Steering wheel

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
Post Reply
Alan W
Joined: Thu 20 Jun, 2013 10:56
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Bexley, Kent UK

Steering wheel

Post by Alan W »

Not sure if it was this forum but I seem to think it was, someone had their Z3 steering wheel re upholstered and the result was a nice thicker more comfortable rim (I think they also had red and blue stitching to incorporate the M colours)... if that was you can you please step forward and make yourself known,

Also, can anyone tell this clumsy oaf how difficult it is to remove / replace the steering wheel as I have visions of blowing myself up with the air bag!!!!
1999 facelit Z3 Roadster 2.8 Auto in Cosmos Black aka 'Gloria'
Image
Alan W
Joined: Thu 20 Jun, 2013 10:56
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Bexley, Kent UK

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Alan W »

Wow.. found the post and the supplier.. the search facility on this site works a treat

Just need to know about the fitting / removal side of things...
1999 facelit Z3 Roadster 2.8 Auto in Cosmos Black aka 'Gloria'
Image
User avatar
('_')Z3
Joined: Sun 21 Mar, 2010 19:29
Posts: 555

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Lymm

Re: Steering wheel

Post by ('_')Z3 »

Assuming it's the ///M style wheel
There are two torx head bolts at 3 o clock and 9 o clock on the back of the wheel, undo these and the airbag can be eased forward to reveal the connectors. Unplug these and place the airbag somewhere safe, this exposes the nut that holds the wheel in place.
Don't forget to disconnect your battery and leave for a minute before undoing anything, and remember you can't replace the battery connection whilst the airbag is disconnected for fear of the airbag light.

Jonttt's progress thread has some photos showing the wheel from when he replaced his wheel with the Raid.
Image
User avatar
Mike123
Joined: Tue 21 Mar, 2006 14:34
Posts: 323

  M roadster S50
Location: Leamington Spa

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Mike123 »

It could be my post (bottom of page):

http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... =6&t=40636

I'm delighted with the service and the result. :)
Alan W
Joined: Thu 20 Jun, 2013 10:56
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Bexley, Kent UK

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Alan W »

Thanks guys, sounds fairly straightforward even for a numpty like me!!

This was the company I was thinking of http://royalsteeringwheels.com/

And this is the kind or rim I fancy

Image
1999 facelit Z3 Roadster 2.8 Auto in Cosmos Black aka 'Gloria'
Image
beerbelly
Joined: Fri 07 Feb, 2014 20:12
Posts: 177

  blank

Re: Steering wheel

Post by beerbelly »

we had ours done excellent service 8-)
Cabrioot
Joined: Wed 23 Oct, 2013 21:31
Posts: 99

  Z1 roadster

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Cabrioot »

Hi did mine to. Perfect and stil happy.
Rafolian
Joined: Wed 27 Feb, 2013 08:41
Posts: 547

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Rafolian »

And me!!
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Steering wheel

Post by johnz3 »

I have tried to seach for a further series of posts which showed more pictures off steering wheels on 'Zs'. No luck.

Anyone help please.
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Steering wheel

Post by johnz3 »

Seen the knowledgebase so ok thanks.
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Steering wheel

Post by johnz3 »

Anyone got a puc of a Royals wheel fitted to Z3 that I can look at.

thanks
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Steering wheel

Post by johnz3 »

Sorry 'picture'
Alan W
Joined: Thu 20 Jun, 2013 10:56
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Bexley, Kent UK

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Alan W »

This is a plain one with blue stitching.. I want to have the airtex sections either side..

Image
1999 facelit Z3 Roadster 2.8 Auto in Cosmos Black aka 'Gloria'
Image
User avatar
Koolflyer
Joined: Fri 05 Jul, 2013 15:51
Posts: 586

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Koolflyer »

http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... 37#p373337

There you go Alan, I had mine done by Jack last year. Extra padding the same as my 330 Msport. Had the blue and red stitching (even though my Z3 is just a normal 2.8 roadster) because it's mine and I like it. Jack is a top bloke and a pleasure to do business with. A year and a half down the road and its still as good as new :thumb:

See you next year Pete
Image
1997 Z3 2.8 (M52) Roadster Montreal blue
2013 330d (F31) M Sport Alpine White
User avatar
Mike123
Joined: Tue 21 Mar, 2006 14:34
Posts: 323

  M roadster S50
Location: Leamington Spa

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Mike123 »

Jack will do whatever you want - perforated sections is one of the standard options. He carries some stock items, but will make one to your spec if you are prepared to wait.

