Msport Steering Wheel DIY

toughluck · 10-19-2008, 04:45 PM

Just replaced my sport steering wheel with the m-technic sold by qalbeli on ebay. Here is my contribution to this D.I.Y.

I was a bit confused on where to insert the screwdriver to release the spring holding the airbag. It took me a while to figure out there was a 'hidden' hole on the back on the steering wheel to insert the screwdriver.

The screwdriver only had to be inserted maybe 1/4" before I hit the spring. You do not have to insert the screwdriver very deep!

Barmats · 10-23-2008, 05:14 PM

This was a confusing part for me, as well. I didn't know what poking the screwdriver through the hole would do, and it took some experimentation and turning of the blade to get it just right. The flat part of the blade must be horizontal in order to press against the vertical airbag spring. Once you have one side off, the other is a piece of cake.

stamd1 · 11-08-2008, 08:26 AM

I replaced my sport paddle shift steering wheel with a perf. M sport steering wheel with paddle cutouts purchased from Qalbeli. After reading two previous posts from two members who did not disconnect the battery, I decided to go this route. I opened the driver's side door and returned after aprox. 20min. when the car was in sleep mode. Replaced the wheel and also the front cover with a M sports cover purchased from Tischer BMW. I thought the hardest parts of the procedure were removing the connectors including those for the paddle shifters and loosening the 16mm bolt. I had my wife hold onto the wheel and had my legs pressed up agianst the wheel to keep it from moving. Overall fairly simple procedure for someone mechanically skilled.
Started up the car with no error lights!

Barmats · 11-08-2008, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stamd1

After reading two previous posts from two members who did not disconnect the battery, I decided to go this route. I opened the driver's side door and returned after aprox. 20min. when the car was in sleep mode.

I'm going to be pulling my airbag tomorrow to change the step paddles to DCT paddles, and really don't want to disconnect the battery like I did for the steering wheel swap. On the E93, it's a major operation to expose the battery, and with temps below freezing tomorrow, the plastic panels will be stiff.

How do you know when the car is in sleep mode? Does one just assume that it is after 20 minutes or is there a way to confirm? And... is waking it back up as simple as closing the door?

stamd1 · 11-09-2008, 08:42 PM

I really don't know how to tell the car is in sleep mode. I opened the drivers door and just made sure all the interior lights were off and the horn did not work before beginning the install. I made sure that my comfort access key was not near the car. I only kept the drivers door open. My guess is that you don't even have to be in sleep mode since when the car is off, the horn does not work. I did notice during the install that a small orange light on the steptronic auto shift console housing was still on.

beer ad · 11-26-2008, 06:00 PM

Mod complete! OP thanks for the help!

However, without the post #485 pics, I may still be out there fishing for a spring..angle is everything!

I can't wait for the drive to Asheville NC on Saturday... this, along with the perforated M3 knob and handbrake from Tischer, makes me a happy boy!

Next weekend... MOST iPod retrofit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by e90im

Thanks to great info, install went flawlessly. Only issue was the airbag spring.
So, my little contribution is the photo of the back of the plate where spring is clearly visible. The point is to push the screwdriver as the arrows show. DO NOT hold screwdriver horizontally. Hope this helps.

tjnptel1 · 11-29-2008, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stamd1

I replaced my sport paddle shift steering wheel with a perf. M sport steering wheel with paddle cutouts purchased from Qalbeli.

Do you have a link or part number for this steering wheel ?

yamazaho · 11-29-2008, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toughluck

I was a bit confused on where to insert the screwdriver to release the spring holding the airbag. It took me a while to figure out there was a 'hidden' hole on the back on the steering wheel to insert the screwdriver.

Perfect shot of the hole on the back of the steering wheels. Yeah when I did mine like a LONG TIME ago, it took me literally 30 minutes to realize the locations of the holes, it was CONFUSING!!!

11-29-2008, 07:07 PM

Anyone else have a extra backing plate and want to sell it pm me ASAP!
Thanks

bimmer335guy · 12-15-2008, 04:10 PM

Can anyone tell me why I see 3 different types of M wheels here?

1. M wheel with color stiches.

2. M wheel without color stiches but holes.

3. M wheel with color stiches and holes.

a l l a n · 12-15-2008, 04:59 PM

Thanks to Bavarian19 for this DIY!

Did my non-sport to M3 wheel swap last Sunday. It was an easy swap for me as I had the entire M3 wheel kit. Took less than 30 mins with more than half the time spent on being extra careful and taking some pics.

Barmats · 12-15-2008, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmer335guy

Can anyone tell me why I see 3 different types of M wheels here?

