Just me, or is the older Z3 steering wheel nicer?

matd

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Joined
Jul 22, 2026
Points
33
Location
Bath, UK
Model of Z
2.8 Orinoco
Just been playing around - doesn’t this look much nicer?

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I like the thinner wheel much more than the thick one.
Unfortunately, my 98 came with the thicker 4 spoke wheel.

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I think the big ugly wheel came in with the face lift, it is my only criticism of the Z3, I would get rid of it if I could.
 
@matd

The older wheel will possibly not be compatible with airbag i have the sport wheel in 2 of my zeds its a single stage airbag .

The 'M' wheel came in face-lift and pre face-lift model with single stage bag in early multistage in the later.

Your Orinoco will probably have the 98on build code in its spec same as mine so has some of the later stuff.
The twin vanos engine
Lined roof
Multistage bags
And other bits and pieces.

If you have multi stage airbag not sure what the module will think of a single stage retro fit.

Stephen.
 
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