Peeling steering wheel trim replacement
 

Pics and steps for replacing the peeling steering wheel trim on your sport steering wheel. With the right tools and some patience, figure 15-20min.

Start by turning your wheel so the tools you plan to use can access the torx screws at the back of the wheel. Once you pull the fuse, you don't want to turn the key to move the wheel. You may set off the air bag light.
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/u...ly/Image11.jpg

Pull the airbag fuse (in my case, it was #44).
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/u...ly/Image12.jpg

Insert a screw driver into the horizontal slots at the back of the steering wheel. You're pushing a tab to release the air bag. Do one side, pop the airbag slightly off on that side and repeat for the other. It will take a bit to get it to pop.
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/u...y/Image7-1.jpg

Here is a pic of it popped up slightly. Pull it out straight and evenly. I just (gently) placed it on the top of the wheel. Bentley book says to not let it hang with the bag pointing down. Keep it pointing up.
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/u...ly/Image10.jpg

I used these little torx allen keys (T10) to undo the 5 coarse thread screws that held the trim piece on.
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/u...y/Image5-1.jpg

There isn't much room behind the wheel, so they worked out perfect.
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/u...y/Image6-1.jpg

Once the trim is loose, you'll need to unscrew the buttons and pull the wires out of their guide channel.
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/u...y/Image8-1.jpg

Here is what the back of the new piece looks like.
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/u...Oly/Image9.jpg

Installation is reverse of removal. Push the air bag evenly into position. It'll snap back in place. Don't forget to put the fuse back in.

Here is the finished product.
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/u...ly/Image13.jpg

Hope that helps.

Cheers.

Thank you for this. I think I'm going to try and do mine tomorrow...

NP - let me know if you have issues. I have to do this on my 535, but I'll wait until the temps warm up a bit. I'm seeing some common themes across platforms. Hmmmmm.

Finally got around to doing this. Just a couple notes #1 the fuse is located in the glovebox and #2 the motion is to PUSH STRAIGHT in to release the airbag not pry it free...if that makes sense. If I had read more carefully to begin with this would have been easier...overall though not bad and the end result is worlds better:thumbup:

Last question does anyone know how to replace the badge on the steering wheel? Mine doesnt look great..

Before:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/pic...ictureid=47249

After:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/pic...ictureid=47252

Great write up. Ill be doing this over the weekend,.....but instead of replacing with new,....I will be repainting it with SEM Plastic Paint.