1. M wheel with color stiches.

2. M wheel without color stiches but holes.

3. M wheel with color stiches and holes.

#1 is the M3 wheel. #2 is the M-Tech wheel. #3 is either the M-Tech or M3 wheel with tri-color stitching. You'll also see versions of each wheel with and without paddles. The only wheel I haven't seen yet is the M-Tech perforated leather with tri-color stitching and paddles (either step or DCT).

josephr25 · 12-16-2008, 11:36 PM

Bought the wheel from qalbeli on eBay, but have yet to hear from him. I got the M-sport w/ tri-color stitching and M-cover after seeing good things from people in this forum. How long did you guys wait for any type of response?

bimmer335guy · 12-17-2008, 12:40 AM

So I have a 2007 335i with no sports. I just got a M tri-color stitching wheel. The wheel comes with the M trim and the steering clock spring. I understand I need a multifunction buttons and a sports airbag. Am I missing anything else? Do I need the airbag bracket? Here is the link to the item I bought on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=180313251045

Also can someone post the part number for the multifunction buttons and the airbag. I tried calling circle bmw but they said there were 3 different part numbers for the multifunction buttons depending upon my cars either auto, manual and some other stuff. I have an auto but why the hell is this so confusing? I notice that the multifunction key for recirculating air and radio input have different symbols in some of the pictures here. My car has the picture of the readio button and a circle for recirculating rather then the triangle and star.

a l l a n · 12-17-2008, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kampfer

Bought the wheel from qalbeli on eBay, but have yet to hear from him. I got the M-sport w/ tri-color stitching and M-cover after seeing good things from people in this forum. How long did you guys wait for any type of response?

He usually responds the following day due to time difference. But if you have no questions for him he might not respond and ship out your order in a day or two. At least that was my experience.

a l l a n · 12-17-2008, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmer335guy

So I have a 2007 335i with no sports. I just got a M tri-color stitching wheel. The wheel comes with the M trim and the steering clock spring. I understand I need a multifunction buttons and a sports airbag. Am I missing anything else? Do I need the airbag bracket? Here is the link to the item I bought on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=180313251045

Also can someone post the part number for the multifunction buttons and the airbag. I tried calling circle bmw but they said there were 3 different part numbers for the multifunction buttons depending upon my cars either auto, manual and some other stuff. I have an auto but why the hell is this so confusing? I notice that the multifunction key for recirculating air and radio input have different symbols in some of the pictures here. My car has the picture of the readio button and a circle for recirculating rather then the triangle and star.

It looks like you'll only need the multifunction buttons and airbag. The airbag though is quite pricey.

The button would still work the same old way. It's just now mislabelled. PM Jason or Evan @ Tischer. They should be able to get you the correct MF part.

josephr25 · 12-17-2008, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a l l a n

He usually responds the following day due to time difference. But if you have no questions for him he might not respond and ship out your order in a day or two. At least that was my experience.

I sent him a message to go w/ the won eBay auction, a message concerning the particular wheel, and yet another message about the extra money paid for the M-cover.

I am not too worried since everybody here seems to like him; maybe he's on vacation

bimmer335guy · 12-17-2008, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a l l a n

It looks like you'll only need the multifunction buttons and airbag. The airbag though is quite pricey.

The button would still work the same old way. It's just now mislabelled. PM Jason or Evan @ Tischer. They should be able to get you the correct MF part.

Does anyone know if I can get the buttons that are not mislabelled and the part number for that?

mesropb23 · 12-17-2008, 01:25 PM

hey you guys do the 335i step paddles fit the M3 wheel cover on a M3 steering wheel??

Barmats · 12-17-2008, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mesropb23

hey you guys do the 335i step paddles fit the M3 wheel cover on a M3 steering wheel??

If you're asking if the step paddles fit on the M3 wheel... there is a slight modification required, but it will work: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=172764

Barmats · 12-17-2008, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kampfer

Bought the wheel from qalbeli on eBay, but have yet to hear from him. I got the M-sport w/ tri-color stitching and M-cover after seeing good things from people in this forum. How long did you guys wait for any type of response?

I received my wheel 4 days after I ordered it. I had no questions for him, and didn't receive any correspondence, but I was surprised at how quickly the wheel arrived from Poland!

bimmer335guy · 12-18-2008, 10:44 AM

Ok, I got the wheel and the airbag. I need the MFL buttons and I emailed Evan and John at Tischer with no response. Anyone recommend any other I can try and buy the MFL buttons from?

I also found out that the weird symbols for the MFL are from the iDrive cars.

