Msport Steering Wheel DIY

Siper2 · 01-09-2013, 01:56 PM

Just a guess, but was it not correctly placed on the column? I'd have to re-read the first posts in here, but I know on my old Subaru (on which I did an STi wheel swap), the wheel pushed on to a toothed spline, and you had to line it up correctly. So maybe it was installed "off" by just a little bit?

Capt Awesome · 01-09-2013, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siper2

Just a guess, but was it not correctly placed on the column? I'd have to re-read the first posts in here, but I know on my old Subaru (on which I did an STi wheel swap), the wheel pushed on to a toothed spline, and you had to line it up correctly. So maybe it was installed "off" by just a little bit?

The dealer must have thrown off the alignment a bit. There is no way to insert the wheel off center on the steering column. There is a thick alignment notch that prevents the wheel from being misaligned.

Siper2 · 01-09-2013, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt Awesome

The dealer must have thrown off the alignment a bit. There is no way to insert the wheel off center on the steering column. There is a thick alignment notch that prevents the wheel from being misaligned.

Gotcha.

mistryn · 02-22-2013, 02:05 PM

It mentions torque wrench use, how tight should the nut be done up?

SE3P_to_E90 · 03-04-2013, 02:02 PM

Quick question for you guys... I recently got a Mtech steering wheel in the mail - airbag included. How can I take off the airbag on a steering wheel that's already detached? I tried looking for clips to take off the airbag, but don't see them... And i don't want to just pry the airbag off - for fear of breaking something. Thanks in advance!

EDIT: ok... i realized this was a silly question. Once i started playing w/ the wheels, i realized that you just need to find those holes. For you guys who have a hard time finding those holes - refer to the picture below!! I've deliberately opened the hole just a little bit and took the picture as quickly as i can lol.

If you look at the picture below, that hole is where you'll stick your screwdriver in to release those retaining clips. If you get one side of the airbag off and the other side is being stubborn (like mine was), I would encourage you to just clip the airbag back in and start on the other side... that's what i did, and it came out without a problem. Don't force anything! Make sure you get the clip and the airbag will pop out by itself... no need to pull hard or anything like that. Good luck!

BMWWW · 03-05-2013, 12:58 PM

The original post in the OP should really be updated with a few things:
- the location of the slots up above
- the different location of the airbag clips if coming from a non-sport wheel
- and the problem with one of the hub's clips that require sanding down to fit if swapping from a non-sport wheel to an msport/m3 wheel: (refer to my thread here or post #774 in this thread and post #527 in this thread.

Thanks!

Nafy · 03-21-2013, 01:48 AM

Thanks a lot for the DIY guide. I would appreciate if anyone can help me on this. My car has a heated non sport steering wheel. I am looking to replace it with the M steering wheel. Since mine is heated, is there a plug inside the steering wheel? And what do I do with the plug? Just leave it hanging inside the M steering wheel? Thanks again.

SE3P_to_E90 · 03-21-2013, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nafy

Thanks a lot for the DIY guide. I would appreciate if anyone can help me on this. My car has a heated non sport steering wheel. I am looking to replace it with the M steering wheel. Since mine is heated, is there a plug inside the steering wheel? And what do I do with the plug? Just leave it hanging inside the M steering wheel? Thanks again.

I don't believe any Mtech or M3 steering wheels are heated... i also don't think there's a way to retrofit the heated function on either of the steering wheels - i'm not 100% on this though.

bigdaddycane · 03-21-2013, 08:35 AM

nice write-up and pics, but 3 hours!?!?!? Holy S...

I've done this twice in 15 minutes each time....

SE3P_to_E90 · 03-21-2013, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdaddycane

nice write-up and pics, but 3 hours!?!?!? Holy S...

I've done this twice in 15 minutes each time....

I'm with you 100%. First install was 20 minutes... second install was 30 minutes because I was taking my time and showing someone how to do everything. next install should be 15minutes.

