Hello!

To start off, I understand completely that this might be a very, very "rookie" question, but, I've been "out of it" when it comes to the entire "world" of BMWs since 2016, and I've only ever owned E36 "project" cars so this is something new for me. I want to slowly get back into it and potentially look for an E60 that I could mod lightly to start off.

So! With that out of the way, the question is — as petty as this might sound, and as clueless as I might appear — re. the two factory steering wheel options. One is a three-spoke that I find, no offense to anyone who might like them — fairly unattractive (this), and the other is also a three-spoke, but with a little "M" emblem at the bottom (this), which I suspect comes with cars with a better options package from the factory. So, I'm wondering, seeing that all the buttons are the same, how difficult would it be to switch them out?

Now, as it might be clear to most, the specific car I'm interested in comes with the first one that I don't really like. Is it as straightforward as removing the original one, unplugging everything, and then plugging it into the new one and installing the rest, or there are other things that one has to do? Different connectors, the car's software calibration, and whatnot?

Once again, likely a "rookie" question, but, I figured it's better to just ask. If this is not the right sub-forum or something, please feel free to move the thread elsewhere/delete it.

Thanks in advance!

 

It depends on whether or not you have key ignition or push button start. Steering wheels for key ignition cars (2003 - 08/2005) are not compatible with cars with push button start (09/2005 - 2010). As long as you get the correct steering wheel for your ignition type it's plug and play.

 

Don't forget about the steering wheel options also.