Heated steering wheel retrofit - help!

[Chris F.]

I'm bringing this back up to the top to see if anyone has had success with this. As far as I know, the heated wheel includes its own module (built in to the wheel) to regulate the heating temperature and to cycle the wheel on/off. There should not be an other 'additional $450 modules' necessary.

Most likely what is needed is power in the steering column, which you would have to run to the clockspring. You'd need to find the pins to insert into the connector that connects to the clockspring. I would think after that it would work fine.

I looked at the wiring diagrams, this isn't difficult. May give it a go in the Spring.

Chris

[Chris F.]

OK, so I just thought I would update this thread for anyone daring enough to try this

What you need for the E70/E71 is as follows...

1) Heated Steering Wheel (around $900 online), which includes switches

2) Use your existing airbag (provided steering wheel you order fits with it)

3) New clockspring (about $120 online)

4) New SZL Module (clockspring clicks into SZL) - this piece is about $450 online. This is the unit that has all your controls on it - wipers, turn signals, etc.


Once you plug everything in, you will throw codes - DSC, ABS, etc. You will need to have your steering angle sensor recalibrated at the dealership.

Long story short, this mod can be done, but unfortunately the additional complexity of the SZL module controlling the power/heat function adds to the cost vs the older E53 X5 retrofit.


If anyone tries this, let me know.

Chris

[Mundo74]

Originally Posted by Chris F.

OK, so I just thought I would update this thread for anyone daring enough to try this

What you need for the E70/E71 is as follows...

1) Heated Steering Wheel (around $900 online), which includes switches

2) Use your existing airbag (provided steering wheel you order fits with it)

3) New clockspring (about $120 online)

4) New SZL Module (clockspring clicks into SZL) - this piece is about $450 online. This is the unit that has all your controls on it - wipers, turn signals, etc.


Once you plug everything in, you will throw codes - DSC, ABS, etc. You will need to have your steering angle sensor recalibrated at the dealership.

Long story short, this mod can be done, but unfortunately the additional complexity of the SZL module controlling the power/heat function adds to the cost vs the older E53 X5 retrofit.


If anyone tries this, let me know.

Chris

New member here. Think I cracked it. Will post a DIY once I figure out if the power and power-down signals are pre wired. If not I will have to run 3 wires. But the steering gets warm from a PWM output from the module. The pot was to determine the power down signal. </SPAN>

[Chris F.]

Awesome, keep us posted

I think the updated SZL/Clockspring is what you need to get the power, but I could be wrong. If we can supply power without it, that would be great. I think at minimum the clockspring will be needed (as you have in your picture)

Chris

[Mundo74]

Originally Posted by Chris F.

Awesome, keep us posted

I think the updated SZL/Clockspring is what you need to get the power, but I could be wrong. If we can supply power without it, that would be great. I think at minimum the clockspring will be needed (as you have in your picture)

Chris

The pigtail on the clock spring supply Power to the heat control module. Power does not pass through the switch cluster so I do t think I need to even remove it and avoid messing with the steering angle debacles.

[Chris F.]

So you think just the new clockspring will do it? Hmmmm

Chris

[Mundo74]

Im stuck but you would not believe the simple reason. We need a 12 pin connector instead of the 6 pin whe have. The 12 pin connector P/N is nowhere to be found on the internet. Real OEm and dealers no help. Maybe you can help me find it. Otherwise I will have to hack into the coil spring connector or do pin-outs, but I want to avoid that. It is the same connector used in the E90 performance steering wheel retrofit. See attached pictures.

[Chris F.]

Wait, did you order the correct coil spring that has the heated steering wheel connection? You have to have that without question.

If I misunderstood I apologize...

Chris

[Mundo74]

I did. I'm close to finding the pn for the connector I need.

[Chris F.]

Great! I saw your post on the BMW Coding forum about the SZL module - did you replace that as well? I am wondering if the SZL would include that 12 pin connector (I'm not sure where that 12 pin connector is coming from - the wheel or the SZL?)

If you did replace the SZL, I do believe you need to have the SZL coded to your car.

Chris