Msport Steering Wheel DIY

Peertwelve · 08-21-2011, 05:28 PM

Fwiw I followed this guide and installed an M3 DCT Steering wheel into my 2008 manual transmission 335i. Used this wheel be ause I got a great deal (used). Thanks to OP. I made one mistake..... In step #1, I was trying to find the airbag clips in the crack between the wheel and the steering column. Once I realized tet the screwdriver is supposed to go in two tiny slots on the backside of the wheel, things went very smoothly.

fatass · 08-29-2011, 05:30 PM

question - if i ahve a heated steering wheel do i need to purchase a particular M steering wheel?

Donia330i · 08-29-2011, 06:45 PM

Hey, I did the swap from non sport to m3 and now the DSC malfunctioning light is on along with brake in yellow. Any ideas how to fix this??? Thanks!!!!

guliermu · 09-17-2011, 09:17 AM

hello i have a bmw e90 2006 and m steering wheel didin't have the multifunctions keys i buy another steering wheel with the multifunction keys and whene i make the clip int the steering column the keys didin't work can pls tell me what can i make to do pls 10xx

haulmarc · 11-06-2011, 06:37 AM

just got done installing my new msport wheel. ~30-45 min. little more work for the paddle shifters and two more stubborn plastic connectors. looks and feels great.

great write-up. it was all i needed to get it completed.

the trick with the screwdriver with the flat side parallel to the floor and not to the wheel works great.

Quicksilver · 12-19-2011, 04:24 PM

Hello everyone,

Following all instructions in this thread, I've tried to install an original M3 DCT steering wheel with paddle shifters to my new 2011 E92 330i. Everything seemed to work just fine, until I tried the paddle shifters. The automatic transmission didn't change to "DS" mode and didn't respond to the paddle shifters. After checking the wiring, found a different pin setting between the original paddle shifters on the original M-sport steering wheel and the SMG paddle shifters from the M3 steering wheel. However I still haven't been able to get the M3 paddle shifters to work. For the time being put the M-sport steering wheel back and everything working fine again. Still hope to get the M3 SMG paddle shifters to work. Any thoughts???

Capt Awesome · 12-19-2011, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Hello everyone,

Following all instructions in this thread, I've tried to install an original M3 DCT steering wheel with paddle shifters to my new 2011 E92 330i. Everything seemed to work just fine, until I tried the paddle shifters. The automatic transmission didn't change to "DS" mode and didn't respond to the paddle shifters. After checking the wiring, found a different pin setting between the original paddle shifters on the original M-sport steering wheel and the SMG paddle shifters from the M3 steering wheel. However I still haven't been able to get the M3 paddle shifters to work. For the time being put the M-sport steering wheel back and everything working fine again. Still hope to get the M3 SMG paddle shifters to work. Any thoughts???

I'm having the exact same problem with a 2011 e90 330i... Still trying to figure it out.

Orion4 · 12-21-2011, 07:36 AM

I think you have an compatibility issue between how the paddle shifters for the M3 DCT and the Steptronic work and wired. You made need a wiring adaptive similar to what Burger Tuning sells: http://www.burgertuning.com/paddleshift.html.

Not sure but that's what it sounds like the problem may be.
Good luck.

juice13 · 12-21-2011, 07:31 PM

Thanks for the write up. Just installed an M-Sport on my e90. What a difference the softer, larger wheel makes (especially when cold).

F80_M3llow · 02-03-2012, 12:48 PM

I need ur help guys I'm in the car as we speak installing my msport wheel I purchased the air bag and I put the air bag in and it is loose I can move it side to side up and down I don't know what is going on please help.

Capt Awesome · 02-03-2012, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWE90FANATIC

I need ur help guys I'm in the car as we speak installing my msport wheel I purchased the air bag and I put the air bag in and it is loose I can move it side to side up and down I don't know what is going on please help.

Did you screw in the 3 screws on the airbag retaining plate?

