Yes it is def the sports package, with the 3 spoke wheel but the airbag is not completely round like it apears to be on the pictures people have posted of the M wheels.Maybe this mod will not work with the 2005 x5 sports wheel without having to buy a new airbak as-well.

Ideas ! ! ! !

Steve

Steps I took to install the new "M" wheel.

I decided after consulting with a BMW mechanic to do the fuse option. That goes against my earlier post, but felt more confident after talking to him.

Remove old wheel

• remove #44 fuse in glove box
• stick small to medium screw driver in the slots behind the wheel and compress the spring clip
• Airbag slides out with a little bit of pulling
• remove wire connectors from airbag
• remove 2 wires from steering hub
• remove 16mm bolt from steering wheel - notice the wheel allignment marker
• remove wheel

Install new wheel

• placed new wheel on steering column - line the markers up
• tightened 16mm bolt to 68lbs
• inserted wire harness into steering hub
• plugged 2 wires into airbag
• used a little force to push the airbag in....dont be afraid...push the thing in
• installed 5 amp fuse back into #44 socket
• loved the look and feel of the new wheel.

http://xoutpost.com/gallery/files/1/4/X5MWheels.jpg

I didn't disconnect the battery to replace the M steering wheel. Just make sure that the airbag fuse is removed and you don't put the key in the ignition.

Roc3b - Those 2 lights should disappear if you drive around for a good few minutes.
Pepatrick - nice pic of the M steering wheel. Thanks.

Raising this thread from the dead.. looking for a little more insight on the removal of the non-sport 4-spoke steering wheel. I obviously won't have an old "mounting tray" from a previous 3-spoke wheel, will this present a problem when installing the M wheel and new round-airbag?

TIA.

Mounting Tray
 

I have no idea why I could not get the round airbag to seat in the new tray.....after screwing with it for 30 mins I said the hell with it and changed out the trays, just like that the airbag popped in and sat the way it was suppose to....all I can tell you is that I was none to happy when it was not seating....but I kept at it and got it resolved....your best bet is to spend the extra loot and buy a sport wheel and bag together.

I found a new bag on ebay for $500, so I couldn't pass that up. I will try and do it without the sport wheel tray and see what happens. I'd rather test it out, see it not work and then shell out the extra money.

Where does the 27-torx bit come into use?

I just did the replacement of the M steering wheel on my X. It was easy, easy, easy!! Did it in about 1/2 hr. I know which end of a wrench is which but I am no mechanic. Small screwdriver to release the airbag clips. You will need someone to hold the wheel for loostening and tightening the center bolt. I did not experience any problems getting the airbag to seat back into the carrier, it just popped right back in.

I could not have done it without that great "How To" article!! Thank you for doing that!!!!

AGAIN! This M-steering wheel install is raised from hell! Seems that nobody had trouble replacing their M s-wheels. I'm next in-line. Probably in a couple of weekends. The previous owner must've had a lot of sharp rings, wheel is all scratched up. Thanks a lot for the posts. It will really help me... I'll show pictures after install.

you should be careful with the airbag light. Mine came on after installing my new wheel and i couldnt get it to go away. long story short, dealership charged me 400 for a new slip ring..

BMW M3 SMG paddle shifter wheel mod Procedures
 

Does anyone have a complete DIY procedures with pictures for the m3 SMG paddle shifter steering wheel install on a x5 E53? The links seem out-dated and I am unable to find the complete procedure.:dunno: