Fitting an earlier steering wheel to a facelift.

[Uncle_Clanger]

I would like to know if anyone has swapped their M sport steering wheel for an earlier PRE face-lift steering wheel?

I would think more people have tried to "upgrade" to an M steering wheel then the other way around....

I think it will fit straight on without needing any adapter or modifications. The issue I'm led to believe is with the airbags. The older steering wheels have single stage airbags and post 2000 had dual stage.

I've attached a photo of the connections on the rear of the Pre face-lift steering wheel I would like to fit...how do these differ from the facelift wiring?

Is this an easy job or am I entering into a world of crap swapping?

 

[mktommo]

I'm in the middle of going down the upgrade route and I think they're compatible but will look out for other answers. I've felt that the old steering wheel (which I'll keep as part of the original car) makes it feel like a bus to drive - do you prefer the look or feel of the older wheels?

 

[5harp3y]

Need to be careful as there are two types of airbag.

Single and double phase and they use different wiring

 

[Dino D]

To use a single stage airbag in a dual stage car you need to adapt the wiring so it works as a single stage. It's been done and there's a detailed guide here (albeit its for a Raid steering wheel but that is also single stage like the wheel you looking at):
http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=23787

 

[1955Davidr]

To use a single stage airbag in a dual stage car you need to adapt the wiring so it works as a single stage. It's been done and there's a detailed guide here (albeit its for a Raid steering wheel but that is also single stage like the wheel you looking at):
http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=23787

A great link and comprehensive guide to anyone thinking about fitting a Raid wheel, just fitted a 340mm one to mine and the difference is night and day. I was starting to struggle getting in and out but now there seems to be so much extra room and it feels more comfortable to drive. Will post pics when rain stops.