F80_M3llow · 02-03-2012, 06:27 PM

sorry im not a noob at this ive donbe this to my freinds e90. I purchased the airbag from ebay and it does not fit and will be sending it back. All i want to know is where you guys buy them from. I see that oem airbags have a black connector on the bag mine came with a blue one WTF.

F80_M3llow · 02-04-2012, 03:31 AM

Ok I got this thing to fit. I bent the bracket a bit to fit it snug. Everything works great. Thank you to this forum. What would I do without you guys. Will post pics of the install soon

stealth1 · 02-04-2012, 04:11 PM

Bought a replacement airbag on Ebay... went to put it in and everything was fine until I tried connecting the wires. The green one will fit, the black one will not. The back of the airbag unit looks a bit different.

I did not receive the wire that connects between the airbag itself and the connector in the wheel (presumably beside the connector for steering wheel controls, etc). Could it be that I just need this wire? Or do I completely have the wrong airbag? Everything except for the back plate make it appear identical to mine.

Car is disassembled now and can't drive it... help!?

Tk502 · 02-11-2012, 02:47 PM

Awesome DIY, this took me 30-40min tops. Thanks again

jacobsed · 02-19-2012, 07:32 PM

So if I buy this wheel off of ebay do I need to buy an M cover to fit it? Or will the cover from my sport wheel fit perfectly to it?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E81-E87-...ht_3184wt_1163

1QuikWS6 · 02-20-2012, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Bought a replacement airbag on Ebay... went to put it in and everything was fine until I tried connecting the wires. The green one will fit, the black one will not. The back of the airbag unit looks a bit different.

I did not receive the wire that connects between the airbag itself and the connector in the wheel (presumably beside the connector for steering wheel controls, etc). Could it be that I just need this wire? Or do I completely have the wrong airbag? Everything except for the back plate make it appear identical to mine.

Car is disassembled now and can't drive it... help!?

If you did not originally have the Sport airbag - you will also need the Sport Airbag wiring harness & the bracket...

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacobsed

So if I buy this wheel off of ebay do I need to buy an M cover to fit it? Or will the cover from my sport wheel fit perfectly to it?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E81-E87-...ht_3184wt_1163

Your existing Sport Trim will work just fine, but now is a perfect time to replace with something else if you're so inclined - since you'll have the wheel off anyway

jacobsed · 02-20-2012, 07:56 PM

I have a 2006 330xi with the sport package so I have the sport wheel. Is the Msport wheel with perforated leather that much better?

1QuikWS6 · 02-21-2012, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacobsed

I have a 2006 330xi with the sport package so I have the sport wheel. Is the Msport wheel with perforated leather that much better?

Yes, much better leather, and the extra rim thickness is mighty nice

waski · 03-03-2012, 04:36 PM

Awesome DIY

thanks

JK07 · 03-03-2012, 05:06 PM

Great write up. I am thinking of replacing but have few quations sorry i just cant read 36 pages....

Mine is 320i non idrive with multi function steering wheel.

Where do i order the steering wheel? Do i have to order the air bag also bec my steering wheel looks a bit diffrent than OP

My steering wheel looks like this

oymd · 04-06-2012, 01:05 PM

Aloha everyone..

I'm hoping I can follow Bavarian's tutorial to upgrade to an M Sport steering wheel.

I'm based in the UK, and my 320d is a right hind drive.

Can I use EVERYTHING on my standard wheel, and fit it in to the new M Sport wheel? Like Airbag, plates, wiring etc...

And which M Sport wheel would fit?

I keep reading, M Tech, M Sport, etc...And where's the best place to get a genuine good one? I keep reading on this thread about a Swedish guy?

I just want the THICKER PERFORATED LEATHER steering wheel, as my current steering wheel is really thin, and I have pretty big hands..

Many thanks..

