TX-T.Silver

Does anyone know if the M5 steering wheel can be a direct replacement for the non M e60?

I don't know if the airbag can be reused or if the steering wheel requires a different airbag (my guess is it does). I was quoted by the dealer around $1500 for the steering wheel with airbag.

They also thought I would have to get the manual transmission steering wheel b/c the paddle shifters would not be compatible with the shifters that are currently on my 550.

What are some other aftermarket options to have a nicer feeling, thicker steering wheel.

Thx

TX-T.Silver

Anyone?

schulrog

can you post some pics? that might help a LOT

545felix

search. there are different options based on your car's build date, and there are members here that make a kit to allow you to use the paddles with your automatic if you want to go that route.

FWIW, I paid about $1k for both wheel and airbag, but no paddles since I have three pedals.

DaGmen

545Felix:

I have a 2006 550i 6-Speed with the heated steering wheel option, radio and phone buttons on there too.

So you were able to use the M5 E60 steering wheel in your 545i? Did you have to get the airbag too? Who told you that you had to do that? From what I have been reading a lot of guys have been using the existing one?

There is no compatiblity issues right? I should be able to install the M5 steering wheel fine? Can you please tell me where you bought the parts and where you had the install done? And exactly how much it cost, if you dont mind?

Thanks!

545felix

There are three versions of the sport wheel. The first is what came on the 6 series and the SMG cars, as well as the 07 and up 5er sport pkg, which has the round airbag but the rim is no thicker than the regular wheel. Second one is the M-Sport wheel, which has a considerably thicker rim, thumbgrips at 10 and 2 o clock, and the seams are in a different place. The third is the M5 wheel, which is the same as the M-Sport but with blue/white/red stitching. All three have variations with paddles.

the paddles can be retrofitted, do a search. However, the heated wheel throws a wrench in the mix. I can't find a part # for a heated wheel with paddles.

If you can live without the paddles, the heated Sport steering wheel part # you need is 32340409261. This comes plug and play with all the buttons, etc installed. If your car does not have a round airbag like the one in my signature, you will also need the airbag, part # 32346780456. the trapezoidal shape airbag will of course not fit the round airbag hole. I can not locate a part # for a heated M-Sport or M5 wheel. You must use those part #s, there was a significant change to the steering column starting in 9/05 and older wheels will not easily fit the new and vice versa. Yes, they can be modified to fit, but you're much better off getting the right part # to begin with.

I did the install myself in 15 minutes.

DaGmen

Felix:

Thanks for all the info!

I want the steering wheel without the paddles. I have a 6-speed just like your car so I wont need them. Can you give me the part#'s for the wheel in your sig and the E60 M5 wheel please?

Thanks!

545felix

as I already replied, I can't find a heated *retrofit* wheel in either the MSport or M5 style, even without paddles. (mine is not heated- this is a FL car.) the part #s I gave are for the only retrofit wheel that fits your car, plug and play, with heat. I don't know if you can use a non-heated wheel in a heated wheel car, I haven't seen the wiring harness for that up close.

You could try getting the LCI M5 heated wheel, that's part # 32342283937 but doesn't include the side pods with the buttons, the trim around the airbag, etc. Apparently you could not get a heated M5 wheel pre-LCI, so I'm not sure if the LCI heated one would fit your car.

einstein57

You have the option of Schmiedmann



Hartge



AC

DaGmen

Einstein:
I like that AC option! Where can I get that dealer or online? What would be the cheapest method?

Felix:
So the part# 32340409261 is basic plug and play swap for my wheel and I dont lose any functions like heat, radio and phone? Plus what does LCI mean? This is my first BMW so forgive me for not knowing all the acronyms?
Also you said you installed this in 15mins? Then would I be able to take the same steps as described here: E90 DIY Steering Wheel Replacement ?
Just to confirm if I go with part# 32340409261 I will need to get a NEW airbag?

Thanks so much for answering my questions, I really do appreciate your help!