BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)

BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   M3Post - BMW M3 Forum > E90/E92 M3 Technical Topics > DIY Guides/ Discussions
 
Mporium BMW
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-19-2009, 11:25 PM   #1
doba_s
Major General
doba_s's Avatar
United_States
405
Rep
6,107
Posts

Drives: X7 l Cayenne l 997.2RS
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Danville

iTrader: (26)

Arrow DIY: BMW Performance Steering Wheel

Hey guys,

Here is DIY on how to install BMW Performance Steering Wheel. It is not very difficult you just need to take your time and pay attention to what you are doing.

Tools:

1. Not very big Flathead Screwdriver
2. 16mm or 5/8 socket with wrench and extensions
3. T25 torx socket ( i think it is T25 but I might be wrong)
4. Very small flathead screwdriver
5. 10mm socket

If you are local ( Bay Area ) I can install it for you

This DIY is for you just to look/read and get an idea on how it can be done. I am not encouraging you to do this installation. I will not be responsible for anything that might happen to you, your vehicle, or anybody who might be helping you, or anything else.


Before you start taking everything apart you need to read PDF Instructions in the Post#3 at the bottom and get familiar with it. Make sure you understand what goes where. After you did that, I would recommend to label supplied BMW harness with A1,A2,A3,A4,A5,A6, and A7 tags. It will be easier to figure out what goes where.

1. Disconnect your Battery and make sure your (-) Negative terminal will not be touching battery



2. Remove lower plastic panels on both sides (passenger/driver). I just have picture of the passenger side


Driver side


3. Read PDF instruction and unplug Blue connector



4. Release the side tabs and pop off the Black/Grey connector that is inside the Blue one.







5. Read PDF installation and remove Blue/Red wire from Pin1 and Red from Pin2. Insert A3 into Pin1 and A4 into Pin2. Now install wires that you removed from Pin1 and Pin2 into Connector E

Pulling out wires from Pin1 and Pin2



Connector E


Wires from Pin1 and Pin2 inserted into Connector E




Wires A3 and A4 inserted into big Black connector into Pin1 and Pin2 and Connector E connecter to A5



6. Now you can install Control Module B and connect A6 to the module




Last edited by doba_s; 11-01-2009 at 01:57 PM..
Appreciate 0
      03-19-2009, 11:25 PM   #2
doba_s
Major General
doba_s's Avatar
United_States
405
Rep
6,107
Posts

Drives: X7 l Cayenne l 997.2RS
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Danville

iTrader: (26)

7. Attach module B to the harness using zip-tie like i did or somewhere else ... it is not the best spot because it make a bit hard to install plastic cover at the end.





8. Install the Black connector into Blue connector and then reinstall Blue connector. I used zip-tie to get all those wires together ...



9. Now you need to remove your Airbag. Make sure you have no power going to your car or it can be very bad and dangerous !

Use medium size flathead screwdriver and insert it into very little openings (one on each side)



Insert screwdriver like this


Not like that


Push on it with the moderate force and pull that side of the airbag gently



Then do the other side


Now you can open Green and Black clips/locks with a flathead screwdriver. Take it easy and don't break them







10. Disconnect the connector from the Coil spring cartridge (Grey/Yellow and Black)



11. Now you can remove your old steering wheel by using 16mm or 5/8 socket



12. Now we need to remove upper/lower steering column trim. Pull the upper part first. Pull it up and do one side at a time. You can use a medium size flathead screwdriver and push it up from the inside, but be very careful and don't punch yourself ... it hurts like a B... trust me









Tape the upper part to the dash



13. Remove the lower part by pressing on the tabs (one on each side)





14. Now remove Coil spring cartridge with T15 torx. Unplug Black small connector on the RT side.



Make sure not to pull the whole assembly out of the column. Very Important. Unclip all the clips and remove just the Coil spring cartridge and nothing else. These are the clips that are holding it on the side, so make sure to unclip them





15. Install the new Coil spring cartridge that came with you new PSW. Don NOT connect the Black connector just yet.

16. Now you need to remove the center console to rout the harness to the steering column. I did it this way but you might decide to do it differently.







17. This is how I routed A7











18. Read PDF instruction and remove wires from the Black connector ( the one I told you not to connect to your new Coil spring cartridge) and insert them into A7 white connector. They are numbered 1-6 and you need to insert them the same way ... #1 from Black connector goes to #1 in A7 White connector and so on ...







Now you CAN connect A7 White connector into you new Coil spring cartridge



19. Zip-tie the wires together and put back steering wheel column trim.





20. Transfer everything from your old wheel to your new PSW and install everything back. Read the PDF file. Connect black connector from the new Coil spring cartridge to the Green connector on you new PSW. The rest is the same. In PDF file it says to connect Black connector to Black but it is actually Green and not Black. Just FIY.

