Quote:
Originally Posted by LABRISS
Ok thanks. So basically this wheel is not mounted on e53 therefore there is no compatibility and this part is never found or ment for x5. But it works fine.
Ok - let's say the heater is no problem - but how to check the airbag compatibility since it's never ment for x5 but still fits nicely?
EDIT: I found that they actually have the 'same' wheel for e53 only it's not the same and it's only found and compatible for e53.Everything looks just the same only according to the catalog - it's found only on e53s.I may have a problem only with the airbag as suggested and unfortunatelly this is exactly the part that it's not sold separately.So I can't combine e38 wheel with e53 airbag.And if I take the whole steering wheel from e38 and everything seems to work fine - I can't be sure that the airbag will work right?
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Ahhh...I see by your "edit"...you've run across the "tricky slope/slippery slope".
BMW's design architecture is interesting...some things can be used for decades across multiple models & generations and is obvious by the parts cross reference list. Then sometimes things may "look" similar, but have something unique to a model...yet one may find that it still works, but may lack the abilities of the "upgrade"...but still performs (ie, the rear tail lights for the 99-01 e38 where designed for the new LCM III and it's replacement lighting and voltage limiting abilities). The bulb holders and bulbs for the 99/upgrade don't work in the older 95-98 rear tail lights and vice versa...but the electrical connector and other parts allows the new tail lights to bolt on & plug in without any modifications. The new tail lights will work normally as before on the 95-98...but they don't perform the new features that came with the 99-01's upgraded LCM .
Then sometimes a part may look the same, but have internal operations that are totally incompatible on other models. For instance, the slip ring on the 2001-up e39s changed and I believe the turn indicator is somehow incorporated into the slip rings function. Then when you pull up the early e53s which has similar looking wheels...but the part nbrs are different...it may take a "trailblazer" to find out if normal functions will work...or if the item is totally incompatible.
You asked about the heated steering wheels...and I do know that the slip ring plays a roll in this features operation. But I don't know that much about the e53's slip ring/steering wheels to give you any definitive answer. Then you have the later e53 steering wheels that could have the heating feature and come with the 3-spoke "sport" steering wheel. None of the e38/e39 heated steering wheels were offered with their 3-spoke sport wheels.
But again, I'm not sure of any compatibility with the e53 steering wheel set-ups with the e38/e39. If you do forge ahead and discover that it will work (with or without some modification)...the e38/e39/e53 forums would truly benefit from your experiment/experience/knowledge etc.
Also, have you checked the FAQ/How-Tos/Articles links along the top of the page to see what has been discussed/discovered already? I'm sure that someone has attempted or looked at doing this since the time of these models being on the market.