Advice and opinions on wood steering wheels? (Pictures)

[Duncodin]

OK. My current wheel is like this

Now this next one, rebuild with wood, looks like it would be a straight swap? Just put my airbag module into it? Is that an easy job?

It's proper wood, by the way. Not just a plastic cover.

This would be going into a tribute 507 rebody. Would something like this be a bit more 'classic' but still retaining the airbag.

That one above seems to have a ding just to the right of the badge. But you get the idea.

Or should I ditch the idea of keeping an airbag and just go for this

 

[Zephyr]

I am not sure that the small airbag will be 100% compatible with your current ecu.
It will not throw any codes but will not operate properly in case of an accident.
Better check first. I remember that bmw changed from single stage to dual stage during 97/98 or so.
Not a big deal, it will work, but the single stage deploys full strength no matter the speed of impact, whereas the dual stage is somehow more friendly to your face in low speed crashes.
Better than no airbag at all imho.

 

[ChrisD]

If you want airbag functionality then stick with the original unit.
An airbag is not a soft cushion deployed in the event of an accident. The airbag creates a violent explosive force designed to counter the equally violent force from an impact. A mistimed/uncalibrated deployment can cause more injuries or worse in the event of an impact.
It’s your car/life but please don’t opt for option B and believe that you are protected.

 

[Duncodin]

If you want airbag functionality then stick with the original unit.
An airbag is not a soft cushion deployed in the event of an accident. The airbag creates a violent explosive force designed to counter the equally violent force from an impact. A mistimed/uncalibrated deployment can cause more injuries or worse in the event of an impact.
It’s your car/life but please don’t opt for option B and believe that you are protected.

Which of my options is Option B?

A (With my airbag)

B (The 'other' wheel) Actually I'm not that keen on this one anyway.

C. The old style with no airbag

Not being keen on the look of 'B' I suppose it's between A and C

But the question is - will 'My' airbag module go into the 'A' wheel? A does look like a standard 'M' wheel from z3.

 

[ChrisD]

Your Option B reference is the same as mine. Sorry, can’t help if your existing airbag will fit in option A. It looks like it should. Then you find 100 reasons why it doesn’t…

 

[AleNod]

Sorry, can't help with airbags part of the question. But the non-airbag one has got some looks . . .

I'm now (ahem) 60 years old. I have never had an airbag deploy. If ever I was in a situation where I needed one and it wasn't there I would regret that. But so far . . .

I get why modern manufacturers include AB's for mass produced vehicles intended for daily usage. This sounds like a passion project with lower careful usage. Your call if you want an AB or no.

And a 507 is one of the prettiest cars ever made in my opinion. Would love to see some pictures of that when its done (maybe a progress thread?).

Good luck, enjoy, whatever you decide. . .

 

[Ianmc]

My car has an OEM factory fit wooden wheel with airbag that you may be able to consider.

 

[Duncodin]

Thank you guys for your feedback.

But please - anyone else? - keep the opinions and suggestions coming.

 

[Brian James]

Two aspects come to mind:

1. I have been involved in an accident where a car came across into my lane and hit me front on. The air bag deployed and coupled with the seat belt, they saved my life. I still suffered from neck injuries as well as a cracked sternum.
2. I am not sure how your insurance would value this modification. Also if you sold the car on, then someone else might consider the modified steering wheel to be standard and thus be at risk, albeit unkowingly.

If you ignore point 2, then point 1 is, IMHO, a no brainer and don't play around with a key critical safety factor.

Sorry if the message is not what you wanted to hear but you did ask for comments.

 

[Duncodin]

Two aspects come to mind:

1. I have been involved in a no fault accident where a car came across into my lane and hit me front on. The air bag deployed and coupled with the seat belt, they saved my life. I still suffered from neck injuries as well as a cracked sternum.
2. I am not sure how your insurance would value this modification. Also if you sold the car on, then someone else might consider the modified steering wheel to be standard and thus be at risk, albeit unkowingly.

If you ignore point 2, then point 1 is, IMHO, a no brainer and don't play around with a key critical safety factor.

Sorry if the message is not what you wanted to hear but you did ask for comments.

Thanks. But would you consider my first option where my current airbag from my z3 'm' wheel is put into an otherwise identical z3 'm' wheel, is a 'bad' modification?

 

[Zephyr]

You can put your airbag into that other steering wheel, it was a factory option and will work.

 

[Stevo7682]

Option A the wood trim m sport wheel should be fine .
There is 2 version of the airbag for the m wheel
Pre face-lift have single stage air bag
Face-lift models have multi stage airbag
Dont think makes any difference to the physical wheel but clock spring and bag itself are definitely different.
Stephen.

 

[Duncodin]

Option A the wood trim m sport wheel should be fine .
There is 2 version of the airbag for the m wheel
Pre face-lift have single stage air bag
Face-lift models have multi stage airbag
Dont think makes any difference to the physical wheel but clock spring and bag itself are definitely different.
Stephen.

My car is a pre-facelift and the wheel I'm interested in is from a zed with single stage airbag. So I'd be safe in assuming that my bag would fit in that wheel? Of course I could be asking the seller these questions but, somehow, I trust you guys more than some bloke selling a wheel

 

[Dxbolton]

“Technically” removing the airbag is a mot failure, as you have removed a safety item from the car, that was fitted when it left the factory.
it all depends on your “friendly” tester whether he fails it, but he should do.

 

[Duncodin]

“Technically” removing the airbag is a mot failure, as you have removed a safety item from the car, that was fitted when it left the factory.
it all depends on your “friendly” tester whether he fails it, but he should do.

Yeah. I'm leaning towards keeping the bag but going for rebuilt wheel with wood to give it the classic look.

 

[Pond]

I suppose it depends on how authentic you want your 507 replica to be/ look.

If safety is of paramount importance, then I would say don't convert it in the first place. Actually forget that; if safety is of paramount importance scrap your Z3 and buy a Volvo!

In 1960-whatever they didn't have airbags, or roll-over hoops, or exploding seat belt tensioners, etc, etc. I would guess you will be losing at least one of these things. An airbag ain't no use to you if the car flips and your roll-over hoops are in your shed, or a the scrappy's!

If you want to lose the airbag(s) get a 'proper' 1960s style wooden wheel of a larger diameter! Not a half-plastic half-wood abomination.

"Go big or go home" is my attitude with this.

 

[Duncodin]

Thank you.

Anyone else? All opinions welcome.