that read 180mph. Plus if u look, it has the EDC button to the right, the e36 never came with that.

Woah, didnt even see the EDC button!