steering wheel fitment

[zz3po]

Hey all
Just notice i dont like my 1.8 normal steering wheel.
A quick look on e bay and i found this m tech steering wheel wich i really like.
Do u think i will be able to fit it in my z3? http://pages.ebay.com/motors/link/?nav= ... 87&alt=web

[Southernboy]

No it won't fit. Tat wheel has a different connection at back for the multi-functions and the airbag. You need to look at the M tech version for the Z3. The multi-function wheels have connections which have "bus" connections. ie. one wire carries all the signals from the various funtions to the DME where it is distributed to the relavant accessory which requires that instruction.. The Z3 wheel is still pre-electronics - it has a copper wire connected directly to each function via a slip ring interface.
Also, the possibility is that that wheel has a dual airbag system vs your single stage airbag. Too many differences to interface with the Z3...

[zz3po]

Thanks!
Saw u have a different kind of steering wheel, probably a z4 (?)
How did u fit this one? Like it also!

[Southernboy]

I made an adaptor to be able to fit the Z4 wheel to the Z3 slipring... after that it was dead easy... I can email you the details if you're interested....just send me an email addy to which I can send to.

[zz3po]

Looks brilliant!
Id like to get it for sure!
Rotemav2000@gmail.com
Do u think that method will work with other kind of steering wheels? Cuz the z4 steering wheel isnt that common for sale in web unforcenetly.

[micklaw]

Hi Z3po are you getting rid of your old wheel.
I am looking for a 1.8 wheel to have refurbed do you have a pic of it.
Cheers mick

Sent from my Archos 50 Neon using Tapatalk

[Southernboy]

Did you get my email with all the info buddy?

The M steering wheel on this link can be made to fit your Z3... albeit without the use of the multi function buttons...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E46-M-SPO ... 25ac626072

[zz3po]

How about this one?
Will be direct fit? Like it better! http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-3-SERIES-E4 ... 0408.m2460

[zz3po]

Yea barry see now that i got your mail! Going to read it just now. Appriciate that!

[Southernboy]

The wheel in the link you posted is an e46 wheel. If you look at the pics in the email I sent you, you will notice that my Z3 has the identical wheel, but without the multi function buttons on the top section.
Because that wheel is from the e46, you will need to do the machining and have the adaptor as I described in my email. If you find one from a Z3, you will be able to fit it directly, and if you want to have all the buttons, you can look for the top section from an e46 wheel and fit it to the Z3 wheel. like this part....http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-3-X5-SERI ... 1748642046

One thing I must point out - the "M and sport" wheels have the thumb tabs on the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 'o' clock positions... standard wheels like the one in your link do not have them.

Here is a link to an original Z3 wheel which will fit directly...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-E36-6- ... 19f34f3513