steering wheel

steve-1965 · Post by **steve-1965** » Fri 10 Sep, 2010 19:56

Hi, could anyone tell me what year the air bag changed to the two stage system. Mine is a 2000 reg and I'm lookig to get an original replacement. The one fitted looks really 'cheap' with plastic colour coded centre.

Thanks

Frank.A · Post by **Frank.A** » Fri 10 Sep, 2010 20:56

I believe that the change to 2 stage airbag occured in 04/99,so check your build date whcih should be on driver side front suspension turret.If not then put the last 7 digits of the cars VIN into RealOEM to obtain build date.
As your car was registered in 2000 itis more than likely to have the 2 stage system.
Which wheel is fitted at the moment.Here is a link to the Z3 spec. site steering wheel options.

http://users.belgacom.net/bmw_z3/bmw_z3 ... wheels.htm

steve-1965 · Post by **steve-1965** » Fri 10 Sep, 2010 21:15

Hi, thanks for the link and reply, it as got one of the 2 tone wheels fitted, with black rim and blue plastic centre (bottom bit). This is a bit chipped in places and looks naff! Will any late e36, e46 wheel fit?

Frank.A · Post by **Frank.A** » Sat 11 Sep, 2010 08:07

Is this the one in the picture below.If so they are quite rare and not as heavy looking as the standard wheel.You can replace the lower cover with different colours including black.The covers aren't cheap but cheaper than another wheel.I bought a standard wheel but after trying it,changed back to this one.

It's all a matter of taste said the cat licking it's a**e.

Jonttt · Post by **Jonttt** » Sat 11 Sep, 2010 10:19

steve-1965 wrote:Hi, thanks for the link and reply, it as got one of the 2 tone wheels fitted, with black rim and blue plastic centre (bottom bit). This is a bit chipped in places and looks naff! Will any late e36, e46 wheel fit?

Steve, an e36 wheel should fit as the part numbers including the slip ring are the same across the Z3 and e36 range.

The main issue people have with the Z3/e36 wheels are they are too big a diameter and too thin.

The later BMW wheels recognised this and several models later came with smaller and thicker wheels (like the Z4). The problem is that BMW changed its design for mounting these wheels (partly due to advances in technology eg the way the indicator stalks work which required a redesigned slip ring) Therefore these are not a stright fit. People have fitted them but it involves some significant modifications to mount them.

If your issue is not the size of the wheel then the cheapest / best option IMHO is to have your current wheel recovered in new leather. These can be professionaly done for c£120, resulting is a "thicker" as new wheel.

There where some good thread on this recently if you search them out.

steve-1965 · Post by **steve-1965** » Sat 11 Sep, 2010 12:48

Thanks for the replies, yes it is the wheel in the picture, didn't know it was rare. Think the main problem with mine is the blue bit looks tired/chipped, are these just painted, can these be refurbed, do they come off seperately?

Thanks

Frank.A · Post by **Frank.A** » Sat 11 Sep, 2010 14:34

Steve,
The trim is attached by screws from the back.I certainly haven't seen many of these wheels,they may be part of the individual package and where also an option.
There is one on ebay with silver trim and no airbag for around £55 delivered.This is cheap for a BMW steering wheel.The trim price is more than this.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E39-E46-3-5-S ... 20b3697f3b

steve-1965 · Post by **steve-1965** » Sat 11 Sep, 2010 14:43

The actual rim on mine is in ok condition, think I'd better stay with the blue, the console etc is blue...does this mean mine is an individual model?

Frank.A · Post by **Frank.A** » Sat 11 Sep, 2010 15:07

Steve,
If you check the nearside top chassis leg VIN plate,mine says BMW Individual.I don't know if that appears on all VIN plates or it is dependant on original order options.

As Jonttt said getting the rim professionally recovered is an option for a normally worn wheel,but if your rim is good and you like the wheel why not just replace the trim.

If you check ebay for 'BMW steering wheel trim' there are some ith low starting price.Check part numbers with seller.

IMHO the wheel we have looks more in keeping with a sports car than the standard wheel which is fine in a 3 or 5 series saloon.

Desiro · Post by **Desiro** » Sat 11 Sep, 2010 15:46

I agree with Frank the standard wheel suits the retro style of the Z3.

Also the diameter is matched to the effort required to turn it.

Just my opinion

steve-1965 · Post by **steve-1965** » Sat 11 Sep, 2010 16:54

Thanks for that, search now on for replacement blue trim!

Steve

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