steering wheel swap

bassboy · #1 08-14-2008, 05:32 AM

hi, dont know if this is possible or not??

I have a 2002 3.0i without the multi function steering wheel....i didnt even know they made one without...but i wondered if i could swap it with a multi function wheel and if the wiring for the cruise control and stereo are already there or not?

Anybody got any ideas??

Cheers

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supersteve · #2 08-14-2008, 05:34 AM

50/50 shot here.

I'm guessing the wiring is there.

Zulu95 · #3 08-14-2008, 06:53 PM

But the module/s will be missing.

bassboy · #4 08-15-2008, 05:41 AM

hi, i hate to sound so ignorant but what module/s would that be/ and where would i look for them?

Somebody told me that most manufacturers make the same wiring loom for all cars but just leave out the switches on the options that are not taken up...is that correct?

THanks

supersteve · #5 08-15-2008, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zulu95

But the module/s will be missing.

Yup, all the control modules, actuators and control switches would be MIA. But the wires are there.

Zulu95 · #6 08-15-2008, 06:08 PM

It's cheaper for BMW to make a one size fits wiring all for each model but they usually will leave out the relevant module or just not switch it on in the program.
Trying to get the wheel tied into the I-Bus so it controls the radio and cruise settings could turn into a nightmare as most $tealers don't want to know about such retro-fits. If they do show interest it's because they smell buckets of cash at the end!!

Gregory891 · #7 09-10-2012, 08:25 AM

I have a 2002 X5 3.0d and had a basic air bag wheel (no cruise or radio controls) and just retrofit the "multi-function wheel" as BMW calls it (MFL for short).

BMW sells a retrofit kit (65 71 0 021 256) which includes the steering wheel, a small wiring harness (61 12 0 022 875) to send the signal from the new wheel to the DMC "brain" and some other small parts. Kit is the same for a LHD or RHD vehicle. The harness is included in the kit.

Most X5 are pre-wired for the small harness that sends the signals from the steering wheel buttons to the car to control radio, telepone & cruise control fuctions (level 1), so you likely won't need the full BMW kit nor need to do all the work. Remove your steering column lower cover (two screws) and check the green connector at the back of the "clock spring" at the bottom. If you see 8 or 9 wires running into the connector, your X5 is pre-wired. In this case, all you need is a different airbag with the switches OR the sport wheel (with the switches).

I just installed the airbag with the switches this morning, a 10 minute job.

In short, all you need to change (assuming your car is pre-wired) is remove your standard airbag and install an E53 airbag (used is fine) with the switches. You need a T27 or T30 screwdriver. Disconnecting the battery is the recommended way but you can do it otherwise but do NOT turn the car on when you are disconnecting wiring to avoid the airbag warning fault light. An E53 airbag has the mottled "thumb rests" at the 2 & 10 o'clock positions. I didn't even need to remove the steering wheel itself.

I'll be writing a complete "how to" for the Xoutpost for the E53 (I have a pre-facelift, but it would be the same for all E53) with option 2 (steering wheel heating) as well.

If you want to know what and how NOW - respond to this. VERY easy to do. I've got some extra parts to help one or two owners as well.

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