It should look like this



Last edited by doba_s; 03-20-2009 at 12:50 AM..
Appreciate 3
Vedubin01942.50
      03-19-2009, 11:26 PM   #3
doba_s
Major General
doba_s's Avatar
United_States
405
Rep
6,107
Posts

Drives: X7 l Cayenne l 997.2RS
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Danville

iTrader: (26)

21. Since OBDII port doesn't have two needed wire to connect A1 and A2 I decided to use cigaret lighter as the power source. I have something else taped into this power source so don't pay attention to the Red and Black wires. You need to tap A2 Braun wire in to thick Braun wire and A1 Green/Braun into thick Red/Black wire on your cigaret lighter connector.





22. Now you can put everything back together. Connect your battery after you are done with everything, start your car and you should get this





Read the Manual that came with your new PSW to set it the way you like !

I hope this will help

PDF FILE HERE
Attached Images
File Type: pdf perf wheel instructions.pdf (731.1 KB, 6407 views)

Last edited by doba_s; 03-20-2009 at 12:54 AM..
Appreciate 1
cloumeM164.00
      03-19-2009, 11:28 PM   #4
urbo73
Captain
United_States
57
Rep
754
Posts

Drives: 2021 BMW M340i xDrive
Join Date: May 2006
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

What?? I have to remove my clutch pedal?
Appreciate 0
      03-19-2009, 11:57 PM   #5
doba_s
Major General
doba_s's Avatar
United_States
405
Rep
6,107
Posts

Drives: X7 l Cayenne l 997.2RS
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Danville

iTrader: (26)

Quote:
Originally Posted by urbo73 View Post
What?? I have to remove my clutch pedal?
no you don't ... I have M-DCT
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2009, 01:47 AM   #6
FStop7
I like cars
FStop7's Avatar
Vatican City State
329
Rep
5,052
Posts

Drives: M6
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Newbury Park, CA

iTrader: (3)

You should really use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt the secures the wheel to the column.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2009, 01:51 AM   #7
leletyM3
HPF Stg2 640rwhp
11
Rep
295
Posts

Drives: HPF M3
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (1)

Great DIY!!!
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2009, 01:56 AM   #8
doba_s
Major General
doba_s's Avatar
United_States
405
Rep
6,107
Posts

Drives: X7 l Cayenne l 997.2RS
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Danville

iTrader: (26)

Quote:
Originally Posted by FStop7 View Post
You should really use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt the secures the wheel to the column.
yes you can ... mine is too big and I couldn't use it ... I'll recheck it in a week or so, but there is no way it will get loose ... plus don't remember reading in PDF file anything about using torque wrench to tighten it.
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2009, 02:24 AM   #9
FStop7
I like cars
FStop7's Avatar
Vatican City State
329
Rep
5,052
Posts

Drives: M6
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Newbury Park, CA

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by doba_s View Post
yes you can ... mine is too big and I couldn't use it ... I'll recheck it in a week or so, but there is no way it will get loose ... plus don't remember reading in PDF file anything about using torque wrench to tighten it.
I've done wheel swaps on a 335i and an E46 M3, in both cases I'm pretty sure it was recommended to torque to 75lb-ft.

The perf wheel looks good, btw. I just wish it had M stitching.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2009, 02:37 AM   #10
tom @ eas
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
tom @ eas's Avatar
United_States
8056
Rep
18,786
Posts


Drives: BMW
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Anaheim, CA

iTrader: (19)

Garage List
2018 BMW i3s  [0.00]
2010 BMW M3  [6.50]
2015 BMW M4  [5.25]
Awesome DIY - thanks for taking the time to post.
__________________
Tom G. | european auto source (eas)
email: tom@europeanautosource.com · web: https://europeanautosource.com· tel 866.669.0705 · ca: 714.369.8524 x22

GET DAILY UPDATES ON OUR BLOG · FACEBOOK · YOUTUBE · FLICKR · INSTAGRAM
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2009, 04:30 AM   #11
Genro757
///M-Flight VP
Genro757's Avatar
United_States
77
Rep
669
Posts

Drives: '13 Frozen Red Edition E92 M3
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: NOVA/Virginia Beach, VA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2013 E92 M3  [0.00]
I got my steering wheel installed this weekend...good DIY...but not too technically/mechanically incline so I got BMW here in Bamberg, Germany (Autohaus Sperber) to do the install and programming for me...next project Alcantara my headliner, A pillar and B pillars
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2009, 09:46 AM   #12
MentholGuy
MentholGuy's Avatar
United_States
189
Rep
1,497
Posts

Drives: 11 E90 M3
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: S. Cal

iTrader: (12)

Awesome DIY Aleks!!!!
I wish I could join installation, and this makes me can't wait mine get installed!!
How long did it take? I might try to install mine today once I get back to SF tonight..