The cheapest option is an exchange wheel.

I drove to his address in Aylesbury, and he swapped the wheels in less than half an hour while I waited. 1st class job!
Hoppo1979
Joined: Sun 09 Nov, 2014 15:28
Posts: 29

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Derbyshire

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Hoppo1979 »

How much does he charge? There's a guy on eBay knocking out re trimmed wheels for £110 but he's in Germany.
User avatar
Mike123
Joined: Tue 21 Mar, 2006 14:34
Posts: 323

  M roadster S50
Location: Leamington Spa

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Mike123 »

They are about that price, dependant on final choice, plus £15 fitting.
User avatar
Koolflyer
Joined: Fri 05 Jul, 2013 15:51
Posts: 586

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Koolflyer »

The cost Spring 2014 as follows: All leather is £105 plus £9.99 24hr recorded delivery. The Alcantra is £130 plus delivery.

Best to ring Jack 01296 709817 / 07894 209349
http://royalsteeringwheels.com/
Image
1997 Z3 2.8 (M52) Roadster Montreal blue
2013 330d (F31) M Sport Alpine White
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Steering wheel

Post by johnz3 »

Can someone please confirm that with a replacement to the original steering wheel, the girth/grip area is thicker. Looks that way but just want to confirm.
petecossie
Joined: Wed 11 Apr, 2007 13:13
Posts: 160

  M coupe S50
Location: Billingham

Re: Steering wheel

Post by petecossie »

This the wheel that Jack did for me, completely changes the feel of the car, for the better!!
Image

Great service from Jack, I could not fault the end product.
Pete C

2000 Z3M Coupe - Cosmos Black Metallic/Black Interior.

Previous BMWs
2003 E46 M3 6 speed manual - Carbon Black/Black Interior.
2000 Z3M Coupe - Cosmos Black/Black Interior
1986 M635
1985 E28 M5
1983 E28 528i Alpina
Alan W
Joined: Thu 20 Jun, 2013 10:56
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Bexley, Kent UK

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Alan W »

Nice... VERY nice!!!
1999 facelit Z3 Roadster 2.8 Auto in Cosmos Black aka 'Gloria'
Image
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Steering wheel

Post by johnz3 »

Looks really really good.

What I would appreciate is a picture of a black leather wheel to see whether there is much contrast between the 'dinner plate' airbag cover which is shiny.
User avatar
Koolflyer
Joined: Fri 05 Jul, 2013 15:51
Posts: 586

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Koolflyer »

You can have it as thick as you like. Look at my link above.
Image
1997 Z3 2.8 (M52) Roadster Montreal blue
2013 330d (F31) M Sport Alpine White
Cabrioot
Joined: Wed 23 Oct, 2013 21:31
Posts: 99

  Z1 roadster

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Cabrioot »

I have coverd the two parts left and right of the airbag centerpart with carbonn wrap folie.
Royal steeringwheel dit the wheel.
Looks more modern and get lot of positive reactions.
.
gookah
Z Register member
Joined: Thu 07 Aug, 2008 09:51
Posts: 2737

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Steering wheel

Post by gookah »

Royal Steering Wheels, extra padding, perforated/smooth leather and blue stitching.

Image

It makes a big difference,
Image

Z3 2.8 Progress Journal (Mine)
Z3 1.9 Sport Progress Journal (Wifey's)

I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Steering wheel

Post by johnz3 »

Just trying to gauge the difference in colour between you wheel and the round air bag/ horn cover. Is yours wheel the grey leather cover or black. Thanks
User avatar
g8jka
Z Register member
Joined: Sun 18 Apr, 2010 21:16
Posts: 1149

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Telford

Re: Steering wheel

Post by g8jka »

I went for double padded, smooth nappa black leather top and bottom and perforated sides with silver stitching to match the interior.

Image
2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Titanium Silver Roadster with too many mods to list :-D :drive
Image
Click For 2.0 Progress Journal
Click For 2.8 Progress Journal
bertiejaffa
Joined: Fri 26 Jul, 2013 09:28
Posts: 1733

  M roadster S50
Location: Manchester

Re: Steering wheel

Post by bertiejaffa »

I'll second all the positive comments
Here come the girls.....
Image
My //M Refurb
My First Zed Journal
gookah
Z Register member
Joined: Thu 07 Aug, 2008 09:51
Posts: 2737

