BMW Beards: E39 Steering wheel differences
Discussion
I have a 2002 M5 with the newer updated wheel with the steering wheel controls etc.
I have also a 530D with the older style M Sport wheel with steering wheel controls, however I prefer the look and feel of the newer wheel.
Is the newer wheel retrofittable to to the older E39s? I have heard that there is differences in the airbag system - the newer ones being 2 stage as opposed to 1 stage.
Can anyone confirm the fitment options available?
ta
I have also a 530D with the older style M Sport wheel with steering wheel controls, however I prefer the look and feel of the newer wheel.
Is the newer wheel retrofittable to to the older E39s? I have heard that there is differences in the airbag system - the newer ones being 2 stage as opposed to 1 stage.
Can anyone confirm the fitment options available?
ta
H'actually, just found this, but some conformation would be nice.
The 530D is a W reg, but can't say for sure what month/year until I get home.
http://forum.roadfly.com/threads/4517841-Why-u-can...
The 530D is a W reg, but can't say for sure what month/year until I get home.
http://forum.roadfly.com/threads/4517841-Why-u-can...
Hi
I don't actually have a beard!
The build switchover date is March 1999. Prior to that, E39's had the single stage airbag setup. It's not easily possible to put in the later M Sport thicker steering wheels into those cars and have the airbag system work correctly. You can make it work, but its a massive and expensive headache of a job. If you're car is built after that date, then it's a swapover job once you get the steering wheel and round airbag
Been asked for many a time over on bmw5.co.uk, a shame you didn't ask a few weeks ago as I've just sold off the last of my various steering wheels. In my E39, as it's an auto, I've put in a genuine E46 M3 CSL example with SMG and have the paddles connected up! adds a level of enjoyment I really enjoy for the car !
Cheers, Dennis!
I don't actually have a beard!
The build switchover date is March 1999. Prior to that, E39's had the single stage airbag setup. It's not easily possible to put in the later M Sport thicker steering wheels into those cars and have the airbag system work correctly. You can make it work, but its a massive and expensive headache of a job. If you're car is built after that date, then it's a swapover job once you get the steering wheel and round airbag
Been asked for many a time over on bmw5.co.uk, a shame you didn't ask a few weeks ago as I've just sold off the last of my various steering wheels. In my E39, as it's an auto, I've put in a genuine E46 M3 CSL example with SMG and have the paddles connected up! adds a level of enjoyment I really enjoy for the car !
Cheers, Dennis!
Given that 99% of 530d's are post 03/99 I'm going to assume yours is newer than that.
In this case, the later wheel retrofit is literally plug and play. I've done it on mine.
Make sure you completely disconnect the battery first, and don't reconnect it until the retrofit is complete. This way you avoid triggering the airbag fault light.
Other than that it's dead easy - remove the old airbag using torx screws, then there is a bolt to undo in order to remove the wheel. Then slot the new wheel on, do the bolt up, connect the airbag which simply clicks into place on the newer wheel.
Then reconnect battery and bingo - nice wheel.
In this case, the later wheel retrofit is literally plug and play. I've done it on mine.
Make sure you completely disconnect the battery first, and don't reconnect it until the retrofit is complete. This way you avoid triggering the airbag fault light.
Other than that it's dead easy - remove the old airbag using torx screws, then there is a bolt to undo in order to remove the wheel. Then slot the new wheel on, do the bolt up, connect the airbag which simply clicks into place on the newer wheel.
Then reconnect battery and bingo - nice wheel.
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