Tin

Hi,

Has anyone upgraded their 99/00 steering wheel to the newer chunky style 2001+ wheel??

Anyone know if the air bag system is a direct swap over?

cheers

Tin

__________________
Kelleners ECU remap with Sport Camshafts, ACS DFC Suspension, 19" ACS TypeIII's, Brembo GT Kit (F:8pot/380mm front,R:4pot/345mm), Supersprint RHD headers,100cel sport kats,x-pipe and 90mm backboxes, ACS Rear Diffuser, Evosport lightweight pullies, Dinan Front & Rear Strut Bars, Dinan Rear SwayBar,ACS pedals & handbrake, GruppeM induction kit, AA CAI,IgnitionSolution PlasmaCoils, UUC Evo2 SSK, BeastPower brackets, NAV-Tv, MKIV Widescreen retrofit,2x10" M-Audio Subs, Hardwired V1,Xenon interior lights

BeastPower

From what I have read, this can't be done, as the newer style wheel uses a more advanced 2-stage airbag that is not compatible with earlier models. If you want a nicer steering wheel, I would recommend an aftermarket model.

Cheers.

Ashok Arora

Also there are issues with the wiring loom being incompatible from earlier to later models. Why bother Tin, surely you can spend your money on better things. This, for example:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religi...weddings.shtml

__________________
Ashok
2002 E39 Carbonblack/Caramel M5 (past)
2005 E60 Blue Onyx/Caramel/Light Figured Ash M5 (past)
2007 E90 Montego Blue/Black Alpina D3 (present)
Beware the Red Cog of Death!

baf3472

I was able to swap out the steering wheel in my 2000 528 to the M5 wheel. I had to get a new airbag and have the SRS light taken care of by the dealer. I've heard several people say the wiring loom was incompatible but all i had to buy for my 528 was a new slip ring. And for what its worth all 2000 M5's have a 2 stage airbag, just the airbag itself is different.

BeastPower

Interesting information. Did you swap to the newer 2001+ M5 steering wheel?

Thanks.

baf3472

Yes, i swapped out to the 2001+ steering wheel. I got it and the slip ring from Crevier BMW. Bought the airbag from a local salvage yard that had a wrecked 2003 540. I have a 2000 M5 and i was considering swapping out the steering wheel but i keep reading about how its not possible and i didnt want to mess with it. I called chris as Crevier and he told me it should work. I might give it a try.

mottati

I can't speak for the ROW cars, but US spec 2000 MY cars do have the dual stage airbag. I think i've read about a 00 -01 steering wheel conversion, either on roadfly, or maybe at bmwtips.com. You need the wheel and airbag. Now in the US, 98's had single stage airbags. I know this because i did do a M-tech steering wheel swap on my previous 98 528i. I needed to special order the wheel from my dealer, as it was never used on a US spec car, and the matching single stage airbag. But, all went right in, worked fine ( i suppose, i never crashed it!) and no airbag lights. The connectors were identical. I'd try a search, i'm pretty sure it's been done.
Mike

__________________
Mike
00 M5 Ti Silver; Imola/black sportiv
Engine:
Supersprint Headers, Dinan CAI kit and MAFS, Throttle Bodies, Cams, Ported heads, Exhaust, Custom dinan software, Evosport Pullies, Dinan clutch and lightened flywheel; Ignition solutions plasma coils
Suspension:
Dinan Stage 3 with front and rear Strut Tower Braces, Beastpower Sway bar brackets, Dinan Wheels with 275/285 PilotSport, X5 Thrust arm bushings, Stoptech 355mm 4 piston front, 355mm 2 piston rear brake kit, Dinan 3.45 diff
Interior/Misc:
Eurodash, updated steering wheel, Bluetooth retrofit, Sirius Retrofit, hardwired V1, Widescreen Mk4 nav, M audio retrofit, Ice Link, BSW Stage 1 speaker upgrade, bmw towbar

91 M5 Alpine White II, Silver Gray 3/90 production
17x8/17x9 Turbines with PS2, 20mm touring roll bar; Fahey Suspension with SLS elimination; EAT Chip, CD43; work in progress

baf3472

Finally recieved my airbag last night and was able to swap out my old steering wheel for the 01+ steering wheel. Eveyrhing works perfect, only left is to go to the dealer and have the srs light reset. I will try and post pics latrer today. FWIW, this mod is only possible for cars built after 3/99. Thats when BMW made the switch to the 2 stage airbags.

Ahmed

It seems Tin and I are going through the same phase of requirements. I guess we both own 1999 Euro spec cars.

What i found strange was that upon inspecting Black M5's car one day ( 2000 model US spec car ), his steering wheel was identical design as mine, however, it was smaller in diameter and thicker grip!

I suggested to abdulla that we swap just to see if it works or not. If successful, then this is the best way to go Tin!!! Abdulla's steering wheel looks just like ours, but smaller and thicker!

If this works, i suggest you order them from the US ( 2000 model steering wheel )

__________________
Don't wanna be too "insecure", so I will stick to my current cars:

'06 Hummer H3
'00 996 Carrera

baf3472

Sorry but that probably wont work either. When BMW made the switch in 3/99 to the 2 stage airbag, they redisigned the steering wheel and it was slightly smaller and more padded than the previous, even though they looked very similar. The hub, slip ring and wiring was changed as well. If your car was built before 3/99, then this steering wheel and airbag are incompatible.

BeastPower

Great information. My 2000 M5 is an 11/99 build, so I guess I will be looking for a new steering wheel pretty soon.

Cheers, Daniel.

atomic80