Here's my current steering wheel:

08-21-2011, 05:28 PM	#771
Peertwelve Captain 781 Rep 914 Posts Drives: Silverstone E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Seattle iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [3.00]	This DIY works with my DCT M3 wheel Fwiw I followed this guide and installed an M3 DCT Steering wheel into my 2008 manual transmission 335i. Used this wheel be ause I got a great deal (used). Thanks to OP. I made one mistake..... In step #1, I was trying to find the airbag clips in the crack between the wheel and the steering column. Once I realized tet the screwdriver is supposed to go in two tiny slots on the backside of the wheel, things went very smoothly. __________________ 2008 SSII E92 M3 \| LCI CIC, Apps, Tails\| MPE \| BBS Ch-R 1990 325i Sold- 2011 335i Sedan \| 6MT \| Wavetrac \| Eibach Pro \| CDV delete \| Cobb \| BSW Sudden death - 1970 BMW 2002 Last edited by Peertwelve; 08-21-2011 at 05:29 PM.. Reason: Forgot to rate the DIY
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08-29-2011, 05:30 PM	#772
fatass Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 251 Posts Drives: none Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: bay area iTrader: (2)	question - if i ahve a heated steering wheel do i need to purchase a particular M steering wheel?
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08-29-2011, 06:45 PM	#773
Donia330i Major 132 Rep 1,426 Posts Drives: 19 330i BSM Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (7)	Hey, I did the swap from non sport to m3 and now the DSC malfunctioning light is on along with brake in yellow. Any ideas how to fix this??? Thanks!!!!
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09-17-2011, 09:17 AM	#774
guliermu New Member 0 Rep 14 Posts Drives: bmw e90 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: malta iTrader: (0)	bmw e90 multifunction keys hello i have a bmw e90 2006 and m steering wheel didin't have the multifunctions keys i buy another steering wheel with the multifunction keys and whene i make the clip int the steering column the keys didin't work can pls tell me what can i make to do pls 10xx
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11-06-2011, 06:37 AM	#775
haulmarc New Member 2 Rep 16 Posts Drives: '08 335i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: FL iTrader: (1)	just got done installing my new msport wheel. ~30-45 min. little more work for the paddle shifters and two more stubborn plastic connectors. looks and feels great. great write-up. it was all i needed to get it completed. the trick with the screwdriver with the flat side parallel to the floor and not to the wheel works great. Last edited by haulmarc; 11-06-2011 at 06:41 AM.. Reason: edited ratings
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12-19-2011, 04:24 PM	#776
Quicksilver New Member 0 Rep 23 Posts Drives: E92 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	E92 M3 DCT Steering Wheel retrofit Hello everyone, Following all instructions in this thread, I've tried to install an original M3 DCT steering wheel with paddle shifters to my new 2011 E92 330i. Everything seemed to work just fine, until I tried the paddle shifters. The automatic transmission didn't change to "DS" mode and didn't respond to the paddle shifters. After checking the wiring, found a different pin setting between the original paddle shifters on the original M-sport steering wheel and the SMG paddle shifters from the M3 steering wheel. However I still haven't been able to get the M3 paddle shifters to work. For the time being put the M-sport steering wheel back and everything working fine again. Still hope to get the M3 SMG paddle shifters to work. Any thoughts???
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12-21-2011, 07:36 AM	#778
Orion4 Lieutenant Colonel 481 Rep 1,571 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Sport Line Sedan Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Melbourne, FL iTrader: (0)	I think you have an compatibility issue between how the paddle shifters for the M3 DCT and the Steptronic work and wired. You made need a wiring adaptive similar to what Burger Tuning sells: http://www.burgertuning.com/paddleshift.html. Not sure but that's what it sounds like the problem may be. Good luck.
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12-21-2011, 07:31 PM	#779
juice13 Private 2 Rep 89 Posts Drives: '07 335 E90 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the write up. Just installed an M-Sport on my e90. What a difference the softer, larger wheel makes (especially when cold). __________________ -Jonathan '07 335i E90 blue/brown/stock/stick/sport/stuff
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02-03-2012, 12:48 PM	#780
