Steering Wheel Removal DIY

porshah · 02-28-2011, 04:15 PM

I searched but could not find a DIY for removing the steering wheel. I just purchased a sport steering wheel that I would like to swap out myself. Can someone point me in the right direction?

ZStig · 02-28-2011, 04:16 PM

There are 2 holes at around the 10 and 2 o clock angles behind the steering wheels. you gotta jab a screwdriver in there, one side at a time, to release the spring mechanism. then you disconnect the airbag

porshah · 02-28-2011, 04:30 PM

That's it? Thank you. No wonder there is no DIY.

ZStig · 02-28-2011, 04:32 PM

When you insert a screwdriver, find a spot where it feels like you're pushing on a spring, and press down on it, the airbag should protrude about an inch. Kinda have to fiddle around in there

mhughett · 02-28-2011, 04:38 PM

The instructions above only pertain to the removal of the airbag. Once you get that off, you can see the nut that hold the steering wheel on and it's pretty self-explanatory. Make sure that you disconnect all of the other connectors (like audio and phone controls) too. Most importantly, before you do any of these steps, remove the negative cable from your battery for 30 minutes before starting. Otherwise, you could have a mess on your hands or at a minimum you could have an airbag light on when you get things hooked back up.

The HACK · 02-28-2011, 04:39 PM

Also make sure you TORQUE that nut back at the right torque spec. It's ~50 ft-lbs if I recall.

BTM · 02-28-2011, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The HACK

Also make sure you TORQUE that nut back at the right torque spec. It's ~50 ft-lbs if I recall.

On my 335 it was 46 ftlbs, so that sounds about right. Anyone with a Bentley manual should be able to dig up the spec. Also, while it may be common sense for many of us, disconnect your battery, and turn your lights to the fully on position to take care of any residual electricity. Yes the probability is low, but nothing like cheap insurance from an airbag going off in your face.

Here is a link to an in depth DIY on E90post which I used to change my steering wheel on my E90. Everything I've come across leads me to believe it applies to the Z chassis as well.

porshah · 02-28-2011, 06:07 PM

Thank you all. Really appreciate the help.

Shipkiller · 02-28-2011, 08:17 PM

I just checked the TIS.

The torque spec. is 62.5Nm or 46.09ft/lbs.

porshah · 02-28-2011, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

I just checked the TIS.

The torque spec. is 62.5Nm or 46.09ft/lbs.

Thank you sir!

pbjr · 03-10-2011, 06:33 PM

Thank you as well. I'll be installing my M wheel this weekend.

porshah · 03-10-2011, 08:04 PM

^^ post some pics. I am still waiting for mine.

Newff · 03-10-2011, 08:22 PM

What's different about the M Wheel? Thicker and different material? Also where would be the best place to get one?

porshah · 03-10-2011, 09:10 PM

Same thickness. M has the color stitching.

Shipkiller · 03-11-2011, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porshah

Same thickness. M has the color stitching.

I am not sure what you are saying.

Are you saying both the non-M and the M's steering wheels are the same except for the stitching?

I hope not....

nickpapa · 03-11-2011, 06:49 AM

Here's the DIY:

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79735

ShakyDog · 03-11-2011, 10:26 AM

Non-M wheel has a smaller grip, the M wheel is fatter and just feels so nice. That said, I am not sure I would ever want to upgrade mine. Just personal preference. If I want and M wheel, I will want the M car to go with it...

Steve

porshah · 03-11-2011, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

I am not sure what you are saying.

Are you saying both the non-M and the M's steering wheels are the same except for the stitching?

I hope not....

I thought they were. Perhaps I am wrong on that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickpapa

Here's the DIY:

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79735

Thanks Nick!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShakyDog

Non-M wheel has a smaller grip, the M wheel is fatter and just feels so nice. That said, I am not sure I would ever want to upgrade mine. Just personal preference. If I want and M wheel, I will want the M car to go with it...

Steve

That is why I am going with the Sport version.

pbjr · 03-14-2011, 07:38 PM

I got the wheel installed this weekend. I had to tap some wires from the light control module to enable the multi-function buttons. My car did not have the wiring and needed the retrofit. I think I got them working. Vol +/- and Tracks U/D work. But the R/T and looks like Voice don't do anything. I assume the Voice button is for telephone which I dont have. Can someone tell me what the R/T is used for?

Thanks

Shipkiller · 03-14-2011, 07:43 PM

R/T is also for the phone..

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbjr

I got the wheel installed this weekend. I had to tap some wireless from the light control module to enable the multi-function buttons. My car did not have the wiring and needed the retrofit. I think I got them working. Vol +/- and Tracks U/D work. But the R/T and looks like Voice don't do anything. I assume the Voice button is for telephone which I dont have. Can someone tell me what the R/T is used for?

Thanks

http://img199.imageshack.us/i/img0424qq.jpg

http://img842.imageshack.us/i/img0423jf.jpg

http://img651.imageshack.us/i/img0374uw.jpg

pbjr · 03-14-2011, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

R/T is also for the phone..

Ah, thanks Shipkiller.

porshah · 03-14-2011, 07:50 PM

Looks grea! Thanks for sharing the pics. I am still waiting for mine. It was on backorder, and is being shipped from Germany.

02-28-2011, 04:15 PM	#1
porshah Lieutenant 197 Rep 597 Posts Drives: M4, R8, Huracan - All topdown Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Fairfield, NJ iTrader: (5) Garage List 2018 Audi R8 V10 Sp ... [0.00] 2021 BMW 330e xDrive [0.00] 2017 Lamborghini Hu ... [9.50] 2016 BMW M4 Convert ... [0.00]	Steering Wheel Removal DIY I searched but could not find a DIY for removing the steering wheel. I just purchased a sport steering wheel that I would like to swap out myself. Can someone point me in the right direction?
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02-28-2011, 04:16 PM	#2
ZStig instagram 997turbotom 279 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: Interlagos Z4MR Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delray Beach, FL iTrader: (4)	There are 2 holes at around the 10 and 2 o clock angles behind the steering wheels. you gotta jab a screwdriver in there, one side at a time, to release the spring mechanism. then you disconnect the airbag __________________
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02-28-2011, 04:30 PM	#3
porshah Lieutenant 197 Rep 597 Posts Drives: M4, R8, Huracan - All topdown Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Fairfield, NJ iTrader: (5) Garage List 2018 Audi R8 V10 Sp ... [0.00] 2021 BMW 330e xDrive [0.00] 2017 Lamborghini Hu ... [9.50] 2016 BMW M4 Convert ... [0.00]	That's it? Thank you. No wonder there is no DIY.
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02-28-2011, 04:32 PM	#4
ZStig instagram 997turbotom 279 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: Interlagos Z4MR Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delray Beach, FL iTrader: (4)	When you insert a screwdriver, find a spot where it feels like you're pushing on a spring, and press down on it, the airbag should protrude about an inch. Kinda have to fiddle around in there __________________
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02-28-2011, 04:38 PM	#5
mhughett Captain 25 Rep 615 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 M Coupe Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tulsa, Ok iTrader: (0)	The instructions above only pertain to the removal of the airbag. Once you get that off, you can see the nut that hold the steering wheel on and it's pretty self-explanatory. Make sure that you disconnect all of the other connectors (like audio and phone controls) too. Most importantly, before you do any of these steps, remove the negative cable from your battery for 30 minutes before starting. Otherwise, you could have a mess on your hands or at a minimum you could have an airbag light on when you get things hooked back up. __________________ 2013 Audi TT RS (Tech Pkg, Sport Exhaust, Heated Seats, Sirius) Retired--2007 Z4 M Coupe (Imola Red/Black, Premium Pkg, Heated Seats, XM, Bimmian stubby antenna, CDV delete, Apex EC-7--Anthracite, Goodyear F1 Asymetric 2.
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02-28-2011, 04:39 PM	#6
The HACK Midlife Crises Racing Silent but Deadly Class 1820 Rep 5,337 Posts Drives: 2006 MZ4C, 2021 Tesla Model 3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Welcome to Jamaica have a nice day iTrader: (1)	Also make sure you TORQUE that nut back at the right torque spec. It's ~50 ft-lbs if I recall. __________________ Sitting on a beat-up office chair in front of a 5 year old computer in a basement floor, sipping on stale coffee watching a bunch of meaningless numbers scrolling aimlessly on a dimly lit 19” monitor.
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02-28-2011, 06:07 PM	#8
porshah Lieutenant 197 Rep 597 Posts Drives: M4, R8, Huracan - All topdown Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Fairfield, NJ iTrader: (5) Garage List 2018 Audi R8 V10 Sp ... [0.00] 2021 BMW 330e xDrive [0.00] 2017 Lamborghini Hu ... [9.50] 2016 BMW M4 Convert ... [0.00]	Thank you all. Really appreciate the help.
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02-28-2011, 08:17 PM	#9
Shipkiller Colonel 187 Rep 2,138 Posts Drives: Me Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Virginia Beach iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW Z4M Coupe [8.50] 2003 BMW Z4 Roadster [8.33]	I just checked the TIS. The torque spec. is 62.5Nm or 46.09ft/lbs.
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03-10-2011, 06:33 PM	#11
pbjr Private 8 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 435i M-Sport MT Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Thank you as well. I'll be installing my M wheel this weekend.
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03-10-2011, 08:04 PM	#12
porshah Lieutenant 197 Rep 597 Posts Drives: M4, R8, Huracan - All topdown Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Fairfield, NJ iTrader: (5) Garage List 2018 Audi R8 V10 Sp ... [0.00] 2021 BMW 330e xDrive [0.00] 2017 Lamborghini Hu ... [9.50] 2016 BMW M4 Convert ... [0.00]	^^ post some pics. I am still waiting for mine.
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03-10-2011, 08:22 PM	#13
Newff Private First Class 20 Rep 135 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW Z4 3.0si Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Fort Mcmurray, Alberta/ Hare Bay, Newfoundland iTrader: (0)	What's different about the M Wheel? Thicker and different material? Also where would be the best place to get one?
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03-10-2011, 09:10 PM	#14
porshah Lieutenant 197 Rep 597 Posts Drives: M4, R8, Huracan - All topdown Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Fairfield, NJ iTrader: (5) Garage List 2018 Audi R8 V10 Sp ... [0.00] 2021 BMW 330e xDrive [0.00] 2017 Lamborghini Hu ... [9.50] 2016 BMW M4 Convert ... [0.00]	Same thickness. M has the color stitching.
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03-11-2011, 06:49 AM	#16
nickpapa First Lieutenant 23 Rep 374 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (3)	Here's the DIY: http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79735
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03-11-2011, 10:26 AM	#17
ShakyDog Captain 181 Rep 623 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0i Alpine White/Red Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Missouri iTrader: (4)	Non-M wheel has a smaller grip, the M wheel is fatter and just feels so nice. That said, I am not sure I would ever want to upgrade mine. Just personal preference. If I want and M wheel, I will want the M car to go with it... Steve
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03-14-2011, 07:38 PM	#19
pbjr Private 8 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 435i M-Sport MT Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	I got the wheel installed this weekend. I had to tap some wires from the light control module to enable the multi-function buttons. My car did not have the wiring and needed the retrofit. I think I got them working. Vol +/- and Tracks U/D work. But the R/T and looks like Voice don't do anything. I assume the Voice button is for telephone which I dont have. Can someone tell me what the R/T is used for? Thanks Attached Images Last edited by pbjr; 03-14-2011 at 08:22 PM..
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03-14-2011, 07:50 PM	#22
porshah Lieutenant 197 Rep 597 Posts Drives: M4, R8, Huracan - All topdown Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Fairfield, NJ iTrader: (5) Garage List 2018 Audi R8 V10 Sp ... [0.00] 2021 BMW 330e xDrive [0.00] 2017 Lamborghini Hu ... [9.50] 2016 BMW M4 Convert ... [0.00]	Looks grea! Thanks for sharing the pics. I am still waiting for mine. It was on backorder, and is being shipped from Germany.
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