Nafy · 03-21-2013, 03:17 PM

I understand that I cannot retrofit the heated function to the M steering. I just wanna know what to do with the heated wires and plug for my existed non-sport heated steering wheel? Should I just leave them in the steering column or is there a way to remove them completely? Thanks again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SE3P_to_E90

I don't believe any Mtech or M3 steering wheels are heated... i also don't think there's a way to retrofit the heated function on either of the steering wheels - i'm not 100% on this though.

SE3P_to_E90 · 03-21-2013, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nafy

I understand that I cannot retrofit the heated function to the M steering. I just wanna know what to do with the heated wires and plug for my existed non-sport heated steering wheel? Should I just leave them in the steering column or is there a way to remove them completely? Thanks again.

Hey man, I'm sorry i can't be of more assistance here. I'm not sure why it would matter if you leave the plug unplugged. I installed a sunglass holder which effectively eliminated my cigarette lighter, and I left that plug unplugged; No issues. However, i do not assume any liability in your case since I do not have any experience with your concerns. Good luck!

Nafy · 03-22-2013, 02:16 AM

Thanks SE3P to E90. I think leaving the plug unplugged is the way to go and I may put the original wheel back on when it's time to let her go.

SE3P_to_E90 · 03-22-2013, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nafy

Thanks SE3P to E90. I think leaving the plug unplugged is the way to go and I may put the original wheel back on when it's time to let her go.

Do that. hold on to the original steering wheel... plus, when it's time to let you gal go, you can sell the upgraded steering wheel to recoup some costs.

Remember, take your time, don't force anything. If anything, I would Practice on the steering wheel you're about to install. Make sure you play with those retention clips, and get comfortable before you remove the airbag. If the airbag is being difficult, you're probably doing something wrong. I practiced on my Mtech steering wheel (screwdriver to retention clips) before I attempted to take everything off.

Also, when you plug everything back, make sure you plug your key in and turn on your headligths. that way, when you plug the battery back in, you won't short circuit anything. shouldn't be a problem, but just in case.

Agent11br · 04-05-2013, 04:39 PM

Helpful, thanks OP!

shamu2789 · 04-05-2013, 09:29 PM

Just used this DIY. So helpful. Appreciated.

Agent11br · 04-06-2013, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shamu2789

Just used this DIY. So helpful. Appreciated.

THIS! Swapped on an M3 wheel last night

Tim Cuculic · 09-05-2013, 04:44 PM

Anyone planning this mod may find this video helpful:

trope · 09-08-2013, 09:31 AM

Just bought an MTech wheel to replace my normal sports wheel today

It was actually hard to find the Mtech wheel with the perforated leather like OP has but I eventually found a used one on ebay in good condition

bought from a guy in Germany and it should be here by next week, i'll post a before picture here and an after picture once I install the new wheel.

if you look closely you can see the rubber on the wheel is peeling on the sides by the buttons .. apparently this happens to many owners? Since i'm OCD it bothered the hell out of me, fortunately the MTech wheels don't peel like that

xtrackdog · 09-13-2013, 03:34 PM

My project this weekend. M3 Steering Wheel with DCT paddles replacing Sport Steering Wheel with Steptronic paddles.

I will be PlastiDipping my trim which is peeling. That may take some time

OK just wanted to join in.

E46driver · 10-19-2013, 07:57 PM

Thanks to this thread saved myself 150$ and gained experience that I can use the rest of my life much appreciated. Took 1 1/2 hours. Used 2 different screw drivers, pliers, a wrench and a power drill for the 16mm bolt. Most difficult part for me was getting the airbag off. YouTube videos and rehearsing where my screwdriver should be hitting in my new wheel helped alot. Thanks again!!

Vehicle - 2009 e92 328i sport package.

gsimmons2005 · 10-24-2013, 04:15 PM

Hey,

So if I have a full wheel shipped (airbag, buttons and trim) as one peice, it should be even easier to do this?

I just need to take off the current wheel (non sport), disconnect airbage and wires, then simply put the new wheel on? Just put on the airbag pins, screew in the wheel, connect to airbag and lock it into place? thats it?

01-09-2013, 01:56 PM	#815
Siper2 Private 2 Rep 58 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 328xi wagon Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Harrisburg, PA iTrader: (0)	Just a guess, but was it not correctly placed on the column? I'd have to re-read the first posts in here, but I know on my old Subaru (on which I did an STi wheel swap), the wheel pushed on to a toothed spline, and you had to line it up correctly. So maybe it was installed "off" by just a little bit?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-22-2013, 02:05 PM	#818
mistryn Colonel 147 Rep 2,048 Posts Drives: BMW 335D Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Mids iTrader: (8)	It mentions torque wrench use, how tight should the nut be done up?
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03-04-2013, 02:02 PM	#819
SE3P_to_E90 Banned 228 Rep 3,031 Posts Drives: E90 Msport + E83 Msport Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: MD iTrader: (29)	Quick question for you guys... I recently got a Mtech steering wheel in the mail - airbag included. How can I take off the airbag on a steering wheel that's already detached? I tried looking for clips to take off the airbag, but don't see them... And i don't want to just pry the airbag off - for fear of breaking something. Thanks in advance! EDIT: ok... i realized this was a silly question. Once i started playing w/ the wheels, i realized that you just need to find those holes. For you guys who have a hard time finding those holes - refer to the picture below!! I've deliberately opened the hole just a little bit and took the picture as quickly as i can lol. If you look at the picture below, that hole is where you'll stick your screwdriver in to release those retaining clips. If you get one side of the airbag off and the other side is being stubborn (like mine was), I would encourage you to just clip the airbag back in and start on the other side... that's what i did, and it came out without a problem. Don't force anything! Make sure you get the clip and the airbag will pop out by itself... no need to pull hard or anything like that. Good luck! Attached Images Last edited by SE3P_to_E90; 03-05-2013 at 08:02 AM..
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03-05-2013, 12:58 PM	#820
BMWWW Private First Class 3 Rep 175 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (2)	The original post in the OP should really be updated with a few things: - the location of the slots up above - the different location of the airbag clips if coming from a non-sport wheel - and the problem with one of the hub's clips that require sanding down to fit if swapping from a non-sport wheel to an msport/m3 wheel: (refer to my thread here or post #774 in this thread and post #527 in this thread. Thanks! __________________ When called an idiot sometimes is better to be quiet than to open mouth and remove all doubt. Man who walk through airport turnstile sideways going to Bangkok. --Confucius
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03-21-2013, 01:48 AM	#821
Nafy Lieutenant 49 Rep 431 Posts Drives: 11 328i sedan Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	Thanks a lot for the DIY guide. I would appreciate if anyone can help me on this. My car has a heated non sport steering wheel. I am looking to replace it with the M steering wheel. Since mine is heated, is there a plug inside the steering wheel? And what do I do with the plug? Just leave it hanging inside the M steering wheel? Thanks again.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-21-2013, 08:35 AM	#823
bigdaddycane I even mod my cereal 245 Rep 3,441 Posts Drives: 11 ZCP DCT M3 14 328d 21 GT4 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Northern Va iTrader: (53) Garage List 2021 Porsche GT4 [0.00] 2014 BMW 328d Xdriv ... [0.00] 2011 BMW M3 [0.00]	nice write-up and pics, but 3 hours!?!?!? Holy S... I've done this twice in 15 minutes each time.... __________________ 2011 Mineral White M3 ZCP - Opticoat, Ventureshield, some CF, B&B exhaust, AFE Intake Vorsteiner VFF 101s Ohlins 2014 Mineral White 328d Xdrive Wagon - Opticoat, Ventureshield, B8s, H&R, Apex SM-10s Hawk Pads 2021 718 Cayman GT4 - Fire extinguiser
