new airbag in 01 steering wheel? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

steveB · 14th August 2001, 16:22

I am contemplating changing the steering wheel in my '00 beast to the OEM '01 wheel (price $454). Has anybody done this, and is is possible to use the airbag in my current wheel? If I have to buy a new airbag ($1500---2000 is what I have heard) or if the labor costs are too high, it does not make sense to make the conversion.

beewang · 14th August 2001, 17:42

Go to

http://www.bimmer.org/5series/messages/

and look for this guy KrispyKream (or KrispyCream). His name is Chai-Wei, and he knows all the in's and outs for the Steering wheel switch on the 2000 to 2001+ M5.

In fact, here's a link to he's post.

http://www.bimmer.org/5series/messag...ages/9833.html

hope this helps,

beewang

MAH · 14th August 2001, 17:45

I have had both model years and thus both wheels and I do like the MY2001 better. The buttons on the steering wheel of the MY2000 IMO were better, but the overall feel I prefer the MY2001. Since the center shape is different between the two wheels, I am betting that the airbag is different as well, but that is just a guess.

Sorry I was of no real help. Good luck on the change out.

Mark

AndyMenard · 14th August 2001, 18:55

I have in fact asked my mechanic about doing this upgrade and it does indeed require a NEW airbag be installed along with the new steering wheel... therefore, I will probably not be doing this upgrade.

I will keep the money and spend it on the new Dinan headers when they come out!!

steveB · 14th August 2001, 21:02

Andy, I agree-- it doesn't make sense if you have to put in a new airbag. I'll save the money and use it for Dinan Stage III.