Good Job!!
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2009, 10:06 AM   #13
doba_s
Major General
doba_s's Avatar
United_States
405
Rep
6,107
Posts

Drives: X7 l Cayenne l 997.2RS
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Danville

iTrader: (26)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MentholGuy View Post
Awesome DIY Aleks!!!!
I wish I could join installation, and this makes me can't wait mine get installed!!
How long did it take? I might try to install mine today once I get back to SF tonight..

Good Job!!
it took me about 2-3h ... i was trying not to f...k it up haha ...
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2009, 10:07 AM   #14
doba_s
Major General
doba_s's Avatar
United_States
405
Rep
6,107
Posts

Drives: X7 l Cayenne l 997.2RS
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Danville

iTrader: (26)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Genro757 View Post
I got my steering wheel installed this weekend...good DIY...but not too technically/mechanically incline so I got BMW here in Bamberg, Germany (Autohaus Sperber) to do the install and programming for me...next project Alcantara my headliner, A pillar and B pillars
this DIY is for you to get an idea ... you don't need to program anything after you install it ... so I am not sure what your BMW center did ...
Appreciate 1
SaNGRia980.00
      03-20-2009, 10:08 AM   #15
doba_s
Major General
doba_s's Avatar
United_States
405
Rep
6,107
Posts

Drives: X7 l Cayenne l 997.2RS
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Danville

iTrader: (26)

Quote:
Originally Posted by tom @ eas View Post
Awesome DIY - thanks for taking the time to post.
thanks Tom ... I called you yesterday and left you a message ... but disregard it ... everything works good !
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2009, 10:44 AM   #16
Alex///M
E90 - the Ultimate family hauler
Alex///M's Avatar
Canada
22
Rep
578
Posts

Drives: 2008 E90 ///M3
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Halifax

iTrader: (15)

Quote:
Originally Posted by doba_s View Post
this DIY is for you to get an idea ... you don't need to program anything after you install it ... so I am not sure what your BMW center did ...
Awesome job and post on this project!

Every time I see a Performance Steering Whell my reaction is first then .


So you're saying that after you installed the wheel all the functions worked? You did not have to take it in to the dealer for programming or coding to your car?
__________________
2008 AW E90 M3 - current
2002 TIAG E46 M3 - gone
1991 DiamondSchwartz E30 M3 - gone but not forgotten
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2009, 10:56 AM   #17
doba_s
Major General
doba_s's Avatar
United_States
405
Rep
6,107
Posts

Drives: X7 l Cayenne l 997.2RS
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Danville

iTrader: (26)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex///M View Post
Awesome job and post on this project!

Every time I see a Performance Steering Whell my reaction is first then .


So you're saying that after you installed the wheel all the functions worked? You did not have to take it in to the dealer for programming or coding to your car?
nope ... read PDF file and it says there that you don't need to reprogram it.
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2009, 11:51 AM   #18
David1
Brigadier General
David1's Avatar
No_Country
795
Rep
3,945
Posts

Drives: 09 E92 09 X5
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Columbus, OH

iTrader: (1)

I take it the new wheel can only go on one way, a groove in the splines?
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2009, 12:08 PM   #19
doba_s
Major General
doba_s's Avatar
United_States
405
Rep
6,107
Posts

Drives: X7 l Cayenne l 997.2RS
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Danville

iTrader: (26)

Quote:
Originally Posted by David1 View Post
I take it the new wheel can only go on one way, a groove in the splines?
you are right ...
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2009, 12:32 PM   #20
rav7ks
First Lieutenant
rav7ks's Avatar
38
Rep
387
Posts

Drives: e92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
08 M3  [0.00]
I really like the thickness of the OEM steering wheel.
Is the performance steering wheel similar in thickness ?
If it is I'm buying one today lol.
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2009, 12:37 PM   #21
Big Windy
Major General
Big Windy's Avatar
United_States
150
Rep
5,124
Posts

Drives: None
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

awesome DIY. there is no way i could do that myself...
__________________
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2009, 12:51 PM   #22
Genro757
///M-Flight VP
Genro757's Avatar
United_States
77
Rep
669
Posts

Drives: '13 Frozen Red Edition E92 M3
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: NOVA/Virginia Beach, VA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2013 E92 M3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by rav7ks View Post
I really like the thickness of the OEM steering wheel.
Is the performance steering wheel similar in thickness ?
If it is I'm buying one today lol.
Thickness is just the same...and the alcantara feels great...
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:41 AM.




m3post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST