DIY: Heated Steering Wheel Retrofit to E90 M3

First of all, thanks to the great community. This project couldn't be done without the information I got from the forum. So I documented the work and share it in the form of YouTube video, hoping to help someone who is also interested in this retrofit.

You can start from Ep. 4 where 1-3 serves as background information and preparation. Enjoy!

Background info:

• 2008 BMW E90 M3 pre-LCI.
• The work referred to BMW WDS of E91 LCI.
• All the parts can be purchased online.
• I added a fuse to the fuse box for the heater.

Required parts:

• Heated steering wheel 32 30 6 795 571
• Heater control module 61 31 9 217 864
• Heater switch 61 31 9 143 639
• Heated switch socket 61 13 6 931 929
• Clockspring 61 31 9 169 765
• 12-Pin socket housing 61 13 6 954 518/Tyco TE1718767-1
• Lower trim of steering column 61 31 9 174 346
• MQS pin contacts (male) 61 13 1 393 723
• MQS pin contacts (female) 61 13 1 393 724
• Double flat spring contact 61 13 8 364 583
• 10A Fuse (small)
• Electrical wires (0.35 mm^2, 0.75 mm^2)

Video documentary:

• Ep. 1 - Electric Terminals & DIY Power Indicator
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• Ep. 2 - How to add a fuse
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• Ep. 3 - Terminal 15 Extension with Electrical Relays
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• Ep. 4 - Full walkthrough
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Take-home message:

• The feel of the steering wheel cannot compete with that of the original one which is genuine nappa leather. I still prefer the former one.
• The heater switch has only one position. We cannot adjust it's power.
• Total costed around 600 USD.

This is amazing!
Thanks for sharing, I hope to be able to do it one day once I understand more.

There's a temperature sensor in the steering wheel that adjusts the heat level. So, as you use it, you'll notice that the steering wheel is hotter when it's cold inside your car, and it cools down as the interior temperature increases. I found this out from using it. I initially thought that it was on full blast, or off completely using the switch. I was pleased to find out it auto-adjusts the heating.

I can tell you, having had mine for the past 2 winters, now, that it gets quite hot, when it's really cold out. It does take some time to fully heat up, though.

Cheers!

Hi Clammy Thank you for the feedback! The area I am in does not have subzero temperature so I really don't have the chance to see it's full performance.

I believe you are right! I will update the writing

Clammy wrote

There's a temperature sensor in the steering wheel that adjusts the heat level. So, as you use it, you'll notice that the steering wheel is hotter when it's cold inside your car, and it cools down as the interior temperature increases. I found this out from using it. I initially thought that it was on full blast, or off completely using the switch. I was pleased to find out it auto-adjusts the heating.

I can tell you, having had mine for the past 2 winters, now, that it gets quite hot, when it's really cold out. It does take some time to fully heat up, though.

Cheers!

Hey OP:

I'm contemplating doing this mod and wanted to check in on something with you.


I came across another thread on the subject where a commenter said:

I believe there's a problem with the column switch assembly (clock spring) having additional circuitry for cars with M mode. That switch assembly is specific to those cars and regular assemblies from non M3 cars won't work in it's place. That should rule out the possibility of a retrofit on M mode M3, but theoretically may be doable for M3's without the feature.

Curious about your thoughts on this.

My car is a E90 M3.
The retrofit kit parts I'm finding are all from non-M cars I think?

Hi yyzwagon,
Sorry for the late reply.

I did the installation to my 6-MT E90 M3. I guess the additional circuit you mentioned refers to the clockspring for cars with paddle shifter.

And yes you are right, the M3s do not have the option of heated steering wheel. So I could only find the wiring diagram from non-M models.

Let me know if you have any other questions!
Carl

yyzwagon wrote

I came across another thread on the subject where a commenter said:

I believe there's a problem with the column switch assembly (clock spring) having additional circuitry for cars with M mode. That switch assembly is specific to those cars and regular assemblies from non M3 cars won't work in it's place. That should rule out the possibility of a retrofit on M mode M3, but theoretically may be doable for M3's without the feature.

Curious about your thoughts on this.

My car is a E90 M3.
The retrofit kit parts I'm finding are all from non-M cars I think?

I just have to say that, not only did you do an amazing job installing the heated steering wheel by basically retrofitting it the same way it woudl have been done at the factory which will make it really easy for any mechanic to diagnose the system if it ever stops working, but you also recorded the entire process with awesome camera angles and resolution.

I’m not sure I will ever use this but I watched the entire video #4 and I was even more impressed that you live in China and yet your english is still really good too, and you did the entire video in english for us.

I see that not many people have commented on this post, so on behalf of the BMW E9x community I want to say Thank you very much my friend for this great concise all-in-one information you provided to us. 🫡🫡🫡🫡👏🏼🙏🏼😊😄🤩