Hah! Got my new steering wheel

///Bruce · #1 04-05-2006, 09:44 AM

Just managed to purchase a new e46 M3 steering wheel for my ride. History: I've been driving M3's since 1995. The last two were the e46 M3C. There's something about the thickness of the wheel in your hands compared to the stock wheel in the 02 X5 4.6 and especially my wife's 06 GS300. They seem so small and thin in your hands. I believe I got a good deal at $202 for it.

I've seen a DIY on X5World for changing it out yourself. Can't wait.

My next mod will be a set of e46 M3 seats. If any of you have bad lower backs and have driven an e46 M3, you know there' a world of difference between the X5 comfort seats and the M3 seats.

There's a guy wanting to sell seats for both front and back in black. I'm trying to purchase the front only. Wish me luck in the next few days.

Damn! This is going to look good.

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mb23 · #2 04-05-2006, 10:19 AM

wow m3 seats that is some mod ur about to do .....good luck man post some pics when it is all done!

SNIFFLES · #3 04-05-2006, 11:18 AM

Bruce I saw on the forum www.m3forum.com someone selling a set of black and a set of Imola leather seats for the m3, Look in the parts for sale wanted section...

NOC · #4 04-05-2006, 11:18 AM

Nice, post pics of your steering wheel.
Do X5's use the same seat brackets as M3's??

///Bruce · #5 04-05-2006, 11:54 AM

I'll be sending out pictures after it gets installed. If yu go to X5World, there's a ton of information on our rides. Matter of fact, there's one regarding a DIY for installing both the M3 steering wheel and the M3 seats.

PS - My iterior is black, so I'm looking for black seats.

PPS - When I owned my 01 M3C, the left front upper bolster wore way too fast. BMW replaced it free of charge. The price.... $800 for the leather sleeve alone*.

* What they do is to take off the seat backing and then pull off the leather that covers the upper half of the seat. They then fight to pull the new sleeve back on and then re-attach the backing. Fini.

I was amazed at the cost. I was also amazed at the quickness as to how soon the leather wore out. I'm not a sumo wrestler at 6' 180# and I pride myself in taking care of my cars.

woodranch · #6 04-05-2006, 12:21 PM

Bruce how much do you think the dealer would charge to change out the steering wheel.I am not very handy!

///Bruce · #7 04-05-2006, 01:57 PM

Don't go to a dealer. Their flat rate is $100/hr. Find a good reputable mechanic to do it for you. My mechanic's rate is $50/hr.

asawadude · #8 04-06-2006, 06:48 AM

Great price on the steering wheel, Bruce.

I've had a few M's in the past (E28 M5 and E36 M3) and have several friends with E46 M3s. The base E46 M3 seat is terrible, and the electric M3 seat with the adjustable side and lumbar support is a good seat, but I wouldn't call it great. I had comfort seats in my old 540i and in my current X5 and it is way more comfortable, especially for long distance driving. And I do suffer from a bad back. But that's my opinion. Your experience is obviously quite different.

Before you buy your seats, make sure the M3 seats are plug compatible for the airbag and all other onboard electronics and fits on the seat frame, otherwise there may be some wiring and/or minor fabrication involved.

Let us know how your conversion project turns out with pix! I'm sure there are other here would like to get some sportier seats in the X5's.

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