Fitting Smaller Raid Airbag Steering Wheel - part 1

[Jonttt]

Tried to post on here but there is both a word and picture limit so will have to link to Zroadster thread HERE (http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=224859&sid=ca1bbd7c9cf1bf0efeb71987063cbff0#224859)

[dochemic]

wow, a few hours work there then..?

Do you happen to know whether the same date change (04/99) from single to duel stage airbag applies to the coupe as well as the roadster?

Michael

[Jonttt]

So far as I know it was all Z3's from 04/99 worldwide ie not just RHD ///M roadsters.

The easiest way to double check is remove the lower steering cover (1 screw only) and count the wires on the wheel connector block. If they are per pictures on mine ie 6 wires then its 2 stage. If only 4 wires its single stage :thumbsup:

[dave p]

glad you got it sorted jonttt, a picture from forum gallery of another type of raid wheel

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

[Jonttt]

I think thats the "freeway" model.

Basically the same but does not have perforated leather and the horn buttons are "hidden" (but I think in the same place).

I've updated my post on ZRoadster to show how to fit the Z4m wheel (by a guy in the USA). You guys may already have seen this though as its posted on a coupe forum.

[Bruski_11]

hey Jonttt, have read your wheel replacement on bimmer forums and zroadster (slow day at the office!!). Those Raid airbags really do look the business and driving a bus around is just no fun anymore. Rather than a DImyself job, who would / might be able to do the install? i.e. a garage like ML or a wheel specialist or a forum member!?

[Jonttt]

The install is very strightforward with the only semi difficult thing being if you have a post 04/99 car making the stage II airbag circuit redundant (with a resistor).

If you don't fancy it yourself any garage would think it a doddle (especially if pre 04/99 car) ie if you sourced the parts:

- wheel
- Z3 adaptor hub
- resistor (if post 04/99 car) (I can post you one for free ;-)

and print out my guide for them to follow, the install ocst would purely depend on their hourly rate.

I would think time to do:

- pre 04/99 car allow 1.5 hours
- post 04/99 car allow 2 hours

the time will really be dependant on how easy you want to make the install reversible ie soldering new connectors etc.....

The only thing you may find as this is airbag related is a garage may not be willing to install a non OEM wheel due to potential liability issues (you could always offer to sign a waiver ?)

ps I don't charge for my guide :cornut:

[Bruski_11]

thanks Jonttttttt, seriously tempted as the bus pass wheel is the real odd thing out in the cockpit. And the free guide is v'good btw, cheers.