FYI: most of the pre-facelift wheel for E39 is single staged, which can NOT be used on an X5. Moreover, they look like this
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h1...ps11c6c4c1.jpg
Some of them are dual staged on the facelift 01 E39s and some early M5s too, but I'm sure you don't want that.
You want the 02-03 E39 sport steering wheel.

whooops I should have explained better, yes Tam you are right and that's what I meant! when i said pre-facelift I was pertaining to E53, and that would be for late production E39. :thumbup:

Sorry for the threadjack op.

The one I am looking at currently has no airbag & mine will fit.

I don't like those wheels with the bigger airbag and as I am cheap am trying to get one that will accept my bag & switches to not have to buy them again.

Thanks!

The wheel sold :(
BMW E39 E46 E38 E53 M SPORT Steering Wheel | eBay

four.8is, very nicely done and photographed. I'm getting that annoying plastic peel and need to add this to my DIY list. I'm thinking this will hold up much better than the vinyl application alternative, and I plan to keep the E53 for awhile ....