Steering Wheels

[AquilaBMW]

Got this Steering wheel relatively cheap for my car - I hope it works, or it will be showing up in the Classifieds soon enough... :dunno

[jbondbmw]

Looks cool! Does it have an airbag? I looks like it does.

I want this wheel for my car:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E32-E34-E36-E38-E39-E46-X5-WOOD-LTHR-STEERING-WHEEL-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem563be6fcfbQQitemZ37037 2181243QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries

[sfgearhead]

Not hard to find out.

Disconnect battery.

Remove airbag (2 25mm torx screws)

Remove steering wheel nut

Swap slip ring

Reinstall

Reconnect battery

Make sure your wheels are dead nuts straight ahead, mine weren't and I've tried re-indexing the wheel twice now!

[AquilaBMW]

Looks cool! Does it have an airbag? I looks like it does.

I want this wheel for my car:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E32-E34-E36-E38-E39-E46-X5-WOOD-LTHR-STEERING-WHEEL-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem563be6fcfbQQitemZ37037 2181243QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?campid=5335818596&toolid=10001&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Febaymotors%2FBMW-E32-E34-E36-E38-E39-E46-X5-WOOD-LTHR-STEERING-WHEEL-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem563be6fcfbQQitemZ37037 2181243QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries)

Yeah... it has an airbag in it. But it also has a third SRS warning light in the middle spoke which I am not sure will work on my car.

By the way, will that wheel work on your car? What about the function buttons? Or you just won't bother with those?


Not hard to find out.

Disconnect battery.

Remove airbag (2 25mm torx screws)

Remove steering wheel nut

Swap slip ring

Reinstall

Reconnect battery

Make sure your wheels are dead nuts straight ahead, mine weren't and I've tried re-indexing the wheel twice now!

Will do... as soon as I get the wheel. Do you know what size the wheel nut is btw? And I am afraid my wheel is not perfectly aligned right now. I guess this might be the time to fix that.

[jbondbmw]

Yeah... it has an airbag in it. But it also has a third SRS warning light in the middle spoke which I am not sure will work on my car.

By the way, will that wheel work on your car? What about the function buttons? Or you just won't bother with those?


It looks like you just swap out the airbag on my current wheel. The E38/E39 have the cruise control buttons on the wheel. The 95 E34 wheel just has black vinyl that's part of the airbag where those buttons are on the newer cars. I just need the $$ and I really want a B&B exhaust so I have to decide what is next.

[AquilaBMW]

It looks like you just swap out the airbag on my current wheel. The E38/E39 have the cruise control buttons on the wheel. The 95 E34 wheel just has black vinyl that's part of the airbag where those buttons are on the newer cars. I just need the $$ and I really want a B&B exhaust so I have to decide what is next.

I wonder if you can make the buttons work? That would be sweet!

[Sneezy]

I have a super nice MTech 2 wheel for a late E34 if anybody is interested.

It's not SRS equipped, though. I didn't pay enough attention when I bought it.

[LouieD]

Michael, that's a cool wheel. What's that from? If it doesn't fit let me know.

[mottati]

Yeah... it has an airbag in it. But it also has a third SRS warning light in the middle spoke which I am not sure will work on my car.

this wheel is a euro airbag retro fit wheel. So for a euro spec car without an airbag, this is the wheel that was used if an airbag was retrofitted. The light on the wheel is the SRS warning light, like we have in our dash.

[AquilaBMW]

I have a super nice MTech 2 wheel for a late E34 if anybody is interested.

It's not SRS equipped, though. I didn't pay enough attention when I bought it.

You should post up a picture or post it in the Classified if you really want it sold. GLWS.


Michael, that's a cool wheel. What's that from? If it doesn't fit let me know.

Thanks - I believe it came from the E36 Euro 3 - Series. Some already called dibs if I can't get it to work :dunno

[Sneezy]

You should post up a picture or post it in the Classified if you really want it sold. GLWS.


Just putting it out there, dude. I'm not actively trying to sell it.

[BruinBimmer]

I want a quick-release hub. But no one knows if any will work in our cars.

[bmwmech1]

Will do... as soon as I get the wheel. Do you know what size the wheel nut is btw?


16mm...

Garey

[garrettpier]

Aquilla, I like that wheel. Does it have the slip ring for the horn?

[AquilaBMW]

So, I have received both steering wheels I was interesting in. They seem to have different mounts or bases. (See pictures).

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0061.jpg

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0063.jpg

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0062.jpg

I am not sure which one fits the E34 or works with it. :help

In the first picture, we'll label the wheel on the left A and the one on the right B. A and B have a different mount. I am leaning towards installing A, but I don't know if it will fit.

A has the aluminium looking mount (Silver), while wheel B has the Bronze looking one.

Can you please help with this.

