Replacing 2001 M Sport Steering Wheel with a 2002/2003 Updated Skinny M Sport Wheel?

[1823alex]

So can I just drop in a newer wheel or?

I would be replacing this wheel:

IMG_8397.jpg

With this one:
76942df2cfa569ab2bfc75158f0e605a.jpg

I think I would need a new air bag as well, correct? How do I make this happen?

[Pelican Parts]

Hello - take a look at the link below to an earlier thread where this is discussed.

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...Steering-Wheel

[atobe]

Yes it will drop in, If you get a complete wheel with airbag then all your have to do is plug and play. Also disconnect the battery first so you won't get an airbag light. There's 2 T30 screws holding the airbag on, on each side of the back of the steering wheel, and the 16mm bolt for the steering wheel itself. The new one you just tighten the 16mm bolt and then reconnect the airbag wires and push it back into the spring holding it on that's on a bracket in the steering wheel. No torx this time. Align the notch on the steering wheel and the steering column to make sure the steering wheel is on straight. I can post pictures if you need.

[Qsilver7]

Just an FYI in case you didn't know...the sport steering wheels with the round air bag (like in the 2nd pic you posted) are under the TAKATA airbag recall. The 3 spoke steering wheel with the triangular air bag (like in your 1st pic) are NOT under the recall.

[atobe]

How would one check for the recall? I have the trispoke steering wheel out of a 03 e46 in my 01 e39. I don't know the VIN of the car it came out off.

[Qsilver7]

Since a 2003 3 series would fall between the 2002-2006 build date range...I would say that the one you took from a 2003 e46 would have the Takata airbag inflator that falls under the recall.

But would BMW contact you? Probably not, because it has no way of knowing that you replaced your steering wheel (with a perfectly functioning airbag inflator) with one that is under recall from a different model/model year that wasn't offered at the time your car was built. Plus the steering wheel was never installed by them (BMW) in your car...but rather was self installed. Would they be on the hook to replace it? :

Perhaps an internet search may pull up discussions of others in the same situation...and if BMW honored the Takata airbag replacement. The Takata air bag recall has been a MUCH discussed topic...so there is a good chance you will find discussions of this type.

Good luck.

[atobe]

My 01 airbag was already replaced at the dealership also due to recall. Oh wells I'll give them a ring and see what happens.