Steering wheel options

[sean.bmwm3]

I've been the happy owner of my coupe for 2 months now after trading in my e30 m3 and I'm very pleased with it apart from the steering wheel!!!
It is far too big and not bold enough-I had a sport evo alcantara wheel in the m3 and it made the world of difference to the standard. Does anyone Know off any options for replacement i.e. any other bmw wheels that might fit.
I have been looking at the RAID steering wheels as I'd like to keep the airbag, Has anyone got one and if so can you show some pic's..
Thanks Sean

[Spooks]

Hi Sean,

I cant remember the outcome but this topic has been discussed in the past on this forum. Use the search function and see what you can find....

Cheers

[David1975]

c_w has a raid wheel. Think there are some pics in the gallery

[indy]

can the E46 M3 steering wheel with airbag be fitted to MC?
i have seen it fitted to some E36's, just wondering if its possible.

[MGR]

can the E46 M3 steering wheel with airbag be fitted to MC?
i have seen it fitted to some E36's, just wondering if its possible.

I think this is quite difficult to do. Can't remember exactly why.

[c_w]

can the E46 M3 steering wheel with airbag be fitted to MC?
i have seen it fitted to some E36's, just wondering if its possible.

If it will fit an E36 it'll fit a Z3M. I think it's the electronics that cuase the problems; I think it essentially bolts on to the steering coluimn fine though.

[indy]

If it will fit an E36 it'll fit a Z3M. I think it's the electronics that cuase the problems; I think it essentially bolts on to the steering coluimn fine though.

just the airbag and horn that is to connect? will these work as normal? like original steering wheel fitted to the car.

the multifunction button fittings can be replaced with blanks like on the CSL :yesnod:

[miketheman2k]

I know what you're saying about the steering wheel size and feel. It's the first thing I changed when I got my MC (and the MR I had a few years before it) - it just feels like a lorry wheel and a cheap one at that. Changing to a smaller diameter wheel makes the car feel instantly sharper (more so than suspension changes or swapping steering racks which is subtle in comparison).

I decided to lose the airbag, mainly because the price and looks of the airbag wheels didn't match the old skool feel of the car (imo of course). Until recently I ran a Momo Millennium Evo II 320mm wheel, which I really liked...but after adding the recaro seat I wanted a racing wheel to match it. The current 330mm OMP feels really high quality - nice thick rim (errr!) and a grippy alcantara finish. I'd recommend it to anyone.

The Momo

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/miketheman2k/_99_11-3.jpg

The OMP

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/miketheman2k/IMG_3093.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/miketheman2k/IMG_3094.jpg

[indy]

here is the E36 i have seen fitted with E46 wheel. i have seen others too, but this one is NICE!!!

http://i30.tinypic.com/6ged5s.jpg

[Wav]

I know what you're saying about the steering wheel size and feel. It's the first thing I changed when I got my MC (and the MR I had a few years before it) - it just feels like a lorry wheel and a cheap one at that. Changing to a smaller diameter wheel makes the car feel instantly sharper (more so than suspension changes or swapping steering racks which is subtle in comparison).

I decided to lose the airbag, mainly because the price and looks of the airbag wheels didn't match the old skool feel of the car (imo of course). Until recently I ran a Momo Millennium Evo II 320mm wheel, which I really liked...but after adding the recaro seat I wanted a racing wheel to match it. The current 330mm OMP feels really high quality - nice thick rim (errr!) and a grippy alcantara finish. I'd recommend it to anyone.

The Momo

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/miketheman2k/_99_11-3.jpg

The OMP

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/miketheman2k/IMG_3093.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/miketheman2k/IMG_3094.jpg

I like Mike, what model OMP wheel is that?

Cheers,

Paul

[sean.bmwm3]

Wasn't sure about getting a racing wheel, I thought it might look abit 'unfinished' compared to a airbag steering wheel but after seeing yours mike I am getting the credit card out as we speak!:driving:
Are the dials still visable ok with the smaller diameter?

[miketheman2k]

I like Mike, what model OMP wheel is that?

Cheers,

Paul

It's an OMP Targa. I really wanted a dished wheel like the Momo Drift (here (http://auto-competition-parts.sc27.info/ebay/momo-s-350/momo-angle-01.jpg)) but because you can't adjust the MC steering column it would have been far too close to my chest. Love the fact its got the little marker on the wheel - like I'll actually need it lol.

