09-10-2018, 10:05 AM | #1 |
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Nappa Leather Steering Wheel on 2-Series
My wife and I recently decided on a 2-series for our first car, needless to say very excited:
230i Mediterranean Blue Manual transmission Conv package Cognac dakota interior H/K sound Heated seats At first, I wanted to upgrade to the M Sport Steering wheel, however, when my wife and I went to test it out she didn't love the feel. We both agree that the standard steering wheel is a little thin. At the dealership we found another wheel we both loved, listed as "nappa leather steering wheel" under "sport package" for a 2018 340i xdrive. Visually it's quite similar to the standard leather wrapped wheel (as opposed to the M sport with the circular airbag/horn centerpiece) but the grip is much thicker and softer. Playing around with the BYO options online, I determined that this steering wheel comes standard with 340i/440i xdrive (but not rwd). Does anyone know whether this or a similar steering wheel is available for the 2-series either as a port-installed or after market item? My guess is the answer is no given the different models, but figured I'd give it a shot! |
09-10-2018, 11:35 AM | #3 |
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I'm not familiar with the wheel you found, but in general, when swapping, the issue is not so much the wheel as the airbag. You need to maintain the original airbag...they are not interchangeable between series. Also, the specific performance of the bag may vary within a series between coupe and convertible due to different crash pulses relating to the body structure. Check air bag part numbers. I've noted that the shape of the center hub varies across some models, so this may/may not be a factor.
Also, I've read some have lost the heated steering wheel feature when making a swap.
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09-10-2018, 12:54 PM | #4 | |
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09-10-2018, 01:15 PM | #5 |
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Cheaper and easier to recover stock wheel - retains heat too.
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09-10-2018, 01:41 PM | #6 | |
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https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1220950 The 2 Series M Sport steering wheel is amazing. Might be worth a second look?
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09-10-2018, 02:02 PM | #7 |
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Thank you all for your help on this!
I'm a big fan of the M Sport - my wife really doesn't like the size of the protruding grips on the top half of the wheel. She also wanted more horn-honking surface area (we're in NYC, ha). It would have been $1100 to retrofit it (given the airbag replacement), so I don't think it's worth it unless we're both totally on board. The other steering wheel looks like it would be a fit with the standard airbag - although based on playing around with parts websites it seems like there is a difference in the F30 (that's what the '18 340i is right?) and the F22 steering wheels. It feels more cushioned and softer - I've also seen a few posts about a similar-sounding steering wheel on the 6 series, but haven't seen a single one on sale separately. Here's a picture I took of the steering wheel at the dealership: |
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09-10-2018, 02:05 PM | #8 |
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If all you're really trying to accomplish is a better grade of leather vs your stock wheel I'd highly suggest you contact Dallas Custom. $500 for a complete reupholster.
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09-10-2018, 02:19 PM | #9 |
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Do they have any kind of exchange/float program where they send you a rewrapped 2 Series wheel first and then you send back yours for inventory, so you're not out of a car for an extended period?
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09-10-2018, 02:22 PM | #10 |
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Honestly, I think your wife would get used to the grips and the horn. It's easy to overthink some things.
The grips are actually useful and very comfy in daily driving. They reduce grip pressure. And horns... they're pretty much the same size/placement on modern cars.
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09-10-2018, 02:29 PM | #11 | |
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09-10-2018, 05:05 PM | #12 | |
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I lived in San Francisco for 35 years, where a heated steering wheel wasn't really needed - but I also realize that residents of Tahoe, for example, would want one.
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