Steering wheel transplant?

[AntStark]

A question for those in the know….

I have this type of steering wheel on my M43. It’s not particularly comfortable.

I want to swap it for the M design wheel ..probably after a trip to Royals. Are these wheels interchangeable, plug and play? I can’t believe they wouldn’t keep a common set of plugs/mechanisms etc..but you never know.

 

[NZ00Z3]

The steering wheel will fit. It's the airbag that you want to be careful about. There are single stage and dual stage airbags and they are not interchangeable.

Your M43 Z3 is likely a dual stage airbag, so, as long as you buy a dual stage airbag steering wheel of the style you want, you should be OK.

Here is a bit of information on the issue. It's from the E46 world, but very similar to the Z3's. https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/steering-wheel-swap-info-thread-including-early-models.655912/

 

[AntStark]

Cheers buddy. I have an M wheel from a 2002 car (airbag dated 2001) so will be a dual stage. Just need to decide whether to send it off for a refurb or just fit it

 

[DomiMik]

I would always prefer a refurb, that's a major improvement at a decent price

 

[bertiejaffa]

As mentioned the airbag connections are the only things to check to ensure you have the same on the old one as the new one. It doesnt take much time to switch them over so I would potentially suggest fitting it and ensuring it is alright before you send it off for a refurb.

As for the refurb question itself then yes definitely do it - Royals is obviously the way to go and makes such a massive difference

 

[petecossie]

After trying to see if the wheel fits and it all works ok then get a refurb at Royal Steering Wheels. They do a excellent job and the options are endless. A thicker rim was top of my priorities which makes the big positive difference in driving experience.
Lots of owners on here have used Royal and I’ve not come across a negative feedback yet.

 

[Devon Z]

I went the other way from M sport to the later twin spoke, had it retrimed at Royal, nothing fancy just thicker.

 

[AntStark]

Mmm ..yeah that’s an option too.

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

Definitely do Royal. I had one done a couple weeks ago with perforated sides, napa top and bottom. It's a bit thicker than stock (which I really like) and the workmanship is outstanding. An excellent upgrade and worth the cost in my opinion.