Install Sport Wheel Trim piece on 2005?

[asskicka]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

One doesn't exist for the facelift sports steering wheel, but if you have the older style wheel then yes there are several options.

Thia is what I found a wood insert for 2005 e53 sport steering wheel

[JT///MC]

x3 interior isn't it?

[asskicka]

Originally Posted by JT///MC

x3 interior isn't it?

Roveractive says works for 2007+ X3 and 2004-2006 X5...You think?


eBay Motors: BMW X3 2007+ X5 04-06 Poplar & Chrome Steering Trim NEW (item 170148197270 end time Apr-02-09 12:09:26 PDT)

[X5 Meister]

Yeah X3. It's debatable whether or not it will work in an X5. According to BMW, no. According to some vendors, yes.

[asskicka]

My question is I wonder if it would match my dark poplar wood color... I know the ash version looks almost like the smoke gray poplar color.....

[jsears]

You hinted on it here, it almost looks like it.

I would say it also comes down to the "cut" of wood and the way it was processed. In my e39 I had Vavona wood trim and I had some pieces that had some scratches in them. Went to the dealership to buy new trim pieces.

Installed the pieces in the car, and the new wood was darker than the rest of the trim in the car, and the grains didn't flow as well. You could notice if you paid attention and followed all of the trim.

But since it is on a steering wheel I don't think you will notice as much. I would ask to see all of the steering wheels with the wood choice you want to see if a particular piece matches the rest of your trim better than another piece.

Originally Posted by asskicka

My question is I wonder if it would match my dark poplar wood color... I know the ash version looks almost like the smoke gray poplar color.....

[X5 Meister]

Already looked into it. It doesn't match. X5 and X3 have no matching wood colors. You might also have an issue with airbag fitment and a new one will run you in the neighborhood of $500-700.

[asskicka]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

Already looked into it. It doesn't match. X5 and X3 have no matching wood colors. You might also have an issue with airbag fitment and a new one will run you in the neighborhood of $500-700.

(ouch!)

[jsears]

A little slow in my response...

[X5 Meister]

No prob. Yeah it was something I was interested in since the ETK schematic for the steering wheel is the same one used for the X5 and X3. There are some cases when the p/n's are interchangeable, however many are not. What I do know for certain is that:
1. The wood is definitely different b/w the 2 cars.
2. BMW says the steering wheels are not interchangeable per the ETK.
3. Vendors who claim that they are interchangeable can order the part for you but will not accept returns if it doesn't fit. So unless you have $500-$1,000 you are willing to blow on sheer curiosity. I'd pass.