change it out
 

i'm debating between an 05 X5 and an 07 X3. same options (panoramic, navi, heated seats/wheel). on the 05 x5 i don't like the steering wheel..can this replaced with a newer one?

old x5 wheel

newest x5 wheel

can i retrofit the new wheel into the 2005 x5 (which already has the heated wheel with controls etc) with a newer x5 one, or anything factory bmw one?


THANKS!
--Jimmy

go for the 05 X5.

I'm personally not a fan of the X3

Sure you can (a lot of articles on this subject, but not with this specific one in your picture...)
There are 3-4 models available
(have a look for example here
http://cgi.ebay.de/BMW-E39-E46-E53-X5-M-M3-M5-SPORT-LEDER-LENKRAD-AIRBAG_W0QQitemZ290310400544QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAut oteile_Zubeh%C3%B6r?hash=item290310400544&_trksid= p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1229|66%3A2|65%3A12|39 %3A1|240%3A1318
and
http://cgi.ebay.de/BMW-E53-X5-Sport-Leder-Lenkrad-mit-Multifunktion_W0QQitemZ350179488203QQcmdZViewItemQ QptZAutoteile_Zubeh%C3%B6r?hash=item350179488203&_ trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1229|66%3A2|65% 3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

Retrofit is easy, check on start page (xoutpost.com), no more than 30-40 mins

Go for the X5, a completely different car than the X3...

thanks for the tip! hearing suggestions is making my decision a lot easier, which is helpful because i'm having a hard time picking!

only 30-40 min!? wow! and all the radio controls and heated steering wheel function and everything will still work?


mtx5...i see you have a 2002 BMW X5 3.0i and 2008 BMW X5 3.0si...question: can u tell a difference in the i vs si engine? what do u like more and less about each car? (compare to each other)

Three spoke-wheel on X5
 

Everything works!
Had one exactly like the old x5 wheel you mention and replaced it with one like this (but Black M version)
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...SportRings.jpg

following THESE instructions
http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/i...004-style.html

If it's an 05 X5 with sport package, it shouldn't have the steering wheel you linked to. So if it has it, and then no sports package, then you can certainly change it. What you are calling the 'newest x5 wheel' is not compatible with the E53 X5; it only works in the E70 X5.

Yes the X5 steering wheel can be changed and you have several good options. Look at the homepage on options and you'll see different steering wheel designs and finishes. A thread search will help too.

Personally I think X3's look like cars made out of Lego's and handle just as well. Can't stand them.

the 05 i'm looking at does not have the sports package and, therefore, has the old wheel

asot - love it! how much did the wheel cost, how long did it take to install, and how difficult was it to install???? that's exactly what i want to do!

X5 Meister - aah ok..well like u said i'm sure there is something out there that's basically the same thing (like asot did with his car)...and thanks for the input on the x3! i feel like everyone is making this decision much easier!

Ascots steering wheel photo is the 2005 X5 sports steering wheel. It's a simple retrofit, but you'll need a new airbag. Total cost for you will be over $1000 just so you know.

uuuh didn't expect that, not gunna like. expected 1/2 that, actually

If you don't have a problem with EBAY, it can be cheaper

Check on ebay.de for BMW Lenkrad X5
Airbag can be found on a lot of salvage yards

Bought mine (18 months ago, prices about...) Steering wheel for 180 euros and airbag for 250 euros, sold 4-spoke wheel and airbag for 300 euros.