Wasn't sure about getting a racing wheel, I thought it might look abit 'unfinished' compared to a airbag steering wheel but after seeing yours mike I am getting the credit card out as we speak!:driving:
Are the dials still visable ok with the smaller diameter?

The tops are slightly blocked by the smaller wheels, I've learnt to live with it.

[gooner14]

Is there a definite guide anyware for fitting Recaro Pole Positions? What items do I need, and how much do you need to take off the 'seat wing' to get it to fit by the Window?

[coupe fan]

gooner14
Chippy did a writeup. Unfortunately the photos have since been deleted.

http://www.z3mcoupe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5741&highlight=pole+position

Have a look in my gallery, page 1, and there is a picture of the finished driver's seat.

The man who did both Chippy's and mine is based in Surrey, from memory. He takes 1.5/2" off the wings and then builds them partially back up with foam.

[chippy]

As mentioned by Coupe fan, just under 2" is removed from the 'ears' of the seat and replaced with high density memory foam to restore original shape.

If you need the tel number for the seat re trimming guy, pm me.

[sean.bmwm3]

Finally found myself a steering wheel I like. Its a M-Tech 2 double trimmed in alcantara so its nice and thick and has the tri colour stitching all the way round. Feels great and makes the world of difference.



http://www.z3mcoupe.com/photopost/data//500/3521DSC00990.JPG

[sean.bmwm3]

Well that did'nt work! Can't get the hang of this putting pictures on posts.:banghead:
Pictures are in my gallery.

[dave p]

Well that did'nt work! Can't get the hang of this putting pictures on posts.:banghead:
Pictures are in my gallery.

steering wheel looks great :thumbsup:

[pdwarren]

Well that did'nt work! Can't get the hang of this putting pictures on posts.:banghead:


Fixed :thumbsup:

Paul

[Jame5]

I like the look on that! Are these widely available?:thumbsup:

[Germanlkmanx]

What's the diameter of the stock wheel? I thought I researched this and seem to remember that the M-Tech 2 wheel was only 5mm smaller? Very nice though, I have the same wheel in leather in my E36 and love it.

[wadh0070]

That looks very nice. Can you confirm dimensions. I assume there's no airbag in the middle of that?

Jez

[sean.bmwm3]

Thanks for the feed back. It is only 5mm smaller than standard but the rim is alot thicker which gives it a better feel. I tried a 330mm omp wheel for a while but didn't like the way it cut straight through the dials. Also I think the m-tech 2 wheel goes with the retro look of the interior but it has no airbag which is a bit of a bummer! All i need now are some matching alcantara gear/handbrake boots.
I got the wheel from a german seller on ebay, below is a link for a z3m wheel he has for sale thats been trimmed in alcantara complete with airbag. If you email him he's very helpful and will do any style you want.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220467292282&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

[pdwarren]

Really like the look of some of those wheels. Even just the stock wheel retrimmed with a mix of perforated and normal leather looks good.

Your wheel looks great :thumbsup:

Paul

[Germanlkmanx]

Thanks for the feed back. It is only 5mm smaller than standard but the rim is alot thicker which gives it a better feel. I tried a 330mm omp wheel for a while but didn't like the way it cut straight through the dials. Also I think the m-tech 2 wheel goes with the retro look of the interior but it has no airbag which is a bit of a bummer! All i need now are some matching alcantara gear/handbrake boots.
I got the wheel from a german seller on ebay, below is a link for a z3m wheel he has for sale thats been trimmed in alcantara complete with airbag. If you email him he's very helpful and will do any style you want.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220467292282&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

I'm yet to buy an MC (hopefully sometime before 2010 hits us though!!) and here a lot about how big the wheel is.

As you confirm, the M-Tech 2 wheel is only 5mm smaller but I find it a perfect size in my current car - I guess as you point out that it is probably the thickness of the rim that makes it feel better than the standard wheel in the MC?

Looks very cool though dude...

[gooner14]

Couple of those ebay wheels look awesome, but they are still too big.

Anyone know what the score is with insurance and removing the airbag?

[c_w]

I'm yet to buy an MC (hopefully sometime before 2010 hits us though!!) and here a lot about how big the wheel is.