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03-22-2013, 02:16 AM	#827
Nafy Lieutenant 49 Rep 431 Posts Drives: 11 328i sedan Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	Thanks SE3P to E90. I think leaving the plug unplugged is the way to go and I may put the original wheel back on when it's time to let her go.
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04-05-2013, 04:39 PM	#829
Agent11br Major 450 Rep 1,369 Posts Drives: F80 M3 6MT Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Birmingham, MI iTrader: (39) Garage List 2019 Jeep Wrangler ... [0.00] 2015 BMW F80 M3 [0.00]	Helpful, thanks OP! __________________ 15 F80 M3 Mineral Grey/Black 6MT
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04-05-2013, 09:29 PM	#830
shamu2789 Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 272 Posts Drives: BMW E92 '07 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Boston/Portland, ME iTrader: (0)	Just used this DIY. So helpful. Appreciated. __________________ Afe Stage 2 Magnum Intake - Custom SS Exhaust - AG M359 Staggered - CF spoiler
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09-05-2013, 04:44 PM	#832
Tim Cuculic Private 2 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hell's Kitchen, NYC iTrader: (0)	Anyone planning this mod may find this video helpful: __________________ 2008 335i - Manual Transmission. BMS JB4 PNP – Map 3, BMS Dual Cone Intake, BMS Modified Clutch Valve, ar design 3" Catless Downpipes, Coolingmist System X Meth Kit with DevilsOwn 2.25 Gallon Sumped Tank. "If everyone used their real name on the internet, all these sickening pathetic cowards would talk a lot less shit."
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09-08-2013, 09:31 AM	#833
trope New Member 0 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Sport Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Just bought an MTech wheel to replace my normal sports wheel today It was actually hard to find the Mtech wheel with the perforated leather like OP has but I eventually found a used one on ebay in good condition bought from a guy in Germany and it should be here by next week, i'll post a before picture here and an after picture once I install the new wheel. if you look closely you can see the rubber on the wheel is peeling on the sides by the buttons .. apparently this happens to many owners? Since i'm OCD it bothered the hell out of me, fortunately the MTech wheels don't peel like that
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-13-2013, 03:34 PM	#834
xtrackdog Private 6 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Oregon iTrader: (0)	My project this weekend. M3 Steering Wheel with DCT paddles replacing Sport Steering Wheel with Steptronic paddles. I will be PlastiDipping my trim which is peeling. That may take some time OK just wanted to join in.
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10-19-2013, 07:57 PM	#835
E46driver Captain 78 Rep 739 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 N51 328i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Rowland Heights iTrader: (4)	Thanks to this thread saved myself 150$ and gained experience that I can use the rest of my life much appreciated. Took 1 1/2 hours. Used 2 different screw drivers, pliers, a wrench and a power drill for the 16mm bolt. Most difficult part for me was getting the airbag off. YouTube videos and rehearsing where my screwdriver should be hitting in my new wheel helped alot. Thanks again!! Vehicle - 2009 e92 328i sport package. __________________ 2009 Alpine White E92 N51 328i Automagic \| Premium & Sport Pkg. \| Coral Red/Black Dakota Leather Interior \| M-Spor \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| Active Autowerke Headers \| BBS CH-R \| CPS Front Lip \| Performance Front Grills \| 888Concepts Custom Headlights (GONE) 2011 Alpine White E90 N55 335i Automagic
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10-24-2013, 04:15 PM	#836
gsimmons2005 New Member 0 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 335i 2011 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Hey, So if I have a full wheel shipped (airbag, buttons and trim) as one peice, it should be even easier to do this? I just need to take off the current wheel (non sport), disconnect airbage and wires, then simply put the new wheel on? Just put on the airbag pins, screew in the wheel, connect to airbag and lock it into place? thats it?
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