Msport Steering Wheel DIY

andy_06xi · 11-22-2006, 12:40 PM

I have a non-IDrive equipped car. If I swap in an 'M' steering wheel with IDrive switches -- will the switches still work? I suspect that the only difference are the icons printed on the inner 2 switches on the right hand side -- but does anyone know for sure?

Note that you can see the different Icons in this thread. bararian19 has the non-IDrive switches. boss823 has the IDrive ones.

Don't tell me to use my old switches -- I'm coming from a non-sport wheel so the switches won't fit -- although it is possible that I could swap the switch caps.

bavarian19 · 11-24-2006, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Anyone done the swap with a new M cover yet?

Get the M cover. It matches the contours of the msport wheel. The current faceplates do not mathc up perfectly...

bavarian19 · 11-24-2006, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy_06xi

I have a non-IDrive equipped car. If I swap in an 'M' steering wheel with IDrive switches -- will the switches still work? I suspect that the only difference are the icons printed on the inner 2 switches on the right hand side -- but does anyone know for sure?

Note that you can see the different Icons in this thread. bararian19 has the non-IDrive switches. boss823 has the IDrive ones.

Don't tell me to use my old switches -- I'm coming from a non-sport wheel so the switches won't fit -- although it is possible that I could swap the switch caps.

If your coming from a non-sport wheel, you will need new buttons. Im sure if you were to go to your dealership, they can order the right parts for you.

In most sport wheels, you just reuse the buttons you have. My current car does not have idrive, hence the different buttons. Those that have idrive will have different buttons than what I posted in my DIY...

joserse46 · 11-28-2006, 11:01 AM

I have 330i with a non sport wheel and was wondering if the E92 335i wheel would work with the paddle shifters?

Sho · 11-28-2006, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tman

I can't confirm it other than the fact that I put my lights on when I reconnected the battery and all is fine. Since I worked on the wheel twice, I've done it twice and all is ok.

Cool, I will turn the lights on. Do i need the key in the slot?

tman · 11-28-2006, 12:38 PM

good question. i can't specifically recall, but I think the key was in the slot. i'm not sure if the headlights come on without it though.

Sho · 11-30-2006, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tman

good question. i can't specifically recall, but I think the key was in the slot. i'm not sure if the headlights come on without it though.

Ok, I will put the key in the slot and turn the light switch to "on". Without the key, the lights won't be on.

JBM · 12-01-2006, 05:40 PM

Wel, although it may be pricey, I think this will be my first mod to my car. I was wondering if someone can confirm for me all the necessary parts I would need to change over a non-Sport multifunction steering wheel with a M-sport wheel.

Here's my car info: 325xi, non-sport, I-Drive.

Here's what I think I need with part numbers:
1. M-sport steering wheel (obviously), 32307906846
2. Sport air bag, 32306770353
3. M-sport steering wheel, 32307906848

Now, I'm trying to find a sport airbag for a little bit less than the RealOEM.com quoted price of $803.52. I tried the search on the internet and the wheel guy in Sweden has some airbags. I was wondering if anyone else knew of another way to get one. I thought about going to a junkyard. But most likely if the E90 got totalled, I'm sure the airbag went off. And if it didn't, I don't think I want to use it.

And my last question, sorry for all this . . . but does the steering wheel have the M-sport logo on it? Or does it come without it?

Thanks a lot. I really appreciate it. And Bavarian, you rock!

triton. · 12-02-2006, 12:46 AM

What's a good price for the ///M Cover? Also does anyknow know if the 335 cover style with the silver trim is also compatible?

amf88 · 12-03-2006, 02:36 PM

Thanks to bavarian19 for the excellent instructions.

I came across one snag, does any one have any ideas.

The airbag (as my photo, which i hope has loaded up) is fully clicked into place with the hooks, however theres a 5mm gap round the edges.

Unfortunately, i'd reconnected the battery etc before i realised, so thought I'd ask first before taking it to bits again. There are only 2 things i think it can be. 1. the backing plate has not been screwed down enough (it was preinstalled, and i didn't check it. or 2. the airbag cover itself is not covering the airbag properly.

Do you think I'm on the right track, any ideas anyone?
cheers

bavarian19 · 12-03-2006, 07:49 PM

I assume you pushed your airbag unit very hard into the wheel. You should hear a small click on the right and left side of the airbag when it clips into place.

