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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BMW E90/E92/E93 3-series General Forums > General E90 Sedan / E91 Wagon / E92 Coupe / E93 Cabrio > Steering wheels: What do you guys think is best?



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      11-12-2012, 12:22 AM   #1
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Steering wheels: What do you guys think is best?

My 335i has the sport steering wheel with the older style paddles. I do like the wheel, but it's a bit thin - and anytime I've driven an M sport car, I've always really liked that wheel as it's thicker.

Here's my dilemma - I could very well add an M tech wheel, sure - but I also find the non-electronic Alcantara wheel really appealing. First, my car is an 08 so m sport never existed that model year - so I feel like adding the M tech wheel is a bit outside the original factory ideals - while the Alcantara wheel seems to be more of a BMW backed upgrade that makes it a little more special in my opinion.

What do you guys think? Anyone have some good pictures of the wheel with the paddles? I wonder how it is to keep clean, and how it feels in the hand.

I'm referencing this wheel:

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      11-12-2012, 12:52 AM   #2
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I had the same dilemma as you do but going a completely diff route. Custom wrapped perforated leather sides, cf on the top, can't decide on the bottom, and heating element.

The wheel you describe sounds like the one at **********s.
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      11-12-2012, 12:59 AM   #3
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M-sport or M3
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      11-12-2012, 02:35 AM   #4
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i tried all the wheels from mtech - m3 - m performance alcantra wheels.
out of all 3, m3 is the best imo.
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      11-12-2012, 02:37 AM   #5
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Perforated MSport wheel is my favourite.
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      11-12-2012, 02:42 AM   #6
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You guys change steering wheels? I'm not even sure what that is about.

very strange

Maybe I'm old, I just don't see any value from it.
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      11-12-2012, 06:15 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spiike32 View Post
I had the same dilemma as you do but going a completely diff route. Custom wrapped perforated leather sides, cf on the top, can't decide on the bottom, and heating element.

The wheel you describe sounds like the one at **********s.
Have you found someone that will do custom heated steering wheels? I have been looking for someone for ages. Nobody seems willing to do a heated wheel. Please share the contact info if possible.
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      11-12-2012, 12:01 PM   #8
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I'm doing the wheel myself following various online DIY tutorials and will post up a DIY probably end of December. I've practiced baseball stitching, found a local seamstress to do the initial pattern, and I'm currently finding a cheaper source for NAPA leather.

For the heating element you can take apart one of those 12v heated steering wheel covers and incorporate it under the leather and put the switch under where the right paddle should go behind the wheel (my plan at least).

Example of a heated steering wheel cover. Any custom wheel company can incorporate this under the leather.
http://www.autobarn.net/heated-steer...FcU-MgodP1EAXw

I'm actually also working on a diy air conditioned seat... but not going to hijack this thread with my diy
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Last edited by spiike32; 11-12-2012 at 12:07 PM..
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      11-12-2012, 12:02 PM   #9
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The M tech is definitely great - but that Alcantara one is very unique, and I love that Flat bottom.
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      11-12-2012, 01:01 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Philz BMW View Post
You guys change steering wheels? I'm not even sure what that is about.

very strange

Maybe I'm old, I just don't see any value from it.
It actually change's the feel of the car but it is pretty pricey for a little upgrade..
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      11-12-2012, 01:05 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rondocap
The M tech is definitely great - but that Alcantara one is very unique, and I love that Flat bottom.
Thats what i would go with too
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      11-12-2012, 01:13 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rondocap View Post
The M tech is definitely great - but that Alcantara one is very unique, and I love that Flat bottom.
Agreed the M Performance flat bottom wheels look awesome and feel great on the hands!

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      11-12-2012, 03:40 PM   #13
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I heard that the Alcantara is difficult to keep clean and wears very quickly if it is not treated like a princess (hand wash before every drive etc), is it true? It is beautiful, but that sounds like a lot of hassle to enjoy it, in that case.

The best of all worlds would be the perforated M-sport wheel with the blue/red stitching
Op: the M3 paddle are vastly superior to the regular paddle buttons. There is a DIY on this forum that claims they are PnP for paddle equipped cars.
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      11-12-2012, 03:44 PM   #14
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That steering wheel is a good excuse to drive around in bmw racing gloves, and might as well throw in a helmet, too. Daily driving to work will be fun! Racecar looks from people.

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      11-12-2012, 03:45 PM   #15
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Ive driven yodaime's car a couple times with this wheel on that he just got.. Its comfy
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Last edited by Sara; 11-12-2012 at 03:52 PM..
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      11-12-2012, 05:12 PM   #16
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I got the m3 wheel w/ dct paddles on mine. Best mod i ever did to my car.
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      11-12-2012, 05:14 PM   #17
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It was a choice between m-sport or a heated steering wheel.
I chose m-sport- I can wear gloves
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      11-12-2012, 07:53 PM   #18
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