Do I Have To Disconnect The Battery?
 

To install a new steering wheel? I see the instructions for the M3 wheel upgrade mention disconnecting the battery. If I do disconnect the battery to install the wheel/airbag, is there a code I need for my radio or was that my previous BMW?

RF,

No code required. Just reconnect the battery, start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock to turn off the DSC light.

Rob_

I saw Rob walk outside, do Juan's wheel exchange and walk back in, all in about the time it takes to chugg a beer! Amazing to me!

You need to disconnect the battery to avoid accidentally triggering the airbag.

You can just remove the airbag fuse, instead of battery. :)

i'm gonna guess the correct fuse is in the manual?

True. But it's not like changing a light fixture in your house. You can turn off the light switch on the wall (or the circuit breaker) and verify the power is off because the light is off. How are you going to verify that the airbag power is off? Accidentally setting off the airbag could kill you. I'd rather be absolutely sure by disconnecting the battery.

Thanks for the info. I might replace my Sirius antenna while I am at it to save me the hassle of taking apart my X twice in a month. :thumbup:

Andy, I did disconnect the battery when I swapped the wheel. However be sure not to leave your key in the ignition while removing the airbag. This is what happened to me and I got the airbag warning light on. Eventually the light was reset by the dealer. Good luck.

Andy - I didn't disconnect the battery when I replaced mine. I just removed the airbag fuse (in the glove box). I also made sure I hid the key before taking the steering wheel apart :)