If you have already pushed down really hard, then your problem is the metal plate in the back of the wheel. You will need to take your airbag off again and tighten everything down. Are you sure you transferred the spring clips from your old wheel to the new???

PM me if you have any more problems...

amf88 · 12-05-2006, 03:13 PM

Thanks for the reply Bavarian

Heres an update for all, problem still unresolved, well not totally.

It appears as if the actual airbag cover and backplate are incorrect (as first photo below). I am not sue what part no. is, but will post once I've replaced the unit so everyone can avoid it.

The correct bag (I believe, picture 2) part no.32306770515 is on its way and I very much look forward to its installation.

Anyone know what this wrong bag could be for, standard sport wheel????
If anyone also has a use for it, please get in touch, otherwise check out ebay in the UK in the next couple of days.

bavarian19 · 12-05-2006, 05:02 PM

I dont see any differences in the bag. One has the connectors, and the other does not. I am pretty sure they are the same bag (I say this without looking up PN's).

Did you not connect the clips in the back of the bag?

Was the old bag off of a sport package equipped E90?

Greeney · 12-05-2006, 05:24 PM

Can someone take a more detailed photo maybe from the side, of where you have to stick the screw driver to get the airbag off?

andy_06xi · 12-06-2006, 10:32 PM

I'm trying to understand what I need to put the M-Sport wheel onto a non-sport-wheel equipped car and I'm puzzled. I can see from the photo's how the regular sport airbag clips in to a regular sport wheel back plate. But the M-Sport wheel back plate has no place for the airbag clips. So how does a 'native' M-Sport setup work? Is the 'native' M-Sport airbag different from the regular sport airbag? It seems like I need either:

a) an airbag specifically meant for the M-Sport wheel, or
b) a back plate from a regular sport wheel

Is either of these available?

amf88 · 12-07-2006, 03:57 PM

hmmm, makes a lot of sense, and perhaps why my standard sport bag didn't fit in the m tech wheel.

Simple answer is get the m tech everything, even if it ends up costing a little more.

youyou · 12-08-2006, 02:47 AM

Hi,
I have read through this thread and have not found an answer...
I have a 335 coupe E92 on order..
I have the sport package on it.
Will i be able to swap my E92 sport steering wheel for this one.
All the people that have done it have E90's.
I contacted the guy from Sweden on Ebay and he said that he thinks it should fit.
Can anyone here confirm that it does?
I have Idrive as well. Do i need to change some buttons or are they all the same?
And lastly i know you people have said that it is thicker and softer then the original sport steering wheel. But does this apply for E92's as well or just the sport steering wheels on E90's.
Thank you.

2323 · 12-08-2006, 03:06 PM

I believe M Sport air bag is the same as the standard sport air bag. They have the same part number. You can compare it here: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.d...23&hg=32&fg=35

Quote:

Originally Posted by amf88

hmmm, makes a lot of sense, and perhaps why my standard sport bag didn't fit in the m tech wheel.

Simple answer is get the m tech everything, even if it ends up costing a little more.

bavarian19 · 12-08-2006, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by youyou

Hi,
I have read through this thread and have not found an answer...
I have a 335 coupe E92 on order..
I have the sport package on it.
Will i be able to swap my E92 sport steering wheel for this one.
All the people that have done it have E90's.
I contacted the guy from Sweden on Ebay and he said that he thinks it should fit.
Can anyone here confirm that it does?
I have Idrive as well. Do i need to change some buttons or are they all the same?
And lastly i know you people have said that it is thicker and softer then the original sport steering wheel. But does this apply for E92's as well or just the sport steering wheels on E90's.
Thank you.

I can not 100% confirm this, but I an 99% sure that they use the exact same wheels, so the msport should work...

bavarian19 · 12-08-2006, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amf88

hmmm, makes a lot of sense, and perhaps why my standard sport bag didn't fit in the m tech wheel.

Simple answer is get the m tech everything, even if it ends up costing a little more.

It really is the same airbag... dont waste money...

something else is off... I really think your missing the clips behind it, or they are not properly secured...

amf88 · 12-09-2006, 02:52 PM

Well, just to tease us all, they go and bring out a new m-tech wheel with triple coloured stitching etc etc...what can I say *&^*%&^"

Courtesy of Albert the Swede ( He has 2 for sale)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E90-E91-E8...QQcmdZViewItem

obLu · 12-09-2006, 04:13 PM

I've read through the entire thread and have one question. I've got a zsp wheel, can I order the above wheel and just swap my current wheel cover and my airbag cover? Or do I have to specifically purchase an m-sport wheel cover and a m-sport airbag cover?

11-22-2006, 12:40 PM	#111
andy_06xi Second Lieutenant 74 Rep 249 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1)	I-Drive vs Non-IDrive switches I have a non-IDrive equipped car. If I swap in an 'M' steering wheel with IDrive switches -- will the switches still work? I suspect that the only difference are the icons printed on the inner 2 switches on the right hand side -- but does anyone know for sure? Note that you can see the different Icons in this thread. bararian19 has the non-IDrive switches. boss823 has the IDrive ones. Don't tell me to use my old switches -- I'm coming from a non-sport wheel so the switches won't fit -- although it is possible that I could swap the switch caps.
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11-28-2006, 11:01 AM	#114
joserse46 New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	I have 330i with a non sport wheel and was wondering if the E92 335i wheel would work with the paddle shifters?
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11-28-2006, 12:38 PM	#116
tman Lieutenant Colonel 44 Rep 1,511 Posts Drives: 2014 i3 BEV Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Guelph, Ontario iTrader: (11) Garage List 2014 i3 BEV [0.00]	good question. i can't specifically recall, but I think the key was in the slot. i'm not sure if the headlights come on without it though. __________________ OMG! Born Electric 10/17/2018! 2014 I01 i3 BEV 2011 E91 328i xDRIVE TOURING \| 2010 F83 X3 3.0i xDRIVE \| 2006 E90 330i 6MT (Ret)
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12-01-2006, 05:40 PM	#118
JBM Private 27 Rep 68 Posts Drives: 2013 335xi . . . Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Indianapolis, IN iTrader: (0)	Non-Sport to M-Sport Wheel . . . Wel, although it may be pricey, I think this will be my first mod to my car. I was wondering if someone can confirm for me all the necessary parts I would need to change over a non-Sport multifunction steering wheel with a M-sport wheel. Here's my car info: 325xi, non-sport, I-Drive. Here's what I think I need with part numbers: 1. M-sport steering wheel (obviously), 32307906846 2. Sport air bag, 32306770353 3. M-sport steering wheel, 32307906848 Now, I'm trying to find a sport airbag for a little bit less than the RealOEM.com quoted price of $803.52. I tried the search on the internet and the wheel guy in Sweden has some airbags. I was wondering if anyone else knew of another way to get one. I thought about going to a junkyard. But most likely if the E90 got totalled, I'm sure the airbag went off. And if it didn't, I don't think I want to use it. And my last question, sorry for all this . . . but does the steering wheel have the M-sport logo on it? Or does it come without it? Thanks a lot. I really appreciate it. And Bavarian, you rock!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-02-2006, 12:46 AM	#119
triton. Captain 63 Rep 805 Posts Drives: 2009 Honda Fit Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Wilmington, DE iTrader: (7) Garage List 2009 FIT [2.00]	What's a good price for the ///M Cover? Also does anyknow know if the 335 cover style with the silver trim is also compatible? __________________ 2009 GE8 Fit SPORT AT Navi - Blue Sensation Pearl My E90 OEM Front/Side Bumpers for Sale -Here
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12-03-2006, 02:36 PM	#120
amf88 New Member 0 Rep 13 Posts Drives: e91 325i SE Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: oxford, uk iTrader: (0)	M sport air bag gap!?! Thanks to bavarian19 for the excellent instructions. I came across one snag, does any one have any ideas. The airbag (as my photo, which i hope has loaded up) is fully clicked into place with the hooks, however theres a 5mm gap round the edges. Unfortunately, i'd reconnected the battery etc before i realised, so thought I'd ask first before taking it to bits again. There are only 2 things i think it can be. 1. the backing plate has not been screwed down enough (it was preinstalled, and i didn't check it. or 2. the airbag cover itself is not covering the airbag properly. Do you think I'm on the right track, any ideas anyone? cheers Attached Images
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12-03-2006, 07:49 PM	#121
bavarian19 General 517 Rep 18,858 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	I assume you pushed your airbag unit very hard into the wheel. You should hear a small click on the right and left side of the airbag when it clips into place. If you have already pushed down really hard, then your problem is the metal plate in the back of the wheel. You will need to take your airbag off again and tighten everything down. Are you sure you transferred the spring clips from your old wheel to the new??? PM me if you have any more problems...
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12-05-2006, 03:13 PM	#122