Someone also needed more detailed pictures of Wheel B:

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0060.jpg

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0056.jpg

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0058.jpg

[ShapeShifter]

Remove your wheel and use the one the fits?
Just sayin.
Make sure you disconnect the battery 10 minutes before swapping wheels.

[njg86]

My stock 92 steering wheel hub matches up with the one on the right so I would say the left one probably wont fit.


http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/inutero11/wheel.jpg

[VacMan]

So, I have received both steering wheels I was interesting in. They seem to have different mounts or bases. (See pictures).

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0061.jpg

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0063.jpg

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0062.jpg

I am not sure which one fits the E34 or works with it. :help

In the first picture, we'll label the wheel on the left A and the one on the right B. A and B have a different mount. I am leaning towards installing A, but I don't know if it will fit.

A has the aluminium looking mount (Silver), while wheel B has the Bronze looking one.

Can you please help with this.

Someone also needed more detailed pictures of Wheel B:

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0060.jpg

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0056.jpg

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0058.jpg
Wheel B has slipring installed, Wheel A doesn't.

Unbolt slip ring from current steering wheel
Bolt to new steering wheel
???
Profit!

My cost for this valuable information is that you send me the wheel you end up not using. If you'd like to save freight I'll be flying in and out of SFO at the end of the month.

EDIT: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HA91&mospid=47379&btnr=32_0704&hg=32&fg=35

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/n/v/8.png

[moroza]

That is an E36 wheel, possibly non-US only. I have the same one, except without the airbag.

[AquilaBMW]

Wheel B has slipring installed, Wheel A doesn't.

Unbolt slip ring from current steering wheel
Bolt to new steering wheel
???
Profit!

My cost for this valuable information is that you send me the wheel you end up not using. If you'd like to save freight I'll be flying in and out of SFO at the end of the month.



Thanks Tim - You really gotta let me know when you come to SFO. I expect to be in LA - possibly Cypress around the 21st. I should have made a decision by then. Both wheels look great to me. :evil2 I was thinking of getting Wheel A re-upholstered to match the interior parchment.


That is an E36 wheel, possibly non-US only. I have the same one, except without the airbag.

Hiya - which one? A or B?

EDIT: Just got proof that Wheel B will fit an E34. See attached pic of Moroza absolutely stunning Touring.





http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0061.jpg



I am starting to lean more towards Wheel A (On the Left). I am going to send it in for re-upholstering. I am thinking of making it a dual tone wheel.

[AquilaBMW]

Okay... decision has been made. Wheel B (The Retro Airbag One) is for sale - $100 - Shipped within the US, $105 if paying Paypal.

Thanks!

[calaurion]

Hey aquila,
Where are you getting your wheel reupholstered? I'm thinking of getting mine done also.
something like this would be cool

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w131/sidewayz328is/IMG_1333.jpg

[gilby]

Mike, wheelskins would look nice 2 tone if you want.. They are in berkely and maybe you can visit them. They will only need the size of the wheel. I got mine from them but you have to stitch it yourself. lol

[E34ührer]

Both wheels will fit 'an' e34. YOUR e34 has fine splines...so the wheel on the left will work, the wheel on the right, no go...it's got wider splines.

[L8 Apex]

AquilaBMW -- YGPM

[jbondbmw]

Hey aquila,
Where are you getting your wheel reupholstered? I'm thinking of getting mine done also.
something like this would be cool

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w131/sidewayz328is/IMG_1333.jpg

Wow, that looks really nice!

[AquilaBMW]

Hey aquila,
Where are you getting your wheel reupholstered? I'm thinking of getting mine done also.
something like this would be cool



There is a place in the Mission area where they do leather auto upholstery. I can get you their information if you like. That wheel looks pretty sweet!:buttrock


Mike, wheelskins would look nice 2 tone if you want.. They are in berkely and maybe you can visit them. They will only need the size of the wheel. I got mine from them but you have to stitch it yourself. lol

Hmmm.... not really into stitching it myself. That is a lotta skilled work man!



Both wheels will fit 'an' e34. YOUR e34 has fine splines...so the wheel on the left will work, the wheel on the right, no go...it's got wider splines.

Weird, that wheel on the Right came off a UK E34.


AquilaBMW -- YGPM Responded.


Wow, that looks really nice!

Agreed!

[E34ührer]

The wheel on the right would fit 89-92 E34's. The 93 up had the same splines as the E36 (the smaller splines). So as I said, both fit an e34....only one will fit yours....the left one.

[AquilaBMW]

So.... I finally got around to switching out my steering wheel. Then idiot me decided to remove the spacer that was on the mount to close the gap - now the bloody wheel rubs / scrapes. There is a re-install in my future....:rolleyes

It is actually not hard to do. If anyone is interested, I can do a DIY when I re-do it.

