Replacing my Steering Wheel

[Andrew Buxcey]

I would like to know how easy it is to replace my steering wheel for a later type which is slight smaller.
Just need to know if there are any pitfalls or are they a straight swap. - I have a 1997 BMW Z3 2.8

Thanks

 

[GazHyde]

Do you have a specific wheel in mind? Initial issue will be whether they use the same steering boss, and then the difference in the air bags (whether single or two staged).

 

[Antm72]

I think @Faheem has just swapped his early to a later steering wheel as mentioned it's more to do with the airbag than the wheel fitting although there may be differences in the connections and the split ring.

 

[Antm72]

This wheel ...

To this one ??

 

[Antm72]

Think it's what was done he's tagged so should be along his thread here
https://zroadster.org/threads/steering-wheel-questions.18001/#post-302602

 

[Faheem]

Hi,

The steering wheel will fit as it is just a 16mm bolt that holds the wheel in, however, there are two types of slip rings and two types of airbags.

Stage 1 Airbags and Slip rings were fitted to any Z3 released before March 99 and Stage 2 Airbags were fitted to Z3s that were released after March 99.

You'll need a Stage 1 Airbag with an earlier Slip Ring if you have a 97 Z3. Stage 2 Airbags have different connectors that only work with the later slip rings, and these slip rings will not connect into your car.

If you're looking to fit the following wheel then @Craig Giblett has a stage 1 Airbag for sale I believe.

If you're trying to fit the smaller SRS wheel - this one - then I have an airbag and slip ring for sale, PM for details.

 

[Andrew Buxcey]

Hi there. Many thanks for all the information. I am looking M Sport type steering wheel if possible (top image), but I am not sure now if I can get one which will suit the Air Bag/ Slip Ring type for a 1997 model. ( If I have understood it all correctly!)

 

[5harp3y]

just make sure the one you buy comes from a pre 98 car

mine came from a e36 M3

 

[Faheem]

Wheel can be from any car.

Airbag needs to be a stage 1 which looks like the airbag on the left - stage 2 is the one on the right.

Notice in the above picture the connectors are different, you need the airbag with the two pin connector (left airbag)

Slip rings are also different, first you have your stage 1 slipring

And then the stage 2 slip ring

Slip rings are inter changeable so when you get your new wheel you should be able to remove the slip ring from your existing wheel and fit it to the airbag.

I think @spurs fan in a coupe was selling these a while back for £75. I assume that was the wheel and airbag with the slipring. Maybe worth sending him a Pm

 

[t-tony]

Sir Percival has one for sale, see his "Build up" thread.

https://zroadster.org/threads/build-up-pictures.13967/page-16

See post 304

Tony.