amf88 New Member 0 Rep 13 Posts Drives: e91 325i SE Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: oxford, uk iTrader: (0)	Airbag problem update Thanks for the reply Bavarian Heres an update for all, problem still unresolved, well not totally. It appears as if the actual airbag cover and backplate are incorrect (as first photo below). I am not sue what part no. is, but will post once I've replaced the unit so everyone can avoid it. The correct bag (I believe, picture 2) part no.32306770515 is on its way and I very much look forward to its installation. Anyone know what this wrong bag could be for, standard sport wheel???? If anyone also has a use for it, please get in touch, otherwise check out ebay in the UK in the next couple of days. Attached Images
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12-05-2006, 05:02 PM	#123
bavarian19 General 517 Rep 18,858 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	I dont see any differences in the bag. One has the connectors, and the other does not. I am pretty sure they are the same bag (I say this without looking up PN's). Did you not connect the clips in the back of the bag? Was the old bag off of a sport package equipped E90?
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12-05-2006, 05:24 PM	#124
Greeney Brigadier General 213 Rep 3,835 Posts Drives: Jerez E90 M3 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Westchester, NY / Fort Lauderdale, FL iTrader: (4)	Can someone take a more detailed photo maybe from the side, of where you have to stick the screw driver to get the airbag off? __________________ 11' E90 M3 6MT \| Jerez Black \| Black Ext./Carbon \| ZCP \| ZCW \| ZPP \| ZTP \| 302 \| 403 \| 507 \| 5AC \| 655 \| 6FL \| 752 \| 15' F80 M3 6MT \| Black Saphire \| Black Full \| ZEC \| ZLP \| 2VF \| 2VZ \| 5DL \| 688 \|
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12-06-2006, 10:32 PM	#125
andy_06xi Second Lieutenant 74 Rep 249 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1)	I'm trying to understand what I need to put the M-Sport wheel onto a non-sport-wheel equipped car and I'm puzzled. I can see from the photo's how the regular sport airbag clips in to a regular sport wheel back plate. But the M-Sport wheel back plate has no place for the airbag clips. So how does a 'native' M-Sport setup work? Is the 'native' M-Sport airbag different from the regular sport airbag? It seems like I need either: a) an airbag specifically meant for the M-Sport wheel, or b) a back plate from a regular sport wheel Is either of these available?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2006, 03:57 PM	#126
amf88 New Member 0 Rep 13 Posts Drives: e91 325i SE Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: oxford, uk iTrader: (0)	hmmm, makes a lot of sense, and perhaps why my standard sport bag didn't fit in the m tech wheel. Simple answer is get the m tech everything, even if it ends up costing a little more.
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12-08-2006, 02:47 AM	#127
youyou Banned 92 Rep 2,453 Posts Drives: Porsche 997 C4S Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	Hi, I have read through this thread and have not found an answer... I have a 335 coupe E92 on order.. I have the sport package on it. Will i be able to swap my E92 sport steering wheel for this one. All the people that have done it have E90's. I contacted the guy from Sweden on Ebay and he said that he thinks it should fit. Can anyone here confirm that it does? I have Idrive as well. Do i need to change some buttons or are they all the same? And lastly i know you people have said that it is thicker and softer then the original sport steering wheel. But does this apply for E92's as well or just the sport steering wheels on E90's. Thank you.
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12-09-2006, 02:52 PM	#131
amf88 New Member 0 Rep 13 Posts Drives: e91 325i SE Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: oxford, uk iTrader: (0)	teaser Well, just to tease us all, they go and bring out a new m-tech wheel with triple coloured stitching etc etc...what can I say &^%&^" Courtesy of Albert the Swede ( He has 2 for sale) http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E90-E91-E8...QQcmdZViewItem Attached Images Last edited by amf88; 12-09-2006 at 04:36 PM..
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12-09-2006, 04:13 PM	#132
obLu Major 50 Rep 1,159 Posts Drives: 330i 6MT ZSP Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Kirkland, WA, USA iTrader: (1)	I've read through the entire thread and have one question. I've got a zsp wheel, can I order the above wheel and just swap my current wheel cover and my airbag cover? Or do I have to specifically purchase an m-sport wheel cover and a m-sport airbag cover?
	Appreciate 0 Quote