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Steering wheel

Post by gookah »

johnz3 wrote:Just trying to gauge the difference in colour between you wheel and the round air bag/ horn cover. Is yours wheel the grey leather cover or black. Thanks

mine is black leather
Image

Z3 2.8 Progress Journal (Mine)
Z3 1.9 Sport Progress Journal (Wifey's)

I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
User avatar
Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Southernboy »

The black in most Z3's is "Oregon black" which is considerably different to "Black"..... If you want a perfect black match, it will require the trimmer to match them by dyeing or sourcing a piece of OEM Oregon black leather.
"Normal is overrated"
Image

Z3 Upgrades and Additions
User avatar
XVar
Joined: Thu 24 Mar, 2011 17:58
Posts: 475

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Derby

Re: Steering wheel

Post by XVar »

Another +1 for Royal Steering Wheels, the guy really is a master of his craft, here's mine when I got it fitted - a year later and it's still as good as the day I got it too :)

Image
Image
1997 2.8 Z3 | Gallery Thread
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Steering wheel

Post by johnz3 »

I see he also did the two sections eithyer side of the large horn button.

I like that
User avatar
BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
Posts: 2225

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Steering wheel

Post by BladeRunner919 »

johnz3 wrote:I see he also did the two sections eithyer side of the large horn button.

I like that
That's a different style of wheel to the one with the two tabs. If you look, the airbag covers are different shapes.
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Steering wheel

Post by johnz3 »

New wheel ordered so hope to go down there early New Year.
Dino D
Joined: Fri 10 Feb, 2012 16:59
Posts: 376

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Dino D »

XVar wrote:Another +1 for Royal Steering Wheels, the guy really is a master of his craft, here's mine when I got it fitted - a year later and it's still as good as the day I got it too :)

Image
That looks great. I didn't like that style of wheel much (in standard trim) but with what you have chosen there looks great.

Is the diameter on this wheel as big the 'M Sport' wheel (the ones with big centre)?
User avatar
Jonttt
Z Register member
Joined: Sun 28 Dec, 2008 16:32
Posts: 6554

  M roadster S54
Location: Liverpool

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Jonttt »

There are four factors to consider with Z3 steering wheels which are:-

- the thickness, it's generally accepted the OEM wheel is too thin and a thicker wheel feels much better

- diameter, the OEM wheel is too large IMHO. A smaller diameter wheel makes the "driving" feel so much better, my preference is 340mm in a Z3, 320mm feels too much like a go cart. If you are 6ft+ it also means you don't catch you leg on agressive turns.

- fitment, the Z3 uses the E36 3 series slipring so E36 wheels can be fitted. You can adapt fitment and the slipring to fit later wheels but it's a PITA and see below

- version so SRS. The pre 04/99 "facelift" Z3s are single stage / deployment airbags (as per E36) but later are two stage airbag deployment. You can fit single or two stage airbags to a post 04/99 Z3 but you can't fit a twin stage airbag to a pre 04/99 Z3 (well you can but it won't work safely as designed)

So when you factor all those in the easiest solution is to fit a re trimmed thicker wheel to your Z3. Make sure if your exchanging it's like for like ie single or twin airbag depending if your airbag is pre or post 04/99. You can also fit an E36 wheel as the pics above but a post 04/99 Z3 will need to bridge a circuit with a resistor. This option will feel better in the hand but you have actually made the diameter worse :head:

The best solution is to fit a smaller diameter thicker wheel IMHO. This will be more expensive however but it really does transform the drive. Is I could only do one mod to a Z3 it would be fit a smaller steering wheel. Raid are the easiest option as you can buy an adaptor hub which means they are more or less plug and play ( post 04/99 Z3's need a wiring adaptor but you can make your own easily, raids are all single stage deployment).

See simple really, there is a fuller right up I did in the knowledge base some years ago.

Ps check you royal wheels when you get them back, some of the porsche guys have recently had problems with the stitching, apparently he has been using a different solution but may have been sorted out now :?:
Happiness is not around the corner........happiness is the corner
Image Video or Journal Garage: 2015 FFRR Black Edition, Porsche Boxster GTS, 1997 Porsche Carrara C4S, Ex 2001 BMW S54 Z3m Roadster
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Steering wheel

Post by johnz3 »

I am all but ready to buy a wheel from Royals. Have emailed them to find out details etc etc so almost ready to commit. Something however is holding me back and I think it is that I would like to actually sit in a Z and feel the wheel in my hands.

Know I could go down to Aylesbury and see and try something similar but given it is the best part of two hours away, it is a bit far.

Anyone local to Pitsea in Essex that has had a Royals wheel that I could drive over and see and feel what they are actually like.

