What M Steering Wheel do I need?

[AZRobbo]

I have a 2006 X5 4.4 with the sport package, and I'd like to upgrade to an M wheel. The dealer I'm ordering from would like me to specify the part #. So can anyone here, tell me what M wheel I need to order, and the part #. <edit - removed the reference to it being grey since they are all black>

This is a picture of my wheel:



I found the picture below from the DIY article, and it looks like my airbag is compatable (unfortunately, the DIY for 2004+ didnt include part #'s).



I'd appreciate any help you guys can give.

Thanks,
Rob.

[JV]

Rob, looks like there ain't much diff. between your wheel and the M wheel. Unless you're really jonesin' for that M on your wheel, I'd direct funds towards another mod.

I'm sure someone will chime in with the correct part #, but you can search here for the wheel part #: www.realoem.com

Good luck!

JV

[X5Jay]

Don't know about being able to get anything in grey, but I would highly recommend talking with one of our members, - another Rob -> Rob_ I'm sure he can help you out! GL!

[AZRobbo]

Thanks for your help guys.

Originally Posted by JV

Rob, looks like there ain't much diff. between your wheel and the M wheel.

They certainly look very similar to me as well.

I'm not at all concerned about having an M wheel just for the sake of it being M. But from the posts I've read here the consensus seems to be that the M wheel feels much different than the Sport wheel. Does anyone know if this Is this still the case in the 2006 models?

My wheel does have a very hard/rigid feel to it.

Thanks,
Rob.

[X5Jay]

The wheel is very much different, but in photos, it does indeed look very similar...

The wheel you show in your post is the same one I just installed in my X5. It's the Europe-only M-Sport wheel that's available on the X3 across the pond. However, the Rob I directed you to was able to get one for me. I don't know the part number though, but Rob certainly has it.

Have a look at these posts Rob, if you haven't seen them already:
http://www.xoutpost.com/showthread.php?t=9022
http://www.xoutpost.com/showthread.php?t=6566

[AZRobbo]

Awesome, thanks. I just sent Rob_ an email.

[JV]

Get with Rob_, you'll be good to go Jay just put his wheel on recently, so he and I can help with DIY install if you need it.

I have an '01, so there was a night and day difference in both look and feel when I put the M wheel on my X5. The newer model sport wheels look very similar to the M wheel, but maybe the M wheel is fatter with better finish?

JV

[Thunder22]

It looks like the '06 wheel and the M wheel are about as close to identical as you can get. I'ld skip the mod and put my money someplace else... just my opinion.

[X5Jay]

Originally Posted by gresch

It looks like the '06 wheel and the M wheel are about as close to identical as you can get. I'ld skip the mod and put my money someplace else... just my opinion.

For straight on looks, yes, that's certainly true. But this M-Sport wheel is at least as thick as the M3/M5 wheels and has better leather. If you're looking for a nice chunky wheel for an 04+ model that already had the stock sport wheel (like me), this is the one to get - and you don't need a new airbag as they are the same. While it's certainly difficult to describe the difference in pictures or in words, it really is pretty significant when you drive with it. Also, he can probably sell his stock sport wheel to cut down the cost by at least a 1/3 if not more. I love mine...

[ChristopherM3]

If you do get an M steering wheel and you want to get rid of your sport wheel, remember me and let me know. I might be interested in it if the price is right.............