Liability issues with changing to M performance steering wheel

[03///m3]

Does anyone know if there are any liability issues with changing the steering wheel to the M performance wheel yourself rather than having the dealer install? If something were to happen and the airbag didn't deploy in an accident, I wonder if bmw wouldn't be held liable because they didn't install the wheel.

[skins333]

Yikes. If you are in accident and airbag should deploy but doesn't because of the wheel install you will probably have bigger problems to worry about than what bmw will cover or not.
If I understand you correctly, you might be confusing bmw warranty coverage issues with accident insurance which wouldn't be through bmw anyways and health insurance which would be what would cover your injuries. So, no matter what happens, this wouldn't involve bmw at all anyways.

[03///m3]

I'm trying to determine if I should install my M performance wheel or if I should have the dealer install. I understand what accident insurance would cover but I'm just trying to determine if there are any issues with installing the wheel myself.

[skins333]

Well, why didn't you just say so?! If it helps you decide, I had fellow forum member who installed before help me with mine (didn't seem all that complicated). Beforehand, I also watched diy video on this forum. I assume you might get some error codes if you don't install properly but I'm not sure. All probably depends on your comfort level, plus what your local dealer is charging.

[anselmw]

Non electronic one is a piece of cake to install.

[03///m3]

Are the DCT paddles difficult to install on the m performance wheel?

[4corners]

Lawyers would look at this post and figure out OP did the work himself. You will have to prove it was functioning correctly. To that point, yes, have a certified shop do it. Otherwise DIY.

[lsal]

Originally Posted by 4corners

Lawyers would look at this post and figure out OP did the work himself. You will have to prove it was functioning correctly. To that point, yes, have a certified shop do it. Otherwise DIY.

While I agree with your final conclusion, it would be up to the dealer to show that you did it yourself, and that the damage was as a result of such work. Not to say that this is an easy battle, but it's definitely not in line with what you're describing.

[03///m3]

Yeah I think I'm going to have te dealer install.

[slicer]

Installing the airbag literally requires plugging in two wires. No more difficult than an electrical outlet. Not worth worrying about IMO.

[BPMSport]

If the airbag system was affected by the installation, there would be a Christmas tree.

As long as everything is mounted correctly and there are no airbag warnings, I don't see any issue with a self install.

The airbag is very easy to install, and the two plugs clip in. Make sure the battery is disconnected and that everything is plugged in and secured before reconnecting the battery.

If you did everything right the car won't know a thing. If something is off you'll know pretty quickly