[DANMACINSD]

So I decided to go ahead and do all of the installs myself. Here are some comments that will hopefully help you all out. I consider my mechanical skill level above average (I have rebuilt a 350 engine myself). That being said, here are some pics and comments of what I discovered.

First and foremost, I used the various DIY posts on here to accomplish all.

The steering wheel was first. I had ordered the BMW Performance (non-electronic) in Alcantra leather. It is a nice stout beautifully crafted wheel. I ordered the alcantra trim with it as well. I have the sports package and paddle shifters.

I was apprehensive about doing the steering wheel swap myself, but it was the easiest thing I have ever done. It helps to look (and play with) the airbag release clips on the new steering wheel before you go out and take yours off. Once I saw how the clips work, I had my airbag off in 20 sec (after disconnecting power of course). The other nuts and bolts were pretty self explanatory. The electronic clips on the airbag can be tricky, but definitely take your time with these. I'm guessing if you bust one, you're phooked. I then removed the whole wheel and transferred the paddles and trim in the house. All of this was pretty easy. I then re-installed and torqued main bolt to 46 ft lbs. A notch and mark on the steering wheel prevent you from installing it crooked.

Next was the trim. All trim was easy to remove with the following exceptions: the wire connector that goes to the hazard light, DTC area on the dash piece is a MOFO. I nearly jacked my wire harness up doing this. I have big hands and my needle nose kept slipping and marring the wire harness. Take your time with this. I never was able to get the ashtray cover off either, but I was able to apply vinyl on it successfully without removal. All other pieces were fairly easy.

I bought the 3M dinoc vinyl from one of the websites on here. It was good quality stuff and looks pretty good. It does not need additional adhesive like formula 77 or anything. It was the first time I have ever wrapped anything. My advice for this is simple. I started out quick and trying to rush things. DON'T!! The key to success is to have a heat gun or hair dryer and take your time around bends. Heat it up and work it. Heat, lift, stretch and apply. Repeat if necessary multiple times. You will be surprised at how many wrinkles and hard spots you can get through by doing this method. By the end, it was a cinch...and they were starting to look really good.

The last mod was the BMW performance shifter. This unit has matching alcantra leather and is slightly shorter than stock shifter. In retrospect, I may remove the knob and have the shift pattern engraved on top. But it looks and feels nice. I know several members have had problems removing these. I am fairly strong and workout regularly but no Arnold. It does appear to have a lock connection on it, what I mean is that if you jerk up quickly it seems to not engage the lock and makes it easier. I just grabbed it, and yanked up hard and quick...it came right off first time. The boot and everything was pretty cut and dry when I had it removed for vinyl wrap.

Without further delay, here are some pics...

[DANMACINSD]

Right after the install, I drove the car from San Diego to my new duty station in Bremerton, WA. I stopped at mom's in northern CA. The whole trip was about 1300 miles, I averaged 72 mph, and the car got 26 mpg! It drove like a champ the whole way.

By the way, the weather in WA SUCKS!! I miss San Diego!

[hipnotic]

i like the interior

[forza1976]

Looks great!

[DANMACINSD]

Thanks!

[DimSum]

Advan Rs Ftw.

[forza1976]

Originally Posted by DimSum

Advan Rs Ftw.

No kidding.

[lpphreakx06]

Nice!

Not enjoying WA?

[ibeclueless]

looks nice

[remmib]

Very cool interior.

[DANMACINSD]

Originally Posted by lpphreakx06

Nice!

Not enjoying WA?

It's plenty beautiful...I'm just spoiled with the weather in San Diego. For example, it's 80 degrees down there today!