Something become immediately apparent:

1/. Don't remove the spacer, or replace it with another if it is too much for you...:rolleyes

2/. With the Euro wheel, you CANNOT remove or install the cluster without removing the damn steering.... :mad

3/. The Airbag bolts require a #27 Torx head, preferably with a short handle and some braille skills... though it ain't too bad.

4/. DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY BEFORE YOU REMOVE YOUR STEERING WHEEL!

And... here it is:

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/HeidiBeemer303.jpg

My other steering wheel is for sale - on Classifieds first before I try to CL or Ebay it. $100 Shipped.

[AndrewH]

Did you have to splice any connections, how did you remove the slipring?

[Layne]

I know you didn't ask for opinions, but that wood cover is heinously ugly. Otherwise, good job. :)

I put an E36 M3 wheel on mine with the tri color stiching. I didn't really expect it to feel any better, but it does. The 'bumps' at 10 and 2 o'clock are really comfortable on the hands. It's about 10mm smaller than the standard wheel. I used the E34 airbag on it because I like the looks better than the E36 part. Sorry for the crap pic.

http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/45258/2540871670101597211S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2540871670101597211crOYRJ)


how did you remove the slipring?

It comes off easy with a 5mm nut driver. Just 3 little nuts.

[AquilaBMW]

Thread revival aye... :D


Did you have to splice any connections, how did you remove the slipring?

I did not have to splice anything. As Laybe said, just three bolts hold it on with minimal torque on them.



I know you didn't ask for opinions, but that wood cover is heinously ugly. Otherwise, good job. :)

I put an E36 M3 wheel on mine with the tri color stiching. I didn't really expect it to feel any better, but it does. The 'bumps' at 10 and 2 o'clock are really comfortable on the hands. It's about 10mm smaller than the standard wheel. I used the E34 airbag on it because I like the looks better than the E36 part. Sorry for the crap pic.

It comes off easy with a 5mm nut driver. Just 3 little nuts.

Dude... tell me about that wood! It is cheesy as all heck. I am using it to hide the wear on top of the wheel till I get around to getting recovered... LOL! :eyecrazy

[AndrewH]

Thread revival aye... :D



I did not have to splice anything. As Laybe said, just three bolts hold it on with minimal torque on them.




Dude... tell me about that wood! It is cheesy as all heck. I am using it to hide the wear on top of the wheel till I get around to getting recovered... LOL! :eyecrazy

Thanks, And the horn works with the new wheel?

[E34ührer]

Let it be known that the M3 wheel WON'T fit 1989, 1990, or most 1991's.

Horn works. Airbag doesn't...you HAVE to use the airbag from the E34...E36 airbag connectors aren't the same. I suppose you could splice, but I don't like fooling with airbags...

[AquilaBMW]

Thanks, And the horn works with the new wheel?


Yep.. Horn works fine. Try to do it with your wheels straight. There is a little Spring Loaded White plastic piece that cancels out the turn signal you should be aware of and make sure it is aligned properly.

[Layne]

...you HAVE to use the airbag from the E34...E36 airbag connectors aren't the same...

That is false (at least in my case, 9/92 production). The E36 and E34 airbags are exactly the same on the back, including the connector. The connector on the slip ring, however, was different. I was just about to splice it when I realized how easy it was to just switch the slip rings.

[E34ührer]

That is false (at least in my case, 9/92 production). The E36 and E34 airbags are exactly the same on the back, including the connector. The connector on the slip ring, however, was different. I was just about to splice it when I realized how easy it was to just switch the slip rings.

Interesting.

After looking in real oem, a 1992 touring has 3 entries under 'steering wheel'....the sedan has 8. I should have payed more attention to the fact that you have a touring...anyhoo, I see now that you are right. The harness in your touring is not the same as my sedan. Good to know.

[AndrewH]

OK wtf, my slipring from my stock wheel mounts with three small threaded rod and associated nuts while my other wheel is exactly like aquilas, am I doing something wrong or it just won't work??? The wheel is from an e38 btw.

[AquilaBMW]

OK wtf, my slipring from my stock sheels mounts with three small threaded rod and associated nuts while my other wheel is exactly like aquilas, am i doing something wrong or it just won't work???

Hold on here. What year is you car again? you have the stock US BMW Wheel with four spokes? After you the airbag, did you take off the plastic cover? It is sometimes White or Orange.

Your slip ring should have three Gold coloured screws that bolt it down. I never notice bolts on mine. Can you take pictures? Maybe I can talk you through this?

[AndrewH]

Hold on here. What year is you car again? you have the stock US BMW Wheel with four spokes? After you the airbag, did you take off the plastic cover? It is sometimes White or Orange.

Your slip ring should have three Gold coloured screws that bolt it down. I never notice bolts on mine. Can you take pictures? Maybe I can talk you through this?

Aquila, can you stay on for like 10 minutes, I'm uploading pics meow. My car is a 94 530i, yes it has the school bus 4 spoke ugly big wheel.

