How to fit e39 wheel and utilise buttons?

[spyderg0d]

I've had a e39 m5 wheels for a while.
Just thinking of taking the task to use the cruise control buttons. Maybe the radio functions if I can use with an aftermarket head unit. I seen a thread about it but it wasn't anything in lamans terms on what's needed or how to go about.

What slipping to use? E46?

[spyderg0d]

It seems there's no button delete parts for the e39 sport m tech wheel either.

Bummer.

[MParallel]

You must have not seen the decade old mfl steering wheel topic in the DIY.

E39/E38 wheel is bigger. You want the E36 wheel with buttons added.

The E36 blanks will fit the E39 wheel and vice versa.

[spyderg0d]

You must have not seen the decade old mfl steering wheel topic in the DIY.

E39/E38 wheel is bigger. You want the E36 wheel with buttons added.

The E36 blanks will fit the E39 wheel and vice versa.

By bigger, do you mean the wheel diameter? I have had the wheel for quite some time and I certainly prefer it 100% over stock steering wheel.
And, seeing the price of e36 wheels, I'd rather spend less to use this one I got for free at the junk yard.

[MParallel]

If you like bigger, by all means....

Yes the diameter is larger. Not by much, different nontheless. I prefer the E36 size. Larger will give lighter steering.

Be sure you have the <3/99 wheel.

Buttons are easy to get working, radio requires no extra modules.

On my E38 slipring, color for ground and 12v were reversed. Make sure to follow the pinout, not the color.

[spyderg0d]

If you like bigger, by all means....

Yes the diameter is larger. Not by much, different nontheless. I prefer the E36 size. Larger will give lighter steering.

Be sure you have the <3/99 wheel.

Buttons are easy to get working, radio requires no extra modules.

On my E38 slipring, color for ground and 12v were reversed. Make sure to follow the pinout, not the color.

How do I check what manufacture date my wheel is?
Wouldn't i be able to swap buttons to the pre 3/99 wheel and then use a e38 slipring instead of buying a whole new wheel?

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On my searches, slip rings are showing up as e38 and e39 as if they are interchangeable.

[MParallel]

Of course you can.

There normally is a date sticker inside the wheel.

If it has 3 tiny screws to mount the slipring you’re good.

Same as later E36 system.

[spyderg0d]

It say 3/2000.
Bummer.
But.. I do see the imprint on the casting of those 3 little holes that screw to the slip ring. That's an easy drill and tap later on.
I dont see how to remove the buttons as a whole tho.

[MParallel]

Never seen that imprint. Those buttons are on a 'pod'. It pulls straight up out of the rubber. Can be tough. Pull straight or plastic tabs will brake.