Thanks

John
User avatar
g8jka
Z Register member
Joined: Sun 18 Apr, 2010 21:16
Posts: 1149

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Telford

Re: Steering wheel

Post by g8jka »

Whichever you choose, you will certainly not be disappointed :D
2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Titanium Silver Roadster with too many mods to list :-D :drive
Image
Click For 2.0 Progress Journal
Click For 2.8 Progress Journal
Lexybhoy
Joined: Mon 17 Nov, 2014 14:49
Posts: 58

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Glasgow

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Lexybhoy »

Hi Johnz3, my 'Royal' wheel is arriving middle of next week, double thickness, shorter perforated grip areas (like this years Mercs) and red stitching to match my Oregon interior. I'll let you know my first impressions next week if you haven't made a choice by then.
Image
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Steering wheel

Post by johnz3 »

That would be good. Thanks.
gIzzE
Joined: Mon 06 Aug, 2007 21:32
Posts: 169

  Not specified

Re: Steering wheel

Post by gIzzE »

I have not been on for a while, missed this thread.

Well pleased with mine.

Image

The difference it makes to the overall feel of the car can not be expressed enough imho.



I bought a Jan 13 X3 last a couple of weeks back and that steering wheel now feels flimsy, so think I would have to get that done too.
User avatar
Buz007
Joined: Fri 16 Jul, 2010 20:18
Posts: 254

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Leeds

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Buz007 »

Just emailed Jack based on everyone's recommendations, big thanks yet again to Jontt who's write up on the removal of the wheel was spot on. Got it off in about 20mins. :nerd: hopefully I'll hear back pretty quick and I'll get it sent off :)
''need I remind you 007, you have a licence to kill...not to break the traffic laws''
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Steering wheel

Post by johnz3 »

Hi lexybhoy.

Did you get you wheel and if so could you let me have a pic please.

Thanks
Lexybhoy
Joined: Mon 17 Nov, 2014 14:49
Posts: 58

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Glasgow

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Lexybhoy »

johnz3 wrote:Hi lexybhoy.

Did you get you wheel and if so could you let me have a pic please.

Thanks
Hi John, pics below.

As it was......

Image

As it is now (sorry about the light, pretty dark here now)

Image

The workmanship really is first class.

Image

Perforated leather at the sides and soft Nappa leather top and bottom.

Image

As others have said, this has got to be one of the best mods you can do, for the cost alone never mind the short time it takes to swap them over. I went for double thickness and I would recomend others to do the same unless you have tiny hands :).
Image
amancuso
Joined: Sat 07 Nov, 2009 14:25
Posts: 236

  Z3 roadster 2.3
Location: Burlington

Re: Steering wheel

Post by amancuso »

I'm thinking about getting one of Royal's wheels. Only issue is the cost of sending my original wheel to the UK! Might just have him keep the deposit. It would be cheaper! :D
2000 Z3 2.3 Topaz Blue Metallic over Black and Sandbeige leather.
User avatar
Buz007
Joined: Fri 16 Jul, 2010 20:18
Posts: 254

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Leeds

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Buz007 »

Rekindling an old thread but just wanted to say thanks to some of the contributors on this thread, it's all very informative and helped me make my mind up on what to do with my steering wheel. I didn't fancy the rewiring for a raid wheel (although Jontts piece is very clear) so eventually went for a recover with Royal Steering Wheels....

Wether you choose to re-cover or replace its an absolute must. The difference is unbelievable in terms of feel and comfort, I went for double padded leather with side perforations. Extremely neat job and a bargain for a ton.

Thanks also to the instructions on how to remove and replace the wheel, doddle in the end

[URL=http://s814.photobucket.com/user/buz007 ... 2.jpg.html]Image
''need I remind you 007, you have a licence to kill...not to break the traffic laws''
Lexybhoy
Joined: Mon 17 Nov, 2014 14:49
Posts: 58

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Glasgow

Re: Steering wheel

Post by Lexybhoy »

Looks superb.
Image
siwilson
Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 09:54
Posts: 790

  M roadster S54
Location: Horley

Re: Steering wheel

Post by siwilson »

Another recommendation for Jack at Royal Steering Wheels. I had my ///M wheel re-covered a couple of weeks ago. I went for the the stock look, but with extra padding so it feels like my old E39 did.

First class service and workmanship. Its really nice to be able to wholeheartedly recommend a supplier!

Thanks Jack!
2001 M roadster S54 Laguna Seca Blue
Post Reply