As you confirm, the M-Tech 2 wheel is only 5mm smaller but I find it a perfect size in my current car - I guess as you point out that it is probably the thickness of the rim that makes it feel better than the standard wheel in the MC?

Looks very cool though dude...

Partly feels bigger becasue the cabin is quite small and often your knees are almost touching the wheel too.

[David1975]

Anyone know what the score is with insurance and removing the airbag?


Wrote off my last one with the alcantara mtech wheel with no airbag. IUnsurance inspector made no mention. Maybe because it as badged BMW??

[Muppetman]

Has anyone had the Original wheel retrimmed in alcantara?

I'm not happy with the feel of the 'leather' and the skinnyness of the original but can't find an aftermarket one I like the look of.

Anyone had it done?

Thinking of also doing the centre of the dash top.

[kevinx320]

Had a quote from a person in london to retrim wheel in alcantara with 3 colour stitching was around 350 pounds a tad expensive i think, must be someone out there who can do it but was told its very difficult t do and it has to look very good when finished

[Muppetman]

£350!!! That's mad!

Maybe I'll just wrap some of the old style handlebar tape around it :lol:

[kevinx320]

is it easy to remove and replace the steering wheel or is it a dealer job?

[sean.bmwm3]

Disconnect the battery (so as not to discharge the airbag), undo two star bolts at the rear of the wheel to remove airbag, undo 16mm nut holding wheel to colum. 5min work

[fok]

Had a quote from a person in london to retrim wheel in alcantara with 3 colour stitching was around 350 pounds a tad expensive i think, must be someone out there who can do it but was told its very difficult t do and it has to look very good when finished

I had an AMG steering wheel trimmed in leather a while ago by a firm called Tappers in Birmingham...........Nice job and £120 as I remember, might be worth contacting if you're serious about a re-trim of the oem wheel.

My wife still has the car if you want to see their work.

[kevinx320]

would be nice to see the job they done , have you any pics please

[kevinx320]

hi called tappers of birmingham and got another shock to retrim my wheel £200 plus the dreaded vat looks like i give it a miss

[c_w]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Raid-Leather-Silberpfeil-Typ-2-Airbag-steering-wheel_W0QQitemZ220480650079QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_C arsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item3355abbb5f&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

This is a tiny bit smaller and chunkier. Would just need a BOSS to fit.

[ultegra]

Finally found myself a steering wheel I like. Its a M-Tech 2 double trimmed in alcantara so its nice and thick and has the tri colour stitching all the way round. Feels great and makes the world of difference.



http://www.z3mcoupe.com/photopost/data//500/3521DSC00990.JPG

Hi Sean. How did you get round the slip ring differences when you used the M Tech 2 wheel on your MC? Did you have to swap out the MC column switches for early e36 switches?

[kwoffa]

Had a quote from a person in london to retrim wheel in alcantara with 3 colour stitching was around 350 pounds a tad expensive i think, must be someone out there who can do it but was told its very difficult t do and it has to look very good when finished royalsteering wheels will do it for aprox £100

[dave p]

Hi Sean. How did you get round the slip ring differences when you used the M Tech 2 wheel on your MC? Did you have to swap out the MC column switches for early e36 switches?
the slip ring is the same on the E36 and the Z3, depending on single or dual airbags fitted (afaik).

[dave p]

old post but saw this Raid race steering wheel fitted to a z3m roadster,



http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af187/Z3M_Driver/RAID%20Daytona/r3.jpg

[c_w]

Looks similar to my Raid but it has a rather nice flat alcantara bottom. Silver horn buttons don't do it for me though.

I can't work out if it's one of those silly small 320mm ones or the more "normal" but still small 340mm!

[ragerover]

oooer alcantra bottom im in too minds on the carbon binacle too

[dave p]

Looks similar to my Raid but it has a rather nice flat alcantara bottom. Silver horn buttons don't do it for me though.

I can't work out if it's one of those silly small 320mm ones or the more "normal" but still small 340mm!
its a Daytona race 340mm, does looks good.
the carbon dash is ACS and available special order for around £1200 !

