DIY: BMW Performance Steering Wheel

wow very nice, is it actually better driving with this wheel ?

I installed the newer version of this wheel using this DIY as a suppliment guide to the BMW instructions. Worked out great and is an identical install. Thank you for the DIY.

Some notes during my install...

A1 + A2: I had no issues connecting those to Pin 1 (RED) and Pin 12 (Brown/Black) on the CAS unit under the driver's side dash.

Routing wires: I used a snake and snaked the wires through the center without the need to remove the center console.

Air bag wiring connectors: The air bag clips are supposed to be pryed opened from the wired end not the other end. There's a small indention on the clip that is meant to insert a small flat head to pop the clip up.

Thanks again for the great DIY.

Here's a video I made of the new wheel in DEMO MODE that shows all the features.

Great work !
The local dealer told me that this steering wheel cannot be fitter to M3
so I would like to install it according to your instructions
Please send me proper Part Number from BWM which I should order for my car
M3, 2010, DCT, EU version
Thank you

Hi,
could you please confirm that for my M3 (2010, DCT, EU version) is suitable
performance steering wheel 32 30 2 165 396 ?
I am gonna buy and install one, and local dealer told me that it would not work for DCT
thank you very much
Dan

Great DIY Can anyone confirm the torque specs for 16mm steering wheel bolt? I've read 75 ft/lbs in this thread and 46 ft/lbs in a thread on E90post. Thanks.

doba_s wrote

He is correct ... AT wheel = DCT wheel

Hi, I bought in USA my PW and when i just tried to install it in Lima Peru i realized that the dealer in Miami, did not give me the Coil Spring Cartridge, but that problem is being solved just by asking one to be shipped here to Peru, I think the code for my car is 61 31 9 122 381.

But the other real problem is that my automatic 335 VIN WBAWB73578P043691 comes with the Paddle Shifters in the original wheel and my Performance Wheel doesnt come with the holes for them. I would try to make the holles myself because i want to have both the PW and the Shifters. I have studied both Of the wheels and it seems that i only need two holes to make, do you think it would work?

PM'd you about an installation inquiry. Thanks!

lawsat wrote

PM'd you about an installation inquiry. Thanks!

Hey Law,
I'm local and I've installed my Performance steering wheel. If Alek doesn't respond, you can PM me. I'll be glad to help out.

Anthony

Thumperx wrote

Hey Law,
I'm local and I've installed my Performance steering wheel. If Alek doesn't respond, you can PM me. I'll be glad to help out.

Anthony

Finished the installation by myself, than you for your offer though!

Anyone know if you can get the installation kit separate from the steering wheel? If so, does anyone have part numbers?

just a heads up my 2011 sub connector colors are diff but pins still same

Old Blue Sub connector with Black inside






My 2011 M3 Blue sub connector with green and blue inside








Hope this helps!

This DIY helped me out a lot, I just installed my M performance wheel (non-elec), and it only took about 20 min.

Great DIY. Installed my V1 today without issue.

THE TECH wrote

Anyone know if you can get the installation kit separate from the steering wheel? If so, does anyone have part numbers?

it's possible but takes a long time as BMW dealer has to call each time to find out a part# for each particular piece of the kit.

i just changed my steering wheel to the newer PSW non-electric one
i followed this DIY, which was great, but this part was not shown well in the pictures, and it was the hardest part
so i took some pics

what you are trying to do is to press these 2 metal bars in, to release the airbag.
one on each side

right side


left side


front showing where you need to insert the screw driver (shown with 2 screwdrivers just to highlight, you can do one at a time)


and this is what the hole looks like from the back


to me it's always easier to do something if i can visualize it, so i hope this helps you guys

Thanks to OP and kmarei's images above I also installed the PSW non-elec V2 just moments ago.

I agree with former installers that airbag remove is the hardest of all so I want to also contribute some pictures to make future PSW DIY easier

The insertion point is on the black rubber part at the back of the steering wheel, I circled it with red


They are really tricky, I don't know if anyone can visualize the insert slit with bare eyes...I can't. When you don't put it in, it is not there, but your screwdriver can certainly go in without any extra force. Like some members said, use your finger tip to feel the slit and insertion point. Using your new PSW to practice attacking the metal clip greatly benefits also, just like Leonardo629 suggests



Other than that, non-elec PSW is not very hard to install at all, you got to skip all the harness/wires work. But try not to close the truck after disconnecting the battery, otherwise you would ended up like me crawling into the back seat and ripped the arm rest off and managed to pull the emergency trunk release...



Cheers

werly wrote

Thanks to OP and kmarei's images above I also installed the PSW non-elec V2 just moments ago.

I agree with former installers that airbag remove is the hardest of all so I want to also contribute some pictures to make future PSW DIY easier

The insertion point is on the black rubber part at the back of the steering wheel, I circled it with red

They are really tricky, I don't know if anyone can visualize the insert slit with bare eyes...I can't. When you don't put it in, it is not there, but your screwdriver can certainly go in without any extra force. Like some members said, use your finger tip to feel the slit and insertion point. Using your new PSW to practice attacking the metal clip greatly benefits also, just like Leonardo629 suggests

Other than that, non-elec PSW is not very hard to install at all, you got to skip all the harness/wires work. But try not to close the truck after disconnecting the battery, otherwise you would ended up like me crawling into the back seat and ripped the arm rest off and managed to pull the emergency trunk release...

Cheers

Didn't want to repost all the pics, but really wanted to thank you for your post. Glad I read the sticky all the way to this last one. I thought they changed the wheel for '11 and there weren't holes anymore or the airbag release had changed! This was a very helpful illustration. Thanks much! Went on in 20 minutes. I love the quality of the OEM fit and stitching - this is an incredible buy in a performance Alcantara steering wheel. Not so crazy about the blue, but hope I'll get used to it.

rye m3 wrote

Didn't want to repost all the pics, but really wanted to thank you for your post. Glad I read the sticky all the way to this last one. I thought they changed the wheel for '11 and there weren't holes anymore or the airbag release had changed! This was a very helpful illustration. Thanks much! Went on in 20 minutes. I love the quality of the OEM fit and stitching - this is an incredible buy in a performance Alcantara steering wheel. Not so crazy about the blue, but hope I'll get used to it.

You got it! I just thought to return some favors to the forum

I love my PSW as well, the blue ring is a bonus, if only the electronic one has it I will absolutely jump on that, but doing that DIY is another story...haha

As you indicated the most difficult part of this mod is to remove the airbag which OP doesn't get into too much. Thank you for posting your update.

It took me 20 mins total for the install.....

People with silver int should really consider this mod as the blue on the steering wheel goes very well with the interior color!

Awesome DIY!!

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this DIY. I used it on Saturday and everything went smoothly!

I just installed my new Alcantra steering wheel (non-electric). I forgot to disconnect the battery and now I have a Pass. Restraint Error. Any ideas on how to get rid of it? Thank you.