Hmmm New Steering wheel Compatibility?

[as400]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lederlen...430121?hash=item23c6e01729:g:wu8AAOSwJwFd18UM

Fancied a new steering wheel...it arrived with lovely new leather and the advert stated compatible with BMW Z3.

My mechanic however thinks otherwise and says its not compatible with my Z.

Do I need a new steering wheel or a new mechanic?

Seemed to think the airbag wiring would not work?

 

[Jack Ratt]

That's an early Z3 wheel fitted to pre facelift cars, and early E36's. My black Zed has the same wheel.

 

[Richardrix]

That looks the same as the wheel from my 1997 Z3 1.9. I do like that leather on it though, it has been recovered. Looks nice.

 

[as400]

My car is 2001....so I guess its not compatible with post facelift Z's?

 

[Richardrix]

Did your mechanic give a reason as to why it would not fit?

 

[as400]

Did your mechanic give a reason as to why it would not fit?

Something to do with single or dual stage airbags. Not to worry the seller will accept returns...might give https://royalsteeringwheels.com/ a call.

 

[petecossie]

Royal Wheels will refurbish your own steering wheel or Jack will do one to your requirements (+£100 deposit) then when you have fitted the new one send him your old one back to get your deposit refunded. That’s the way I did it 7 years ago now. Brilliant workmanship, he has lots more options now, reshaping rim etc. As many have said on here, myself included it’s the best mod you can do to improve the driving experience with your car. I’d advise increasing thickness of rim padding if nothing else.

 

[as400]

Thanks Pete I think that's exactly what I'm going to do!

 

[petecossie]

Thanks Pete I think that's exactly what I'm going to do!

You won't regret it, I never hear anyone have any adverse comments on any refurbishments of steering wheels.
Lets us know how you get on, also pics required!!!

 

[Jjim]

Can highly recommend Royal steering wheels. Done a couple for me and the quality is amazing.

You can still fit a single stage airbag to a dual stage wired car. You need to change the connector for the primary stage airbag to a prefacelift style, and then add in a resistor unit to the secondary stage connector.

 

[mrscalex]

It's probably not the steering wheel as such. There are several different Z3 steering wheels and they'll all fit. It's the air bag you'll have the issue with and need to swap I expect.

 

[as400]

Well it took a while but eventually ordered a new steering wheel from Royal and what a superb bit of workmanship it is. My local mechanic hadn't heard of the company but is tempted to put in an order for his own car having seen it.

The wheel arrived a week after ordering it, it cost £160, you pay £260 then send your old wheel back in the same box and they refund you £100.

You have the opportunity to customise the look of your wheel with alcantara or special stitching, my wheel is slightly thicker than the old one which does in my opinion feel better.

Pictures speak louder than words...

Shade

• as400
• Jun 18, 2020
• 1

In the light

• as400
• Jun 18, 2020

Slightly thicker

• as400
• Jun 18, 2020

Stitching Detail

• as400
• Jun 18, 2020