This is what the stock wheel looks like inside

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a314/ripcurl530/sterrrrrrr.jpg

This is the slipring the new wheel had on it, note it does not have the 3 nuts to hold it down, rather it attaches to the back of the steering wheel.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a314/ripcurl530/slipringggg2.jpg

[AquilaBMW]

Aquila, can you stay on for like 10 minutes, I'm uploading pics meow. My car is a 94 530i, yes it has the school bus 4 spoke ugly big wheel.

This is what the stock wheel looks like inside

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a314/ripcurl530/sterrrrrrr.jpg

Okay.. bigger picture would be nice. But.. no worries. Is that White piece in the middle a plastic piece?

Look around that area, there should be three screws in a somewhat triangular pattern. Can you flip the wheel over and take another picture.

[AndrewH]

This is the stock slipring, note that it has the 3 nuts to hold it on and they go through the back of the wheel.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a314/ripcurl530/stovckk.jpg

[AquilaBMW]

In your second picture, that is exactly what my slip ring looks like on my cars... however, my cars are 1995 models. What is the production date on your car?

Those three screws poking up are the ones that bolt that slip ring to the back of the wheel. If you go to the start of this thread, I posted two different types of wheel... there is a picture of the back of the 3-Spoke wheel I attached. Does your original wheel look like that? Also, the wheels show a great example of one with slip ring installed and one without.

Can you compare the spline on the wheels to see if they are different? Also, do you have the same Orange connector on your wheel?

[AndrewH]

In your second picture, that is exactly what my slip ring looks like on my cars... however, my cars are 1995 models. What is the production date on your car?

Those three screws poking up are the ones that bolt that slip ring to the back of the wheel. If you go to the start of this thread, I posted two different types of wheel... there is a picture of the back of the 3-Spoke wheel I attached. Does your original wheel look like that? Also, the wheels show a great example of one with slip ring installed and one without.

Can you compare the spline on the wheels to see if they are different? Also, do you have the same Orange connector on your wheel?

So your 95 stock steering wheel slip rings attach to the back of the wheel rather than the center? (ie you remove the ring on your wheels from the back of the steering wheel rather than the front where the airbag is located. I think the car is a 4/93 model. The stock ring attaches with the 3 screws on the airbag side while the new ring attaches from the back. The splines are fine and the wheel fits fine, the slipring is the problem. Oh and the backs of our wheels (the one you have in your car and the one I'm attempting to put in my car) are similar.

[AquilaBMW]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/inutero11/wheel.jpg

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0062.jpg

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0060.jpg

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0056.jpg

[/QUOTE]


So your 95 stock steering wheel slip rings attach to the back of the wheel rather than the center? (ie you remove the ring on your wheels from the back of the steering wheel rather than the front where the airbag is located. I think the car is a 4/93 model. The stock ring attaches with the 3 screws on the airbag side while the new ring attaches from the back. The splines are fine and the wheel fits fine, the slipring is the problem. Oh and the backs of our wheels (the one you have in your car and the one I'm attempting to put in my car) are similar.

I am attaching pictures from earlier in the thread for you to review. There is one picture that shows two wheels together - the one on the left looks like the one you are trying to install.

Does your stock wheel look like the one on the right which has a slip ring installed? As far as I know, you can still remove that slip ring from the back of the steering wheel. Not the front. Do you have a bigger picture of the front of your wheel and also the back?

[AndrewH]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/inutero11/wheel.jpg

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0062.jpg

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0060.jpg

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww171/ElaineBeemer/Heidi%20540%20Beemer/PICT0056.jpg





I am attaching pictures from earlier in the thread for you to review. There is one picture that shows two wheels together - the one on the left looks like the one you are trying to install.

Does your stock wheel look like the one on the right which has a slip ring installed? As far as I know, you can still remove that slip ring from the back of the steering wheel. Not the front. Do you have a bigger picture of the front of your wheel and also the back?[/QUOTE]

Your first pic (the one the other guy took) is what the back of my stock wheel looks like. Notice how there are no bolts on the rear to undo the slipring. The new wheel in question (like yours) is the one on the left. What would really help is to see a picture of the back of your stock 95 wheel with the slipring attached.

[AquilaBMW]

It is weird that your car would have an early production steering wheel. However, my other touring with a production date of 3 / 93 has the same steering wheel as yours' and it is a 530 too. I don't think the newer wheel will work on your car.... sorry.

Do you have pictures of the new wheel in question?

[AndrewH]

It is weird that your car would have an early production steering wheel. However, my other touring with a production date of 3 / 93 has the same steering wheel as yours' and it is a 530 too. I don't think the newer wheel will work on your car.... sorry.

Do you have pictures of the new wheel in question?

The new wheel in question is exactly like the current one in your car, would you happen to have a picture of your stock slipring?