[lpphreakx06]

Hey e90post.

I initially did the install a few months ago, but then I had to readjust some of the alcantara so I decided to take pictures.



You can get the replacement trims from Tischer BMW @ www.getbmwparts.com
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462
Come's in 3 different flavors.

So let get started..

Here are the tools you'll need

-Trim removial tools
-t-20 torx bit
-a 1/4 ratchet
-or a screwdriver handle with a 1/4 size on it


There are 3 t-20 size screws holding the trim down, one on the bottom and one on each side near the paddle shifters.



Start by undoing the torx screw with the t-20 bit

Just loosen it enough so you can move the trim, the screw didnt fall out for me.

Now start loosening the other 2

If you can't fit your tool behind the wheel because of the awkward angle you can rotate the wheel.


Now you should be able to shimmey the trim off.

I started with the right side. Now would be a good time to use the trim removal tools just so you dont snap it



Try not to tug on it too hard because there is a wire that is tucked along the inside and the multi function buttons are still attached

Just get your finger in there and move it out of the way.

Now use phillips screwdriver and de-tech the multi function buttons.

There is one on each side and the screw is toward the top

At this point the trim should just come off, now get your new one and put it all back together

[canucklion]

nicely done, bravo

[ToadHollow]

Awesome and perfect timing with the post ....... Thanks Canuck!

[lpphreakx06]

Np guys!

[fn_]

I followed your instructions and was able to loosen the 3 torx screws, but was not successful in taking out the plastic steering wheel trim. I tried for a half hour and still could not get it out, although I did loosen it.

I don't have those trim removal tools as you shown, but can I use a screwdriver and can you include in your notes on where exactly did you place them (provide pictures) and did you try to pry up down with the tool?

Sorry for the detail questions, but I really want to get the Carbon Fiber trim that I found. From looking at the add and from what you did, do you know if this will fit my 2008 BMW 335i E90 (4-door) w/ shift paddles? It says it is made to fit sport steering wheel only, how do I know if mine is a sport steering wheel?

http://www.carbeyondstore.com/images...-0185-01-E.jpg
http://www.carbeyondstore.com/images...-0185-02-E.jpg

Thanks again for any help anyone can provide me.

[Lotus99]

I thought I read in another post that the airbag needs to be removed first according to the DIY in this thread?

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19680

You didn't have to remove yours?

[E92-Lighting]

nice writeup

[mr_biased]

Thanks for the great post! Helped out a lot!

[lpphreakx06]

You're welcome..!

[arhim22]

where can you buy the steering wheel trims? mine is peeling

[I335]

Popping out the airbag first makes this process a lot easier! There's a DIY on that too. This shouldn't take more than a few minutes if you pop out the airbag first. New trim looks great though!

[willmorg]

Thanks for the great article. I was able to do this without removing the airbag, but it does take some patience. As lpphreakx06 said, you need to "shimmy" the cover off. I used a very small screw drive to "unlock" the two lock tabs that is above the multi function buttons.

Again, thanks for the great post. Now my steering wheel looks good as new.

[Gotadime]

Awesome write-up. I'll almost undoubtedly use this.

[lux.sh]

I followed this guide since I didn't want to deal with removing the airbag.
I just replaced my stock steering wheel trim that was peeling off to a carbon fiber one.

"Shimmy" definitely is the keyword and you will end up using some force.
be VERY careful not to bust it out. Pull it out side by side with some force, slowly.
After that, fitting the new piece can be a b**ch. Just reverse steps, but still a PITA.

thank you for a great guide!

[dvl]

How did you unlock the tabs above the multi functions buttons? I struggled for almost 1hour in vain ....

Originally Posted by willmorg

Thanks for the great article. I was able to do this without removing the airbag, but it does take some patience. As lpphreakx06 said, you need to "shimmy" the cover off. I used a very small screw drive to "unlock" the two lock tabs that is above the multi function buttons.

Again, thanks for the great post. Now my steering wheel looks good as new.

[Bakeme521]

Originally Posted by fn_

I followed your instructions and was able to loosen the 3 torx screws, but was not successful in taking out the plastic steering wheel trim. I tried for a half hour and still could not get it out, although I did loosen it.

I don't have those trim removal tools as you shown, but can I use a screwdriver and can you include in your notes on where exactly did you place them (provide pictures) and did you try to pry up down with the tool?

Sorry for the detail questions, but I really want to get the Carbon Fiber trim that I found. From looking at the add and from what you did, do you know if this will fit my 2008 BMW 335i E90 (4-door) w/ shift paddles? It says it is made to fit sport steering wheel only, how do I know if mine is a sport steering wheel?

http://www.carbeyondstore.com/images...-0185-01-E.jpg
http://www.carbeyondstore.com/images...-0185-02-E.jpg

Thanks again for any help anyone can provide me.

Had the same problem when I pulled mine off a while back, did you pull the plastics tabs that go in the rubber of the steering wheel out of the top? Right above the multi function buttons? Thats what happened to me when I realized thats' what was holding it, I just took a flathead and pushed down on the plastic tab lightly and it popped out.

[Bakeme521]

just realized this thread is over a year old, but no one ever responded to his question. Oh well, I hope it can help.

[IancoleTX]

Just CFed my steering wheel trim, thanks for the awesome write up

[IancoleTX]

Helpful tips:
1. The three screws don't come out once they're unscrewed.
2. Work one side of the trim up over the wheel, and then it will come off.
3. Don't worry about popping the multifunction tabs, just unscrew them from the trim and undo the wire. Took maybe 15 minutes to take it off and like 3 to put it back on.

[Higgs1]

can someone help me out with a part number? I have an 06 330i and the steering wheel started peeling. I'd love to replace it with the one from the 07 3series that has the silver sides to the trim. Do they fit the 06 e90s too? And what is the number so I can order it off tischer soon?

I found this one 32306792576 but it says something about paddle shifters, which i do not have on my car, will it still fit?

Thanks for any help! This writeup made it easy for me to make the decision to fix this problem!

[lpphreakx06]

Sorry for not answering questions. The multifunction buttons are just attached by the screws, they come off with a bit of force

[lpphreakx06]

Been over a year but my steering wheel still looks the same!