Changing steering wheel

[325_bucks]

I've ordered a new steering wheel to replace mine which has unfortunately become a little too shiny for my liking, and I've had it properly cleaned but it's definitely too worn.

Does anyone have any experience moving the buttons and trim over from an old wheel to a new one? I don't think I've got a problem actually fitting the wheel but I'm not too sure about doing those tasks.

[Scottiedog]

You know you can get them re trimmed for about £100?

[325_bucks]

Originally Posted by Scottiedog

You know you can get them re trimmed for about £100?

Yeah, but I looked at all the retrimmers including the ones recommended by many on BMW forums and they never seem to look as perfect as new. Any small wrinkle or imperfect stitch would annoy me as I'm far too critical!

[325_bucks]

Plus the ones I spoke to said there is a risk with the heated wheels that they may not work again if the mat is broken and that it is much more difficult to do

[Scottiedog]

Fair enough. I must say I do like a new steering wheel. Where did you get it and how much if you don't mind me asking?

[325_bucks]

Harry Fairbairn quoted £701 but I ended up getting it from Leebmann24 in Germany who are well regarded as a BMW parts supplier and give you a forum discount if you email them first. I paid about £580 delivered to the UK, roughly.

[Taheemr]

This is a very common issue, the leather seems to be very soft, i have seen cars with <10k miles and the steering i horrible really letting the interior down.
This was never an issue with the old e series cars.


I toohad mine changed twice under warranty by Sytner, the 1st for premature wear and the other time it seemed to get my palm indents where id been holding it and looked a mess when the sun hit it.

I agree the trimmers do a good job try royal steering wheels they also do an exchange service, and there in your neck of the woods too.

I may be selling my M6 steering wheel if your interested as I'm trying to upgrade it to a heated variant.

[325_bucks]

I mentioned above that I've already bought mine, and it's heated which I don't want to lose. Royal have a lot of good reviews, but also if you look around, a lot of bad ones, and terrible follow up customer service if you're not happy. I don't want to take the risk. Rather it was perfect than dealing with hassle after.

[Taheemr]

By the way if you fit yourself (its easy), don't forget to disconnect the negative battery terminal before removing the airbag, also a common mistake too, leave the boot lid open too when doing the job as it wont open once locked with the battery disconnected of course, ( guess what lemon did this)



Cheers

[ndinh]

Simple install.
1. Unlock your car, which will turn off your alarm.
2. Remove trunk (or boot) panel and unhook your negative terminal. I think it's a 8mm or 9mm socket for bolt but not 100% sure. I like to put a glove over the terminal just in case it doesn't accidentally touch the battery.
3. Wait 30 minutes
4. Use small flat head screwdriver and push into hole in back/lower part of steering wheel. This will unclip the airbag. It may take a few tries to do this. There are 3 clips so all 3 must unhook.
5. Pull airbag out gently and pull cables for airbag, control clusters, etc. off.
6. Use large deep socket (I forget which size) to remove center bolt that holds steering wheel to steering column. Pull steering wheel off.
7. Use torx screwdriver to remove torx screw on both sides, in back of steering wheel to detach control clusters. Pull control clusters out.
8. Transfer everything over and assemble in reverse order. Done. This is for US version so not sure if UK wheels are identical.