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Thread: Steering wheel won't fit?

  1. #1
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    Steering wheel won't fit?

    I recently picked up an e36 euro steering wheel for my 98 e36 m3, and when i took the wheel off to put the euro wheel on it wouldn't fit over the teeth of the spline on the steering column. Is there a difference on the teeth between years or models of e36? I don't want to force the wheel on with the chance of damaging the teeth. Thanks for the help.

    update: (pictures)

    IMG_0834.jpg

    IMG_0836.jpg

    IMG_0835.jpg
    Last edited by CircuitMonster; 06-20-2017 at 03:57 PM.

  2. #2
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    You do need a new slip ring if you're swapping to a euro wheel. I'm not sure of the part number exactly, but it should be relatively easy to find. http://www.frankies-bmw.com/3series/...ring_wheel.php
    Last edited by hli; 06-03-2017 at 09:41 PM.

  3. #3
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    I have the slip rings but the metal grooves won't fit the ones that are on the spline.

  4. #4
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    My bad, I believe it should just fit on otherwise. Is there any corrosion on the new wheel? Maybe a little grease or lubricant could help.

  5. #5
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    I thought the same thing and went and got some grease. Still gets caught on something like it's to tight
    Last edited by CircuitMonster; 06-03-2017 at 10:30 PM.

  6. #6
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    After spending about 2 hours trying to get this wheel on it seems like maybe the teeth are not the same on the euro wheel va the us steering column spline. Does anyone know if the euro spline is different then the us?

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by CircuitMonster View Post
    After spending about 2 hours trying to get this wheel on it seems like maybe the teeth are not the same on the euro wheel va the us steering column spline. Does anyone know if the euro spline is different then the us?
    Post a pic of your wheel.

    Is it the 3 spoke airbag wheel?


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  8. #8
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    Yeah I have a us airbag 3-spoke wheel and bought a euro airbag wheel. I'll post pics when I get a chance

  9. #9
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    I've never heard of this being an issue. From what I know all e36s have the same spline sizes.

    - 98 m3, techno/anthrazit cloth, 124k and officially worthless - 89 m3, alpine/black 143k and officially old - 2000 323it, tiag/grey, 169k and officially boring

  10. #10
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    That's what I thought and the steering wheel is marked e36 as well but it just does not fit. I took a picture of the inside of the wheel as well

    IMG_0812.jpg

  11. #11
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    Are you sure you got an E36 wheel?

  12. #12
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    The wheel is in the post above. It stamped e36

  13. #13
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    Something isn't right....much older BMWs had coarse splines but everything within the last 30+ years is fine spline and should be interchangeable.

    Maybe take a pic of the wheel butting up against the column? That wheel looks a bit dirty, maybe try cleaning out the splines with a brush. Remove the slip ring and try to fit it, maybe the indicator-cancelling plastic piece is interfering, if not the correct slip ring.
    Last edited by adamnur; 06-06-2017 at 11:55 PM.

  14. #14
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    Looks like you may have to "dress" the splines with a small file.


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  15. #15
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    Sorry guys I've been sick for the past few days. Once I have time I'll try to get my old wheel off again and get some pictures of how it's going on. I didn't think about trying it without the slip ring but truthfully it doesn't get that far on before getting stuck for the slip run to interfere. I'm worried to try to file down anything for safety reasons. I'll post with more pictures when I get time. Thanks for all the help.

  16. #16
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    Filing would only occur at the beginning of splines simply to remove any aluminum that has been 'mushed' causing the spline to be less defined. You did remove the wires from the hole, correct?

    You say you can actually start the wheel on to the steering shaft? You are able to engage the splines but it jams? I would add a bit of grease to steering shaft.


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  17. #17
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    I added grease to it but it still wouldn't budge. It's like the teeth on the spline are hitting he ones on the wheel and starting to smash the teeth on the wheel itself.

  18. #18
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    UPDATE: So my friend that had a junker e36 (94' 325) let me test fit the wheel on the car and it fits perfectly. So at the moment it seems its related to the column spline on my car. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have time to really clean it up to ensure a proper fit and if issues arise again I can take some pictures. Thanks for all the support so far.

  19. #19
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    Updated with pictures

  20. #20
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    Problem solved! After having a few days off I took my time to inspect everything and it seemed like the spline on the column was marred slightly. The original wheel fits because it was already worn that way. So the new wheel had to be filed down slightly for it to clear the beginning of the grooves. Once on it fits snug and nicely.

    Thanks everyone one for all the feedback. Something so simple shouldn't have been this difficult. Again thanks for the community support.

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