New M Sport Steering Wheel

[rangerfan]

I installed a new M Sport Steering Wheel into my X this afternoon. Many thanks to Rob_ for hooking me up with the wheel, and the boys here at X5World for the M wheel retrofit instructions. The new wheel went into my 2004 X (with the non-round airbag) just as described in the M wheel retrofit instructions. I was going to add a write up of my own, but it honestly is not necessary. Rather, I'd like to add a few bullet points to the install to help out a bit with the parts that were the most difficult for me.

1) The battery connector on my ride is a 13mm nut, not a 10mm nut, as noted in the M wheel retrofit write up.
2) Take your time removing the white connector--it didn't want to budge and I tried my darndest to get it out, and I almost ripped the thing off of my old wheel.
3) You definitely need a 2nd person to hold the steering wheel in place when you go to loosen the bolt that attaches the wheel to the car. That extra leverage was a big help.
4) You will need to use screwdrivers to press onto the "clip spings" in order to get the airbag to seat properly into the new wheel. I actually had a bit more success with a philips head rathe than a flat head.

It took me almost as long to get the white connector off and the bolt to break free as it did to perform the rest of the install. I'd say it took me an hour start to finish, taking my time and treating the airbag module with respect. I will post some pics tomorrow. It's too dark now to get some good shots.

Overall the wheel feels awesome--I know I am going to enjoy it!!

[Juanted]

Congrats, RF!!!

That is one GREAT mod. I LOVE mine!

Oh yeah.... pics?

Juan

[JV]

Nothing but GREAT feedback about this mod. Thanks to Roc3b, mine arrives on Tuesday!

JV

[breytonX5]

RF: is this M Sport or just plain M wheel (as on e46 or e39 M)? Because they're different. Anyway, pics would clear the air.

[UCrewX5]

Excellent - looking forward to seeing the pics.

I'll update the article with your additional info once you have the pics ready to go

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by breytonX5

RF: is this M Sport or just plain M wheel (as on e46 or e39 M)? Because they're different. Anyway, pics would clear the air.

Congrat!, RF.
Its not like E46 M3 wheel. I will be doing mine next weekend (christmas present for my 4.8). The feel is very different from the the OEM sport wheel. Nice and smooth. This wheel is used in Europe for M-sport package on X3. Here is the pic out-of-the-box:

[breytonX5]

Cool and you can save the money on the round airbag. I've always thought he wanted the M wheel. Looks great.

[ano0oj]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

Congrat!, RF.
Its not like E46 M3 wheel. I will be doing mine next weekend (christmas present for my 4.8). The feel is very different from the the OEM sport wheel. Nice and smooth. This wheel is used in Europe for M-sport package on X3. Here is the pic out-of-the-box:

I find the 4.8s wheel to be the same to the M3s?

[Roc3b]

Yeah, you could have saved a boat load of aggravation by removing the two torx bits on the right and left side of the airbad seat tray, once those are out the whole front of the plastic moulded part comes out.

[Roc3b]

Originally Posted by JVZ104

Nothing but GREAT feedback about this mod. Thanks to Roc3b, mine arrives on Tuesday!

JV

The wheel that I am sending you will fit your airbag...the one pictured here is a different version.