Retrofitting heated steering wheel

[mamij]

Hi Guys

I’m planning to upgrade my old E36 with a nice looking e39.
In this case, I would like to buy the facelift model 2001 - 2003, with all the features it had back then. Such as PDC(front and rear), cruise control, heated steering wheel etc.
Now to the point, most models for sale here in Denmark have all these features, besides the heated steering wheel. The few models that have the heated steering wheel, are lacking the PDC or some other features. So there is no way for me to get the "whole" package here.
The ones in best shape, are also the ones missing the heated steering wheel, they have the multi-function 4 prong steering wheel though, so I’m probably gonna get one of these models.

My question goes, is the heated steering wheel a plug and play in the e39(wiring in place), as I would really like to have this feature?

Thanks http://s1.bimmerfest.com/forums/images/smilies/smile3453453.gif

[sealbeach740]

No, at least in the USA it's not pre-wired for a heated steering wheel.
You'd also need a clock-spring (slip ring) with the extra 2 wire connector for a heated steering wheel, along with a steering wheel that has the heated bits built in.
Then, you'd have to wire it up, get the correct switch & install that (with a proper fuse).
While it's not tremendously difficult, it's definitely not plug & play.

[16valex]

Then he wants the dual stage airbag on a single stage airbag. I don't know is it worth it? Nah!!!!

[mamij]

Thanks guys I'll have to think about it.
16valex, when you say dual stage airbag, do you mean this kind of wheel:

https://imagecdn2.panjo.com/images/detaillarge/866fa294-4585-4bd3-808e-e5e13ffde8d3.jpg

I suppose the later e39 models, came with this kind of steering wheel from stock, at least what I have seen here.
I am not sure I understand what you mean by swapping a dual stage on a single stage.
My point was to install the whole wheel, that already includes the heated function.

[sleuth255]

Also interested: So were there any of the three spoke dual-stage airbag equipped ///M steering wheels made with a heated option? No = won't attempt.

[16valex]

Thanks guys I'll have to think about it.
16valex, when you say dual stage airbag, do you mean this kind of wheel:

https://imagecdn2.panjo.com/images/detaillarge/866fa294-4585-4bd3-808e-e5e13ffde8d3.jpg

I suppose the later e39 models, came with this kind of steering wheel from stock, at least what I have seen here.
I am not sure I understand what you mean by swapping a dual stage on a single stage.
My point was to install the whole wheel, that already includes the heated function.

Sorry, I missed understood you.

The none sport e39 from 99 and up usually came with heated steering wheel here at least in the USA, and they are all dual stage airbag steering wheel. What I meant was to put a dual stage air bag steering wheel in single stage steering wheel cars are almost impossible and not worth it at all.

BTW, I have an excellent heated steering wheel for 99-03 steering wheel, all you need now as the previous suggestion is a heated clock spring to do the retro-fit.



Also interested: So were there any of the three spoke dual-stage airbag equipped ///M steering wheels made with a heated option? No = won't attempt.

No, no such thing in E39 world. I wish it has. E39 01-03 model sport steering wheels are the best looking of all time in my opinion.

[mamij]

BTW, I have an excellent heated steering wheel for 99-03 steering wheel, all you need now as the previous suggestion is a heated clock spring to do the retro-fit.


I could be interested in buying the wheel, I'll let you know, when I've bought the car and if I am going to need the wheel :)