Steering Wheel Question - When is it round/square?

[thebigsadler]

I am just trying to figure out what denotes the car having a round steering wheel or a square steering wheel? I would like to buy a car with the round wheel so that I can buy an ///M wheel and not have to purchase another airbag. If it is included in the sport package, premium, etc that would be a good thing for me to know... I did try to search but didn't come up with too much, and I do realize it sounds like I am asking about the entire steering wheel being "square," but moreso just the airbag. TIA.

Round



Square



-jason

[cjett]

The "round" is the sport wheel.
cjett

[thebigsadler]

Originally Posted by cjett

The "round" is the sport wheel.
cjett

Right.. but does this come from a "sport" package, or is it just an option with the vehicle? If it is not apart of a package I am guessing I just need to ask if the vehicle in question has the "sport wheel."

[03Topazbluex5]

I'm 99.9% sure that the round wheel comes with the sport pack and the square with the premium. Someone else will let you know for sure

[SuperGreg]

Originally Posted by thebigsadler

Right.. but does this come from a "sport" package, or is it just an option with the vehicle? If it is not apart of a package I am guessing I just need to ask if the vehicle in question has the "sport wheel."

3 spoke = sport package, 4 spoke=non-sport package. Just ask whether it is a 3 spoke or a 4 spoke. The year matters as well btw. I think it was MY 2004 that the newer wheels came out.

[LeMansX5]

If your X5 is 04 or later then even with 3-spoke steering you need a new airbag.

[thebigsadler]

I am in the market for a 01-03.. Will I still need the new bag, or will that bag work?

[SuperGreg]

Originally Posted by thebigsadler

I am in the market for a 01-03.. Will I still need the new bag, or will that bag work?

MY 2001-2003 3 spoke sport wheel air bag fits the M wheel.

[UncleTito]

Originally Posted by thebigsadler

I am in the market for a 01-03.. Will I still need the new bag, or will that bag work?

As long as the airbag is round, you're good. Sometimes X5 with non-sport package can also have round airbag + sport steering wheel (owner upgrade).

[thebigsadler]

Originally Posted by SuperGreg

MY 2001-2003 3 spoke sport wheel air bag fits the M wheel.

those are the words i was waiting to hear.. fantastic.

by chance could someone provide the year of the M wheel available that will fit? i may be interested in a 2002-04 alcantara wheel if it is the same.