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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Cosmetic and Lighting Modifications (exterior/interior) > !HELP! installing m3 steering wheel, cant get airbag back in properly???



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      01-18-2012, 02:41 PM   #1
werke-t
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!HELP! installing m3 steering wheel, cant get airbag back in properly???

Like title says ive already gone through the ENTIRE install process, and Im at the LAST step where you need to re-insert the sport airbag. I just simply line up the air bag and the two clip ( the ones hidden behind steering wheel) clip into place, BUT

the problem im running into is the clips are in, but the steering wheel is still 1/2 inch out of the steering wheel, and its CLEARLY not secure.

Is there some step im forgetting? Is there a trick to get the air-bag to clip back in properly? I tried to make sure there are no wires or anything in the way, but Im not exactly sure if you have to do something specific, because all the DIY's say NOTHING about reinstalling the air bag.

I know the two hidden clips are in because i cant get the airbag back out without having to pop the two hidden clips.

Thanks in advance, my car is still sitting with the battery disconnected, waiting to get this buttoned up

Travis
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      01-18-2012, 03:03 PM   #2
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Was your original steering wheel part of the sport package? Does it have the thumb slots? I just installed an M3 steering wheel this past weekend and that was the easiest part of the install. The airbag for the sport and non-sport wheels are different. Only the sport airbag is compatible with the M3 wheel. Otherwise you will have to get a new airbag.
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      01-18-2012, 03:11 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by loki7177 View Post
Was your original steering wheel part of the sport package? Does it have the thumb slots? I just installed an M3 steering wheel this past weekend and that was the easiest part of the install. The airbag for the sport and non-sport wheels are different. Only the sport airbag is compatible with the M3 wheel. Otherwise you will have to get a new airbag.
I have a sport wheel with paddles (2007 e92 335i)

So after you installed the wheel and plugged everything in, your sport airbag just popped straight back on? Did you need to press in a certain spot or push anything specific?

Thanks for the help
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      01-18-2012, 03:22 PM   #4
werke-t
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Here is a photo of my current situation:

Everything is good besides airbag not clipping into place.... see the gap, its completely loose on all edges, i push everywhere. Nothing happens. Its locked into place, I have to pop the two hidden clips to get it out again...



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      01-18-2012, 03:37 PM   #5
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Mine popped right back in place. No issues at all. It fits like a glove.
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      01-18-2012, 03:40 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by loki7177 View Post
Mine popped right back in place. No issues at all. It fits like a glove.
hmmm ok then something must be in the way... im going to take it off and snap a photo of how I have it wired on the inside...
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      01-18-2012, 04:34 PM   #7
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once you have the wheel properly installed (only thing you can mess up is not getting the center bolt on properly) make sure the trim and buttons are sitting properly as well. After that, plug in the airbag and pop it in. It should be too difficult at all. Check to make sure the metal clips that secure the airbag in place are moving back and forth and that airbag doesnt have anything that would block those metal bars from securing it where it should sit.
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      01-18-2012, 05:29 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex@Helix View Post
once you have the wheel properly installed (only thing you can mess up is not getting the center bolt on properly) make sure the trim and buttons are sitting properly as well. After that, plug in the airbag and pop it in. It should be too difficult at all. Check to make sure the metal clips that secure the airbag in place are moving back and forth and that airbag doesnt have anything that would block those metal bars from securing it where it should sit.
Thanks guys, I got it.

Ended up being the bottom bolt that for the bracket was not COMPLETELY tightened down, all it took was some power with my hand torx driver and it tightened down.

Wheel feels amazing! I love the feel of NEW leather ^^
Also love that the DCT shifters work without any harness mods
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      02-01-2012, 04:04 PM   #9
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Hello,

Can you tell me how did you install those DCT shifters? I have the M3 wheel but I have no idea how to make the DCT shifters work..

Can you help me with this one?

Thanks.
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      02-03-2012, 03:34 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rapak View Post
Hello,

Can you tell me how did you install those DCT shifters? I have the M3 wheel but I have no idea how to make the DCT shifters work..

Can you help me with this one?

Thanks.
Do a search - there are quite a few detailed threads on the subject...

If your car already has paddle shift it's a simple swap - if not, you have several options on how to install them to work.
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      02-03-2012, 03:28 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6 View Post
Do a search - there are quite a few detailed threads on the subject...

If your car already has paddle shift it's a simple swap - if not, you have several options on how to install them to work.
I did make a search but maybe I was using wrong search words. Sorry about this. Planning to install it tomorrow so let's see how it goes.
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      03-26-2013, 06:31 PM   #12
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I'm having this same exact issue! There's a gap between the wheel and the airbag! I'll check what is suggested in this thread.
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      03-26-2013, 06:39 PM   #13
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The airbag doesn't sit completely flush with the wheel. There's about 1/8" gap to allow the horn to work.
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      03-26-2013, 07:38 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by onebadmofo View Post
The airbag doesn't sit completely flush with the wheel. There's about 1/8" gap to allow the horn to work.
But the airbag moves a lot. Also, I have to press firmly on top in order for the horn to go off. If I press in the middle, nothing happens.
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      03-26-2013, 08:25 PM   #15
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Take it off and see if there are any wires in the way
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      03-26-2013, 08:44 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by onebadmofo
Take it off and see if there are any wires in the way
Yup, will try that tomm.

Thanks!
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      07-24-2016, 06:27 PM   #17
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Having the same issue... the steering bag is VERY loose in the M3 wheel and the horn doesn't work. The airbag is fully seated but fits sloppily.
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      07-28-2016, 01:53 PM   #18
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that happened to be too.. i just ended up swapping the metal bracket it was connected to on the stock wheel.. ended fitting perfect.

Last edited by Nguyenhu0106; 07-28-2016 at 02:00 PM..
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      07-28-2016, 02:37 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nguyenhu0106 View Post
that happened to be too.. i just ended up swapping the metal bracket it was connected to on the stock wheel.. ended fitting perfect.
Yep, that was it. The bracket that came with the wheel was bent, probably from the force of the airbag going off. I swapped brackets and it fits perfectly.
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