10-19-2008, 04:45 PM	#573
toughluck First Lieutenant 45 Rep 360 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Pie in the Sky iTrader: (1)	Just replaced my sport steering wheel with the m-technic sold by qalbeli on ebay. Here is my contribution to this D.I.Y. I was a bit confused on where to insert the screwdriver to release the spring holding the airbag. It took me a while to figure out there was a 'hidden' hole on the back on the steering wheel to insert the screwdriver. The screwdriver only had to be inserted maybe 1/4" before I hit the spring. You do not have to insert the screwdriver very deep! Attached Images __________________ r56 MINI Cooper S pepper white/redwood lounge leather (sold) e92 335i red/saddle leather e90 325i red/beige/clearbra - retired.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-23-2008, 05:14 PM	#574
Barmats Lieutenant 17 Rep 504 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X5 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: CA iTrader: (4)	This was a confusing part for me, as well. I didn't know what poking the screwdriver through the hole would do, and it took some experimentation and turning of the blade to get it just right. The flat part of the blade must be horizontal in order to press against the vertical airbag spring. Once you have one side off, the other is a piece of cake.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-08-2008, 08:26 AM	#575
stamd1 Private First Class 19 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 2015 535xi Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Colorado iTrader: (1)	I replaced my sport paddle shift steering wheel with a perf. M sport steering wheel with paddle cutouts purchased from Qalbeli. After reading two previous posts from two members who did not disconnect the battery, I decided to go this route. I opened the driver's side door and returned after aprox. 20min. when the car was in sleep mode. Replaced the wheel and also the front cover with a M sports cover purchased from Tischer BMW. I thought the hardest parts of the procedure were removing the connectors including those for the paddle shifters and loosening the 16mm bolt. I had my wife hold onto the wheel and had my legs pressed up agianst the wheel to keep it from moving. Overall fairly simple procedure for someone mechanically skilled. Started up the car with no error lights!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-09-2008, 08:42 PM	#577
stamd1 Private First Class 19 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 2015 535xi Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Colorado iTrader: (1)	I really don't know how to tell the car is in sleep mode. I opened the drivers door and just made sure all the interior lights were off and the horn did not work before beginning the install. I made sure that my comfort access key was not near the car. I only kept the drivers door open. My guess is that you don't even have to be in sleep mode since when the car is off, the horn does not work. I did notice during the install that a small orange light on the steptronic auto shift console housing was still on.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2008, 07:07 PM	#581
RemovedUser Guest 0 Rep n/a Posts Drives:	Anyone else have a extra backing plate and want to sell it pm me ASAP! Thanks
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-15-2008, 04:10 PM	#582
bimmer335guy New Member 0 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Utah iTrader: (0)	Can anyone tell me why I see 3 different types of M wheels here? 1. M wheel with color stiches. 2. M wheel without color stiches but holes. 3. M wheel with color stiches and holes.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-15-2008, 04:59 PM	#583
a l l a n Captain 72 Rep 929 Posts Drives: E90 2007 328xi Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: LIC NY / Central NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E90 328xi [0.00]	Thanks to Bavarian19 for this DIY! Did my non-sport to M3 wheel swap last Sunday. It was an easy swap for me as I had the entire M3 wheel kit. Took less than 30 mins with more than half the time spent on being extra careful and taking some pics. __________________ E90 2007 / Step / Montego Blue / Black Dakota Leather / Premium / Cold Weather MODS: Exterior: Blacklines, debadged, HO ceramic 35% tint, Hoen yellow fogs, matte black grille, OEM style splitters, Halogen-to-Xenon Interior: Alum pedals, CF wrapped trim, V1 and Nuvi hardwire, M-Tech tri-stitched wheel, SMG M5 shift knob Performance: AluFelgen CSL 19" 8.5 ET33/9.5 ET30 with 5mm rear spacers \| GY Eagle F1 Asym 235/265, KW V3, BMW Perf exhaust+intake
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-16-2008, 11:36 PM	#585
josephr25 Major 68 Rep 1,456 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 335i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i Coupe [0.00]	Bought the wheel from qalbeli on eBay, but have yet to hear from him. I got the M-sport w/ tri-color stitching and M-cover after seeing good things from people in this forum. How long did you guys wait for any type of response?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-17-2008, 12:40 AM	#586
bimmer335guy New Member 0 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Utah iTrader: (0)	So I have a 2007 335i with no sports. I just got a M tri-color stitching wheel. The wheel comes with the M trim and the steering clock spring. I understand I need a multifunction buttons and a sports airbag. Am I missing anything else? Do I need the airbag bracket? Here is the link to the item I bought on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=180313251045 Also can someone post the part number for the multifunction buttons and the airbag. I tried calling circle bmw but they said there were 3 different part numbers for the multifunction buttons depending upon my cars either auto, manual and some other stuff. I have an auto but why the hell is this so confusing? I notice that the multifunction key for recirculating air and radio input have different symbols in some of the pictures here. My car has the picture of the readio button and a circle for recirculating rather then the triangle and star. Last edited by bimmer335guy; 12-17-2008 at 12:59 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-17-2008, 01:25 PM	#591
mesropb23 Lieutenant 30 Rep 594 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (6)	hey you guys do the 335i step paddles fit the M3 wheel cover on a M3 steering wheel??
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-18-2008, 10:44 AM	#594
bimmer335guy New Member 0 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Utah iTrader: (0)	Ok, I got the wheel and the airbag. I need the MFL buttons and I emailed Evan and John at Tischer with no response. Anyone recommend any other I can try and buy the MFL buttons from? I also found out that the weird symbols for the MFL are from the iDrive cars.
	Appreciate 0 Quote