Steering Wheel Replacement (320d Sport)?

[BlueNGT]

Have just bought an E46 320d Sport (Auto) and would like to put a new steering wheel on it. Couple of things to ask:-

1.) How much would a new steering wheel cost from BMW?
2.) Is it a Main Dealer only supplied part?
3.) Do I need the Air-bag too or can the existing one go in?
4.) Is it advisable to get the Main Dealer to change it or can an Indy do it?
5.) Is the wheel any different on an Auto than a Manual?

Final question not related to the steering wheel. Am I correct in thinking the 320d Turbo is prone to needed replacing above 80k? If so is it worth getting it rebuilt or wait to see if it breaks?

Thanks in advance

[largerandrock]

About £320 depending on spec of car etc

Havent a clue about aftermarket s/wheels but i think you will loose your airbag.

Ref your turbo going? aslong as the cars been serviced and looked after and the oil seperater is changed everyother service ive seen them last 120-140k.

[roofer]

The wheel is easy to change....if you know how to do it, if you don't leave it to someone who does. If you have the later round airbag wheel, it fits the SE and Sport wheel. Sport wheels are available new from a swedish e/bay seller for £124 with plain stitching, or £160 ish with M stitching.

Aftermarket wheels cannot be fitted without losing the bag. CSL wheel is a Sport wheel in essence. You can adapt a CSL wheel to work the steptronic through the paddles, or an SMG wheel.

Edited by roofer on Wednesday 24th September 17:46

[BlueNGT]

I'm only really interested in fitting an Original wheel, not aftermarket. The Ebay ones sound interesting for £160 with the M stitching (any links?)....the car is a 53 plate but dont know about the Airbag shape.

Regards the Turbo, the car has full history so it'll depenbd on the previous owner having let it cool down if its been a long run? If the Turbo's do fail do they cause further damage to the engine than just the Turbo?

[roofer]

You have round bag wheel. I'll see if i can find a link later. I would be more worried about swirl flaps rather than the Turbo. Google is your friend.

Edited by roofer on Wednesday 24th September 18:07

[BlueNGT]

I'll consult Google regards Swirl Flaps - guess this is something an Indy/Specialist would be familiar with?

A link to the Steering Wheels would be great, thanks.

[roofer]

Have a read here.

http://forum.bmwcarmagazine.com/viewtopic.php?t=64...

[BlueNGT]

roofer said:

Have a read here.

http://forum.bmwcarmagazine.com/viewtopic.php?t=64...

Interesting read - one guy comments 70k miles is the time the flap fails! Is that genrally true?

A decent Independent would be able to that bit of work wouldnt they? Wouldnt like to paying out for a rebuild if avoidable.

[BlueNGT]

roofer said:

The wheel is easy to change....if you know how to do it, if you don't leave it to someone who does. If you have the later round airbag wheel, it fits the SE and Sport wheel. Sport wheels are available new from a swedish e/bay seller for £124 with plain stitching, or £160 ish with M stitching.

Aftermarket wheels cannot be fitted without losing the bag. CSL wheel is a Sport wheel in essence. You can adapt a CSL wheel to work the steptronic through the paddles, or an SMG wheel.

Edited by roofer on Wednesday 24th September 17:46

Any joy with the Ebayer selling new Steering Wheels?

Thanks