[Jonttt]

I bought his old Carbon Schnitzer wheel off him :yesnod:

[guido]

Quite a few pics of the Raid Daytona on here:

http://www.carnewal-usa.com/cpx_p045.htm

[dave p]

another after market steering wheel,

http://www.z3mcoupe.com/photopost/data//500/1304Resize_of_Orchard_051.jpg

[indy]

another after market steering wheel
is a nice design, looks comfy, but too big? if i was going aftermarket id pick something smaller.

[c_w]

I think it's just the photo, I bet that's smaller than OE.

[dave p]

e46 M3 wheel fitted to a z3,

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/rons_opening_image.jpg

[oo 1005]

Think the E46 wheel looks too modern for the Coupe...

I had a Sparco Lap 3 330mm in my old GT4 and it was a brilliant wheel, perfect size and shape...

If it wasnt for the airbag I'd get another for the Coupe.

[S50Missile]

Anyone here replaced theirs with a E46 M3/CSL one? I want to use mine but still want the indicators/horn to work

[Jonttt]

It can be done but you need to fabicate a slip ring mounting and get blanking plates for the buttons on the wheel ;-)

If your fitting onto a post 04/99 car then there is no problem as they are both 2 stage airbag systems but I would not fit onto a pre 04/99 single stage airbag system Z3 as the dual stage wheels are not designed to work on a single stage system !

[dave p]

Hamann steering wheel - looks like a re-badged Raid item,

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5170/5296690712_9bb2ff6254_z.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5170/5296690712_9bb2ff6254_b.jpg)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5296696036_9ea5e48cfa_z.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5296696036_9ea5e48cfa_b.jpg)

[JCK]

Z4M Steering wheel retrofit (Very much not plug-and-play.)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/Jshkrauss/IMGP1847.jpg

[Jonttt]

Thats the one from Bimmerforums............

I just think the raid wheel looks more OEM in a Z3 than that OEM one lol

[dave p]

Z4M Steering wheel retrofit (Very much not plug-and-play.)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/Jshkrauss/IMGP1847.jpg
looks good :thumbsup:

[andrewturner]

Retrimmed OEM wheel with perforated leather and tri stitching, as modelled by my MC :)

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i217/andrewturner/d43343cb.jpg

[jrsmooth]

That is on my todo list! It's getting really long now, (and expensive!)

I am still unsure whether to do that, or fit an E46 M3 wheel, as I am sure they have a smaller diameter.

Joe :driving:

[dave p]

http://www.z3mcoupe.com/photopost/data//500/259raidCoupe.jpg

Raid freeway?

[dave p]

ACS,

http://www.z3mcoupe.com/photopost/data//500/259Schnitzerfull.JPG

[dave p]

another Raid,

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/2609/raidairbagfd2.jpg

[JCK]

My old roadster with a RAID (yes I've had both RAID and Z4M)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/Jshkrauss/DSCN1404.jpg

[dave p]

another picture of Raid wheel fitted to a Mcoupe,

http://micko.lucid.fi/pesu/vipa.jpg

[dave p]

http://www.knology.net/~Gibber66/bmwpics/Steering%20Wheel-1.jpg

[dave p]

latest Raid wheel on German ebay,

http://cgi.ebay.de/raid-Airbag-Sportlenkrad-Nabe-BMW-Z3-M-MR-C-95-03-/190522606679?pt=Autoteile_Zubeh%C3%B6r&hash=item2c5c084457


http://www.schoenbach-tuning.de/ebay/bilder/raid_airbag_sport_320_b.jpg

[gooner14]

So about £360/70 inc P&P. Not too sure about the lettering over the airbag unit.

[indy]

So about £360/70 inc P&P. Not too sure about the lettering over the airbag unit.

youre prob not sure about the lettering, because it looks shit. lol. :lol:

[gooner14]

Yes, it's not great. I didn't like the silver buttons on the other raid wheels, and on this wheel they have removed them, great! So they have stuck stupid silver letter on them instead!

[indy]

Yes, it's not great. I didn't like the silver buttons on the other raid wheels, and on this wheel they have removed them, great! So they have stuck stupid silver letter on them instead!

prob be better off getting an E36 one retrimmed if you want to keep the airbag, or just go for another aftermarket one and put the airbag light out with a resistor (but remember to wear your seatbelt :lol:) :thumbsup:

[gooner14]

I've already have my current wheel retrimmed. I'd like a smaller wheel, but still want the airbag, Raid is the only way to go.

