M3 steering wheel/trim install question

AU335 · 09-11-2008, 01:52 PM

Do you have to take off the M3 wheel or any wheel for that matter to install the wheel trim??

I want to go ahead and install the M3 wheel today but my new M trim hasn't arrived yet. is it possible to install the trim after the wheel is on?

Blk07335i · 09-11-2008, 03:13 PM

I think you may be able to do it without taking the wheel totally off but I think you still have to take the airbag off

AU335 · 09-11-2008, 04:28 PM

NM, the new trim came in today also. All is good

But how the hell do you get the airbag off? I cant find the small spring clips....Are they the little white plastic clips? What exactly am i looking to press in to release the airbag?

AdamJ · 09-11-2008, 04:35 PM

Take pics for us!

AU335 · 09-11-2008, 04:44 PM

need help or at least some guidance on how to take the airbag off. I am trying to follow the DIY but its not helping. Im pretty much stuck at this airbag release

openwheelracing · 09-11-2008, 04:46 PM

see the DIY section. There are detailed pics and descriptions.

AU335 · 09-11-2008, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by openwheelracing

see the DIY section. There are detailed pics and descriptions.

did that. Seems like the wheel pictured is the non sport wheel though. Could be wrong.

openwheelracing · 09-11-2008, 05:01 PM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...steering+wheel

I335 · 09-11-2008, 05:29 PM

Think of the springs as large safety pins. You need to push on them to get them to release - just like a safety pin. As you're pushing in on the sping, you'll feel it. As you push the spring in, pull on the airbag a bit so you dislodge the spring from the groove that's holding it in. Then do the other side the same way.

oldaccount · 09-11-2008, 06:09 PM

its pretty straightforward. pop off the airbag, unclip it from the hub area, take the 3 screws out of the back of the wheel cover (from the back of the wheel), unbolt the multifunction buttons, bolt them to the new trim piece and reverse the process to re-install.

edit: just noticed you were stuck at the airbag. use a flathead scredriver with not too large of a head, and try sticking it in at different angles (thats what she said). IIRC you may need to put it in at a slightly upward angle. You will feel a little resistance when you are actually on the lever/spring/clip type thing that releases the airbag - it will feel kind of springy, and the airbag should move. You may also need to push/pull on the airbag itself to allow it to dislodge completely.

AU335 · 09-11-2008, 06:34 PM

Wheel & trim are finally installed

Quick pic from my phone. Also thanks again for all your help guys

oldaccount · 09-11-2008, 06:45 PM

i love that wheel. one of my favorite mods.

its strange how big a difference the m3 wheel cover makes. at least to my eyes anyway.

09-11-2008, 01:52 PM	#1
AU335 Colonel 192 Rep 2,443 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 335i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Southeast iTrader: (7) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	M3 steering wheel/trim install question Do you have to take off the M3 wheel or any wheel for that matter to install the wheel trim?? I want to go ahead and install the M3 wheel today but my new M trim hasn't arrived yet. is it possible to install the trim after the wheel is on?
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09-11-2008, 03:13 PM	#2
Blk07335i Captain 61 Rep 938 Posts Drives: 2024 G87 M2 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston area iTrader: (4)	I think you may be able to do it without taking the wheel totally off but I think you still have to take the airbag off
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09-11-2008, 04:28 PM	#3
AU335 Colonel 192 Rep 2,443 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 335i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Southeast iTrader: (7) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	NM, the new trim came in today also. All is good But how the hell do you get the airbag off? I cant find the small spring clips....Are they the little white plastic clips? What exactly am i looking to press in to release the airbag?
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09-11-2008, 04:35 PM	#4
AdamJ Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 277 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Take pics for us!
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09-11-2008, 04:44 PM	#5
AU335 Colonel 192 Rep 2,443 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 335i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Southeast iTrader: (7) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	need help or at least some guidance on how to take the airbag off. I am trying to follow the DIY but its not helping. Im pretty much stuck at this airbag release
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-11-2008, 04:46 PM	#6
openwheelracing Captain 192 Rep 814 Posts Drives: 5 different 3 Series Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Santa Barbara, CA iTrader: (0)	see the DIY section. There are detailed pics and descriptions.
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09-11-2008, 05:01 PM	#8
openwheelracing Captain 192 Rep 814 Posts Drives: 5 different 3 Series Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Santa Barbara, CA iTrader: (0)	http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...steering+wheel
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09-11-2008, 05:29 PM	#9
I335 Brigadier General 123 Rep 4,249 Posts Drives: '08 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New England iTrader: (11)	Think of the springs as large safety pins. You need to push on them to get them to release - just like a safety pin. As you're pushing in on the sping, you'll feel it. As you push the spring in, pull on the airbag a bit so you dislodge the spring from the groove that's holding it in. Then do the other side the same way.
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09-11-2008, 06:09 PM	#10
oldaccount Colonel 162 Rep 2,456 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	its pretty straightforward. pop off the airbag, unclip it from the hub area, take the 3 screws out of the back of the wheel cover (from the back of the wheel), unbolt the multifunction buttons, bolt them to the new trim piece and reverse the process to re-install. edit: just noticed you were stuck at the airbag. use a flathead scredriver with not too large of a head, and try sticking it in at different angles (thats what she said). IIRC you may need to put it in at a slightly upward angle. You will feel a little resistance when you are actually on the lever/spring/clip type thing that releases the airbag - it will feel kind of springy, and the airbag should move. You may also need to push/pull on the airbag itself to allow it to dislodge completely.
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09-11-2008, 06:34 PM	#11
AU335 Colonel 192 Rep 2,443 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 335i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Southeast iTrader: (7) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	Wheel & trim are finally installed Quick pic from my phone. Also thanks again for all your help guys Attached Images
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09-11-2008, 06:45 PM	#12
oldaccount Colonel 162 Rep 2,456 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	i love that wheel. one of my favorite mods. its strange how big a difference the m3 wheel cover makes. at least to my eyes anyway.
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