Another M-Sport Wheel Installed!
 

I just installed it last night - very easy after reading the installation articles 1000 times! :thumbup: I pulled the airbag fuse instead disconnecting the battery. With that, it took me 15 minutes flat to make the swap, and no warning lights after all was buttoned up. However, I did have one glitch... When I took it for it's first test drive, the wheel was just slightly cocked to the right when going straight ahead - perhaps 7 - 10 degrees, although the alignment marks appeared to be just about dead on. I've read a few other posts where folks had the same issue. Well, I was not happy with that at all - it would certainly drive me crazy. So, back into the garage, fuse out, airbag off. I turned the wheel back to the left just one spline on the shaft. It seemed to look like a lot at first and I thought for sure it would be cocked the other way on the next test drive. The alignment marks were actually a little less in line than when I did it the first time, but still really close. Well, I buttoned everything back up for test run 2 and it was dead on - psyched! :dancing:

Thanks for all the help & tips everyone! - especially Rob, Jeff, & JV!

Here's a couple pics...

http://xoutpost.com/gallery/files/2/8/DSC00877_sm_jp.jpghttp://xoutpost.com/gallery/files/2/8/DSC00879_sm_jp.jpg

Awesome! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!! I was thinking about turning my wheel 1 notch to get it back to 'center'--I think you have inspired me!

Great job! :thumbup:

Looks great!!

Rangerfan -

...and if you're really careful, you don't need to disconnect the white connector again to do it! - Took less than 10 minutes, maybe even 5, to move it over a notch. Go for it!

I do love it - love the thickness & the leather. My car handles better now, is quieter, runs smoother, and shifts better - all because of this new wheel!

:bustingup
Yep, its a great mod :thumbup:

Not only that, the chicks dig it too. :thumbup:

Looks great Jay! Im glad you are enjoying it :thumbup:

Rob_

Ha! Funny you should say that... I haven't told Linda (my lovely las) yet - I'm curious to see if she even notices. :p When I do tell her (or when she notices), she'll think I'm nuts for even thinking it's a big deal! :dunno: At least I get some comfort knowing that my fellow X5worldinians will understand and share the same sickness, uh.., um..., I mean enthusiasm... :woot: :beerchug:

Congrats on the install, that looks awesome! It is exactly what I want on my X3. Can you let me know what you paid for the wheel and airbag?

Hey, we must be married to the same gal.....my wife wouldn't notice a mod unless I painted the whole car FLUORESCENT PINK!!! (a good thing I guess).

btw- great mod!

nice one :thumbup: , is this wheel the same you get in the sport package models minus the M badge

That's sweet!

Looks nice, Jay! Glad it was so easy for you, man!

JV

I didn't need to buy an airbag since I have an '04 - a major plus for sure! Rob_ is the guy to contact if you're interested! (my new parts guy!:p )

No - quite different actually - much thicker rim, oblong cross-section (rather than round), better/softer leather, more pronounced thumb-rests, skinnier bottom spoke. Overall a much better feel. This is the M-Sport wheel that is available only on European X3's (as far as I know) right now. Originally got the idea from SteveD. who posted his install a while back... Which reminds me - Thanks to you too, Steve - for measuring with me!!!:thumbup:

Congrats! X5Jay, Wheel looks great! :thumbup:

No, its not the same wheel. The wheel with sport package has a very plastic feel. This wheel has different leather and shape to it. Its used for M-sport package on X3 in Europe.

I don't think you should need the airbag if you have sport package.

Nice job Jay!!! Why don't you come to Knoxville & help me install one on mine!!! My wife would never notice either...........she noticed my 87's, but not too much excitement over them though.............I couldn't believe it.......

I'd do it for you in a heartbeat if you were close by! It's really pretty easy if you read the excellent write-ups carefully. One thing that helped immensely is that I was able to look at the new wheel carefully before installing it to find out how the springs worked for the airbag. It really helped to get a feel for it on the new wheel before attempting to remove the airbag from the old wheel. With that & the connector-release knowledge, it's a P-O-C! Go for it my man!:thumbup:

Ya, my wife thought I was nuts when she asked me "what do you want for your birthday" and I said "a steering wheel." :thumbup:

You are not alone. When my wife found out about the m-sport wheel she said 'what's wrong with the existing one' and gave me a look as if I have lost my head.

Very nice, indeed!! Glad the collective wisdom of the folks here paid off with another satisfied M Wheel convert :D

Great functional mod!

Part Number
 

What is the part number for this wheel....thanks

does this wheel also come with paddle shifters??? that's the one i want.

Looks Great!!!

wow the M wheel looks great! is the M wheel heated?

btw i have this wheel, i guess i need a new airbag if i need to install the M wheel as well right? thanks.

http://www.bmwworld.com/images/cars/x5/12465_300.jpg

yeah you need the round airbag, I think its about 400 and dealers wont ship them.

I have a question it looks exactly like my wheel in my 06 4.8is minus the M
badge. Are they close? mines full leather and heated.

what's the reason the round airbags cant be shipped? so if i need one can i purchase from dealer direct?

+1 on the part #.

Looks like a nice mod. This is thicker than the stock 4.8 wheel?

I might do this on my wife's car.

Acouple of times......a couple of steering wheels...I've managed to accomplish the wrong degree for top dead center on some wheels as well. It has to be fixed right away!

Not the same Sports Wheel. Also the leather is very soft compare to the stock wheel. You can order this wheel from BMW parts. Only for 2004+ years.

Not the same. The one on 4.8is has cheap leather and the plastic on sides of spokes is sharp. This one has soft nappa leather feel unlike the plastic feel of OEM sport wheel.
If you have heated wheel, then make sure the replacement wheel is also heated.
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ing-wheel.html

Wheel Part # 32303415380
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...=32&fg=35&hl=1

Hmm I like my stock wheel its even better than the alcantara one on my GT3.

Part Number.....??????
 

What is the part number....looks great..

New member of the club here ! Adopted my 06 X5 last Saturday.

Having replaced the sport wheel in my wife's 04 CiC, I know how great it feels..

BUT, here is my dilemma.

I have a 4 spoke steering wheel with a recirculating button.

The multi-function controls seem to either have HEAT or NOTHING.

If I choose nothing, what happens to the wire that connects to the recirculating button? Can I safely wrap it with electrical tape and tuck it inside?

If I choose HEAT, is the wiring there already, or do I need to run a new wire and relay to heat the wheel?

Thanks
ED in Metuchen, NJ