[indy]

I've already have my current wheel retrimmed. I'd like a smaller wheel, but still want the airbag, Raid is the only way to go.

nice :thumbsup:

are you another one thats slipped through the net of picture posting :lol:
i have seen a pic of your car (nice wheels) :cornut:

but i think others will want to too, so get snappin :rofl: :cheers2:

[dave p]

http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac96/WORM_05/DSCN0768.jpg

[dave p]

picture showing a thicker re-trimmed wheel and normal thin wheel,

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=144283&d=1208651989 (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=144283&d=1208651989)

[shantybeater]

The e46 m3 wheel takes it for me by a long shot, also like the z4m wheel. Just my opinion though as I'm after an oem look. Things like the momo/raids may do their job well but just look way too aftermarket for me and sort of upset the look of the interior.

If you have recaros though the momo works well with them, chippys M for example really looked good!

Great thread btw!

[jrsmooth]

I have just found this (http://www.mcoupe.com/profiles/blogs/2088957:BlogPost:157) write up for the Z4M steering wheel. I think I will add this to the to-do list. Looks great!

Joe :driving:

[fok]

I like the retro look to match the chrome rimmed gauges and the Pole Positions....Momo Prototipo, popular on the 911 scene.

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/7627/190311002.jpg

[dave p]

another option but expensive,

http://www.dragtimes.com/parts/BMW-E36-Z3-M3-M-Coupe-E39-M5-carbon-Sport-steering-wheel_300619107931.html

http://www.dragtimes.com/images-classifieds-large/BMW-E36-Z3-M3-M-Coupe-E39-M5-carbon-Sport-steering-wheel-for-sale_300619107931.jpg

[Spooks]

picture showing a thicker re-trimmed wheel and normal thin wheel,

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=144283&d=1208651989 (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=144283&d=1208651989)

That looks nice, a great option and far nicer than any aftermarket option.

[c_w]

Looks much better than the factory covering but you're still left with a wheel that's too big.

[dave p]

That looks nice, a great option and far nicer than any aftermarket option.
makes a massive difference to the feel of the standard wheel which is too thin as standard - well worth doing IMO

[Spooks]

makes a massive difference to the feel of the standard wheel which is too thin as standard - well worth doing IMO

Have you had this done then Dave ?

[dave p]

Have you had this done then Dave ?
I have a ACS steering wheel which is a OEM wheel retrimmed

[dave p]

Hartge...............

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/9315/pic0010yt9.jpg (http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/9315/pic0010yt9.jpg)

[Jonttt]

Until people have actually tried a 340mm wheel v the stock 370mm wheels they just don't realise how much of a difference it actually makes to the driving experience, its like driving a totally different car. The best mod I've done to the Z3 by far.

Also in the flesh I don't think the Raid looks that different to OEM. Non Z3 owning people that see mine just assume its the original wheel that came with the car which is good enough for me

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt322/jonttt/_S54%20Journal/IMG_2481.jpg

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt322/jonttt/_S54%20Journal/IMG_2479.jpg

[dave p]

latest ebay ad for thicker OEM steering wheels,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E36-Z3-M3-Z3M-M-tech-leather-Steering-Wheel-THICKER-/290631088468?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item43aaf67954

[kwoffa]

Jack at royalsteeringwheels is a great chap exellent work! had mine done and changed the whole feeling of the car...highly recomended mod!

[dave p]

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nOUUIxxXZ4A/TcnEMf3L7jI/AAAAAAAAADI/_5bLu15Ks5g/s800/IMGP6001.JPG

[dave p]

http://cdn.images.pistonheads.com/aimg/2550/2550274-3.jpg (http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/largepic.asp?i=2550274&noPics=3&make=BMW&model=MCOUPE&imgsrv=1&current=1)

[Spooks]

Interesting, what wheel is that? Still looks quite big but different spokes

[dave p]

BMW M Tech I think, (e36 non airbag)

http://www.z3mcoupe.com/photopost/data//500/3521DSC00990.JPG

[indy]

yeah thats the one!

[Spooks]

Looks good, shame it loses the air bag.

[dave p]

Hartge,

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/679/imgp0118hi0.jpg

[Spooks]

Forget the wheel, look at the CB radio!!

[indy]

Forget the wheel, look at the CB radio!!

the cigarette lighter handsfree you mean? :rofl: