Help changing my steering wheel!

[Singh97]

Hi,
I want to change my sports steering wheel to M steering wheel on my 2011 LCI 35i. Now I have seen many threads talking about how to remove the old wheel but my question is:
1st: What are the consequences of disconnecting the battery?
I mean will I trigger any errors or loose any saved memory due to the battery disconnect? Any precautions I need to follow while disconnecting or connecting it back (I mean other than leaving my trunk open and rolling the windows down)

2nd: I cannot find the exact list of tools required.
I would really like to listen form all the members who did it.

[VNYD DOG]

Hey there, I'm putting the alcantara one on my '08 tomorrow. Dealer quoted me about an hour to do it, so for that piece of mind, I'm paying for it. I think if you go to the Bimmian site and look at their carbon wheel, there's a video showing how to do it. Looks like you just need some small screwdriver to depress the springs holding the airbag unit in place, and then probably a large socket to remove the actual wheel.

[Singh97]

Stealer quoted me 350 to 400 for the swap. I am not doing that.

Originally Posted by VNYD DOG

Hey there, I'm putting the alcantara one on my '08 tomorrow. Dealer quoted me about an hour to do it, so for that piece of mind, I'm paying for it. I think if you go to the Bimmian site and look at their carbon wheel, there's a video showing how to do it. Looks like you just need some small screwdriver to depress the springs holding the airbag unit in place, and then probably a large socket to remove the actual wheel.

[Singh97]

Can anybody chime in to guide me to the batter removal consequences?

[VNYD DOG]

Damn that does seem steep. Well my alcantara just arrived today so it's going in tomorrow. I'll try and remember to ask the SA about disconnecting the batt. If I remember correctly, I don't believe there will be any ground shaking consequences.

[mavic1010]

There are no consequences except that you have to reset the time and date when you reconnect the battery. Just make sure you don't hook up the battery before putting everything back together. If you do, you'll get the airbag light.

It's a simple thing to do. I've done it many times. Take your time and you'll be fine.

[Singh97]

Changed it successfully. removing the airbag was a pain though.
Thanks for the help to everybody

Originally Posted by mavic1010

There are no consequences except that you have to reset the time and date when you reconnect the battery. Just make sure you don't hook up the battery before putting everything back together. If you do, you'll get the airbag light.

It's a simple thing to do. I've done it many times. Take your time and you'll be fine.

[SteveGX5]

Originally Posted by Singh97

Changed it successfully. removing the airbag was a pain though.
Thanks for the help to everybody

Is there a DIY for steering wheel replacement? I want to retrofit an M wheel with paddles.

[2slick4u]

Originally Posted by Singh97

Changed it successfully. removing the airbag was a pain though.
Thanks for the help to everybody

I have a question to ask. Can the actual airbag units be swapped between the standard/sport steering wheels? Meaning the steering wheel + cover removed & replaced, but the actual airbag is the same..

[VNYD DOG]

Yep that's how it's done, assuming you have a compatible wheel, the airbag unit swaps over, so what you're buying is the steering wheel rim itself.