New M Sport Steering Wheel

[rangerfan]

I installed a new M Sport Steering Wheel into my X this afternoon. Many thanks to Rob_ for hooking me up with the wheel, and the boys here at X5World for the M wheel retrofit instructions. The new wheel went into my 2004 X (with the non-round airbag) just as described in the M wheel retrofit instructions. I was going to add a write up of my own, but it honestly is not necessary. Rather, I'd like to add a few bullet points to the install to help out a bit with the parts that were the most difficult for me.

1) The battery connector on my ride is a 13mm nut, not a 10mm nut, as noted in the M wheel retrofit write up.
2) Take your time removing the white connector--it didn't want to budge and I tried my darndest to get it out, and I almost ripped the thing off of my old wheel.
3) You definitely need a 2nd person to hold the steering wheel in place when you go to loosen the bolt that attaches the wheel to the car. That extra leverage was a big help.
4) You will need to use screwdrivers to press onto the "clip spings" in order to get the airbag to seat properly into the new wheel. I actually had a bit more success with a philips head rathe than a flat head.

It took me almost as long to get the white connector off and the bolt to break free as it did to perform the rest of the install. I'd say it took me an hour start to finish, taking my time and treating the airbag module with respect. I will post some pics tomorrow. It's too dark now to get some good shots.

Overall the wheel feels awesome--I know I am going to enjoy it!!