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      08-23-2007, 08:11 AM   #1
BlackSapphireZ
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Steering Wheel Removal

before you begin, make sure you have a valid reason to do this...and only reason would be to install an M steering wheel also unplug the battery for a good amount of time. I left it for 5 minutes, others may do it for 30.
oh yea and don't sue me if you screw up. i'm not responsible for your mistake!

*it is possible for you to install any 3 series airbag/steering wheel combo if you like. Also the X series I believe fits as well*

moving on...
1)find the little holes by 10 and 2 o' clock position behind the steering wheel it self


2)Insert small and long screw driver into the hole. and you have to push the bar towards the center. it's really hard to find(was for me at least)


3)Airbag will "pop" out and hang..it's okay don't freak out. and start to unplug the wires. when unplugging the wires from the airbag, use a very small flat head for the connector...you wont be able to use your hands for that more than likely. Also if you have those black connectors in the steering column, it means you may add steering wheel controls(if i remember correctly)



4)take off the center nut which is pictured above, and steering wheel should come straight out. Make sure when you are RE installing, line up the notches on the wheel and the column.


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      08-23-2007, 10:13 AM   #2
Jaydon Fabulous
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I'm so jealous. Great write up. Did you find a good deal on the wheel? How much does it boost your enjoyment level of driving? I want one so bad, but i can't justify spending $900.
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      08-23-2007, 11:43 AM   #3
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boosts the enjoyment of driving by like 100000000!!!!

so much thicker it's just bad ass
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      09-01-2007, 05:21 PM   #4
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great write up!

one question; why do you hafto unplug the battery ? what will happen if you dont ?
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      09-01-2007, 05:37 PM   #5
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I've seen his istall in person and it is SWWEEETTTTT!!!!
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      09-04-2007, 08:02 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fatlaces View Post
great write up!

one question; why do you hafto unplug the battery ? what will happen if you dont ?
i dunno u might disable the airbag, blow the airbag, or both lol don't want to find out!
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      09-05-2007, 07:16 PM   #7
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what is wrong with the new wheel? It looks like it has a couple of defective dents in the top center of the wheel.
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      09-06-2007, 06:46 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fatlaces View Post
great write up!

one question; why do you hafto unplug the battery ? what will happen if you dont ?
If you don't unplug the battery, you'll get an airbag error code and you have to take it in to the dealer to clear those.
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      01-08-2009, 05:40 PM   #9
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i called BMW austalia today and they mentioned to me that in order to complete a steering wheel change i need to replace the steering wheel itself and the airbag module.

looks like you just replaced your steering wheel and looks great and props to your work, but are you sure the airbag is ok?
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      02-01-2009, 11:35 PM   #10
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The only way to find out is to hit something... hard

No, the airbag will be fine. If it wasn't, the car would shoot out an error code right away.
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      02-02-2009, 06:47 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pechs2k View Post
i called BMW austalia today and they mentioned to me that in order to complete a steering wheel change i need to replace the steering wheel itself and the airbag module.
Like a lot of dealers, they'e mistaken. The airbags on the M wheels and the standard wheel are interchangeable, so you can re-use the original.
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      02-10-2009, 02:30 PM   #12
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do you have to insert both screw drivers into the hole at the same time or can you do it one at a time?

do you just push and it unclips the airbag? trying to get a better idea on this as i am about to do the same swap
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      02-11-2009, 02:52 PM   #13
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Its so easy! Took me about 5mins to do the entire thing! Just do one side at a time and it pops out, then remove the clips undo bolt and then redo!
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      05-21-2009, 03:11 PM   #14
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I am about to do the same thing to my car. I have the multifunction wheel but don't really like how it looks. Was hoping to find someone who likes the look of the multifunction or wants to be able to control the radio from the wheel. I see your wheel does not have the multifunction inserts, wanna trade?
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      10-04-2012, 12:18 PM   #15
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Thanks for the DIY, just used it to install an M wheel!
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      12-25-2012, 03:47 PM   #16
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Literally just finished installing my new ///M wheel and this post was very helpful. Thank you for posting
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      12-26-2012, 11:02 PM   #17
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give the wheel a leatherique treatment to bring back the luster and newness of the leather, it should remove any dents from storage as well.
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      10-22-2013, 08:39 PM   #18
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Subbed.
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      03-30-2014, 09:34 PM   #19
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Swapped out my stock Z4 wheel with the M wheel a couple days ago and LOVE the new wheel. My '05 wheel was disgusting from all the wear and Tischer had a deal I just couldn't resist...

The install was easy, but as the OP described, I had a tough time finding airbag release points with a screwdriver. After 5-6 mins I found the right release point and the left took less than 10 sec.

LOVE the new wheel. Feels so substantial and the stitching is great too.
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      04-09-2014, 08:35 PM   #20
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wow my post lives on!

its been almsot 7 years...
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      05-08-2014, 03:19 PM   #21
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Wheel Removal

Thanks!

Just used this post to straighten out my wheel!
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      07-25-2014, 05:01 PM   #22
Twisted Six
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Anyone know offhand what size socket is required for the wheel center nut? I need to remove mine Monday.
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