F80_M3llow Lieutenant Colonel 201 Rep 1,714 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Norwalk CT iTrader: (14) Garage List 2016 BMW M3 [9.00] 2008 135i [7.00]	I need ur help guys I'm in the car as we speak installing my msport wheel I purchased the air bag and I put the air bag in and it is loose I can move it side to side up and down I don't know what is going on please help.
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02-03-2012, 06:27 PM	#782
F80_M3llow Lieutenant Colonel 201 Rep 1,714 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Norwalk CT iTrader: (14) Garage List 2016 BMW M3 [9.00] 2008 135i [7.00]	sorry im not a noob at this ive donbe this to my freinds e90. I purchased the airbag from ebay and it does not fit and will be sending it back. All i want to know is where you guys buy them from. I see that oem airbags have a black connector on the bag mine came with a blue one WTF.
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02-04-2012, 03:31 AM	#783
F80_M3llow Lieutenant Colonel 201 Rep 1,714 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Norwalk CT iTrader: (14) Garage List 2016 BMW M3 [9.00] 2008 135i [7.00]	Ok I got this thing to fit. I bent the bracket a bit to fit it snug. Everything works great. Thank you to this forum. What would I do without you guys. Will post pics of the install soon
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02-04-2012, 04:11 PM	#784
stealth1 Private First Class 8 Rep 124 Posts Drives: F48 X1 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: West Coast (America) iTrader: (2)	Help! Bought a replacement airbag on Ebay... went to put it in and everything was fine until I tried connecting the wires. The green one will fit, the black one will not. The back of the airbag unit looks a bit different. I did not receive the wire that connects between the airbag itself and the connector in the wheel (presumably beside the connector for steering wheel controls, etc). Could it be that I just need this wire? Or do I completely have the wrong airbag? Everything except for the back plate make it appear identical to mine. Car is disassembled now and can't drive it... help!?
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02-11-2012, 02:47 PM	#785
Tk502 Enlisted Member 3 Rep 39 Posts Drives: '09 335i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Louisville, KY iTrader: (1)	Awesome DIY, this took me 30-40min tops. Thanks again
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02-19-2012, 07:32 PM	#786
jacobsed Lieutenant 23 Rep 463 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: United States iTrader: (2)	So if I buy this wheel off of ebay do I need to buy an M cover to fit it? Or will the cover from my sport wheel fit perfectly to it? http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E81-E87-...ht_3184wt_1163
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02-20-2012, 07:56 PM	#788
jacobsed Lieutenant 23 Rep 463 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: United States iTrader: (2)	I have a 2006 330xi with the sport package so I have the sport wheel. Is the Msport wheel with perforated leather that much better?
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03-03-2012, 04:36 PM	#790
waski First Lieutenant 36 Rep 318 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Brooklyn NY iTrader: (7)	Awesome DIY thanks
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03-03-2012, 05:06 PM	#791
JK07 Private 10 Rep 68 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW E90 320i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (0)	Great write up. I am thinking of replacing but have few quations sorry i just cant read 36 pages.... Mine is 320i non idrive with multi function steering wheel. Where do i order the steering wheel? Do i have to order the air bag also bec my steering wheel looks a bit diffrent than OP My steering wheel looks like this Last edited by JK07; 03-03-2012 at 05:19 PM..
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04-06-2012, 01:05 PM	#792
oymd New Member 2 Rep 10 Posts Drives: Bmw X5 Xdrive30d M Sport Auto Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: London, UK iTrader: (0)	E90 SE Standard Steering wheel upgrade (UK) Aloha everyone.. I'm hoping I can follow Bavarian's tutorial to upgrade to an M Sport steering wheel. I'm based in the UK, and my 320d is a right hind drive. Can I use EVERYTHING on my standard wheel, and fit it in to the new M Sport wheel? Like Airbag, plates, wiring etc... And which M Sport wheel would fit? I keep reading, M Tech, M Sport, etc...And where's the best place to get a genuine good one? I keep reading on this thread about a Swedish guy? I just want the THICKER PERFORATED LEATHER steering wheel, as my current steering wheel is really thin, and I have pretty big hands.. Many thanks.. Here's my current steering wheel:
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