Sport steering wheel for E53

[bcredliner]

I made the following change: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...l-install.html http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ions-pics.html

[tecboy99]

I found a heated sport wheel from the sport package of the E83/E53 on craigslist. It's the 3 spoke one, I like it.

[jauloz]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

If you get the wheel with airbag, make sure it's not from an airbag recall vehicle.

If you install a sport wheel, BMW will not replace defective bag (not vehicle specific item).

Those switching wheels need to be aware, non sport wheel bags do not fit sport wheels.

is there anyway to tell if the airbag has be recalled? a revised part number or something? I still can't seem to find an option that can remain the heated option. will facelift heated sport steering wheel fit pre-facelift?

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by jauloz

is there anyway to tell if the airbag has be recalled? a revised part number or something? I still can't seem to find an option that can remain the heated option. will facelift heated sport steering wheel fit pre-facelift?

Help us help answer your questions better...remember to leave vehicle model/model year/build date info when the answer requires that type of info due to their being multiple answers or changes in production based on model year/build date. . This is a perfect example because there are changes in wheel styles based on whether you have pre facelift or facelift.

The Takata air bag recall affects BMWs that had the 3 spoke steering wheels & round airbags from specific model years...which again...you don't have a signature with your model/model year/build date.

Below is a pic taken from an August/2015 edition of Roundel magazine that listed which BMW models & model years are affected by the recall (at that time):

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by Joshdub

BMW won't replace the bag regardless because it seems there will never be a fix. I have accepted my fate of becoming swiss cheese in a collision.

???

I got a recall notice letter stating resolution WILL be coming.

Spoke with my SA at Classic BMW, was told the bag WILL be changed when dealer gets new bags (should be spring '16).

[Joshdub]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

???

I got a recall notice letter stating resolution WILL be coming.

Spoke with my SA at Classic BMW, was told the bag WILL be changed when dealer gets new bags (should be spring '16).

I did too but this has been going on for years. Only recently the e53 was added. Up until recently they were just replacing the old bags with new takata bags, which doesn't solve the issue.

[TECN1K]

I'm about to put my Sport wheel up for sale - upgraded to the thicker MSport/M5 version.

[jauloz]

Qsilver7

I'd put some info on the last page, I will update my sig right the way Thank you for the reminder.

I have a 08/2002 build pre-facelift 4.4 without sport package

My question is, when I go purchase a round airbag for whatever wheel that fits (which ones do?), how do I be able to tell if the airbag has been recalled?

Also, I need to keep the heated steering wheel function, that's most important.

Thanks again!

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by jauloz

...I have a 08/2002 build pre-facelift 4.4 without sport package

My question is, when I go purchase a round airbag for whatever wheel that fits (which ones do?), how do I be able to tell if the airbag has been recalled?

Also, I need to keep the heated steering wheel function, that's most important.

Thanks again!

Thanks for the vehicle info update. .

All of the round air bags for the 3 spoke steering wheels fall under the Takata air bag recall (see the list above for the build dates). The 3 spoke steering wheels with the more triangular air bags do not. The e53 had the "split" 3 spoke steering wheel w/round airbag:

Heated 3 spoke steering wheels didn't appear until later production for the facelift models . I believe around 10/04 build date-up is when the heated 3 spoke steering wheel was offered.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by Joshdub

I did too but this has been going on for years. Only recently the e53 was added. Up until recently they were just replacing the old bags with new takata bags, which doesn't solve the issue.

Takata used ammonium nitrate as the propellant to inflate the bag. This substance becomes more energetic after years of exposure to high humidity (this is why vehicles registered/operated in high humidity areas are getting new bags first).

The new bags won't correct the issue, they will "reset the clock" on propellant age.

Takata or another supplier will need to redesign/test/produce a new charge canister using sodium azide, more costly propellant but MUCH more stable with age/humidity. Then these more stable bags will need to replace the "clock reset" ammonium nitrate bags.

.