It should fit! E39's and E46's shared the same steering wheels I believe. Pics of said wheel?

 

Is it the fatter round wheel? I know some of the M5's had those. It should still fit regardless though.

According to ECS Tuning when searching for the wheel for my sedan, or a 525i I get the same wheel.

Heres the link
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E39-M-S.../271120216345?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f20063119&vxp=mtr

$375 picked up. Sound reasonable? Said I could install it before purchase.

I'm not sure it's really necessary but since I got the sport seats, my steering wheel doesn't flow anymore lol

Pic of the inside of my car:

 

Is it the fatter round wheel? I know some of the M5's had those. It should still fit regardless though.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E39-SPO.../280985751652?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item416c0e5064

This one? Yes, it will fit and the airbag is compatible. I think it will look nice, post pics if you get it. My steering wheel looks terrible, the top is dry-rotted and cracked. Too bad mine's a '99.

 

No no no! This one

that is way too much money for a used wheel. you can buy a new one from tischer for that price.

That's what I'm trying to figure out here. I can buy one from a fellow fanatic cheaper, I just prefer local so I can see it in person. Just a thing I have.

I saw a thread saying people got the wheel/airbag for 350-400 now at a dealer? Going to call in the morning but can anyone chime in?

 

that is way too much money for a used wheel. you can buy a new one from tischer for that price.

 

My bad, that one will defiantly fit and look spot on!

 

Thanks
Yeah just found out that the E39, and E46 shared the same wheel. I'm pretty sure it's plug an play.

Only now I'm contemplating putting the money towards this wheel. Or an MtechII rear and dual exhaust... >.>

 

The wheel is functional and your main interaction with the car. Exhaust and rear bumper are bling.

 

I feel like it would complete the look on the interior, since I added the sport seats. Does the feel of the M wheel have a noticeable difference?
I mean, the M6 wheel feels amazing but..

 

Spend your money on maintenance instead of wannabe fast.

 

Wait, you're telling me the steering wheel won't add 40HP?
Got everything but the cooling system done when I purchased the car. Doing the cooling system pretty soon, especially with this texas heat.
Don't hit me with the "maintenance first" I went by that before I joined the forums here. It's common since IMO..

 

But OP... That is too much for a wheel. Look on the classifieds for better deals! I would highly recommend you do the SMG M3 retrofit so you can use paddle shifters with your steptronic transmission!! Thats what I did. Very simple and much more fun to drive :thumbup:

 

Get the 3 spoke wheel, a lot better than 4 spoke. Easier to turn with a thumb against bottom center spoke while changing gear with the other hand.

on wait, an automatic!! Whatever then

 

It will fit.

 

I thought this was worth a share.

Decided to call BMW and get a price on the wheel. He tells me there's more to it than just swapping, and it will need to be coded, and I would probably be spending about $2000.
Seems legit.

 

I thought this was worth a share.

Decided to call BMW and get a price on the wheel. He tells me there's more to it than just swapping, and it will need to be coded, and I would probably be spending about $2000.
Seems legit.

Coded? What needs to be coded?! :hmm: Thats the stealership for ya!

 

Yeah that makes no sense. Nothing needs to be coded. Just plug and play! He might be talking about recoding the airbag light? Not sure... I bought my first SMG wheels here. If you find a good seller you'll be fine. Bought my second one locally though. Are you looking specifically for an M3 wheel or just a sports wheel?

 

I like the look of the M wheels bottom spoke, Vs the sport wheel that has a split. As far as the airbag light, that shouldn't even pop up if the battery is disconnected? Even if so, I have the tools to clear it.

Only cars that need anything coded are my99 an early 00 e46s.

I feel like the guy was talking out of his ass. Maybe if I had a 99 with a single stage airbag and was upgrading to the dual? But even then, I told the guy I had an 02.

 

Only cars that need anything coded are my99 an early 00 e46s.

 

Just wanted to post an update. I got the steering wheel today, guy put it on for me there to verify all was good.

Man.. This wheel is so much more comfortable to drive with, no idea it would be this much of a difference.

 

Glad you like it Post some pics!

 

Looks great!! :thumbup:

(still think you should have done the SMG retrofit though) haha.

 

This is just my opinion. But having an automatic, the closest I get is using the stepstonic shifter. So using paddle shifters would take a little away from that.

I mean, regardless, it's still an automatic.. But the paddle shifters do look cool.

 

Judging from some the replies, am I right in thinking that a Pre Facelift E46 will need wheel coding if it's changed to an M wheel?

My Wheel does not have buttons but I assume that would need coding, if I got a wheel with more buttons?!

 

Since you don't have controls, your plugs may be different.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=655912

As for coding, I'm pretty sure you will not. UNLESS there is a way to program your car from a single stage airbag to a dual stage? If so, maybe that's what the dealer was talking about. But anything past the year 2000 is a dual stage if I read correctly.

Edit again:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A9BppTKAkY

Looks like you can retrofit the controls. But as far as the steering wheel itself, it might just pop in, I'll search through the forums.
Like this thread, I couldn't find anywhere if the steering wheel from the 5er was exactly the same as the 3er. You guys came through though!

 

I did this. it's a direct fit depending on what year model you car is. When I ordered mine it was from an 00 M5 because of the airbag system being a single stage it was compatible with my car. No coding. I see you went with the 3 series wheel. I chose the m5 prefacelift wheel because of the slightly larger diameter. it feels great with my sedan btw if anyone needed an opinion.

 

Smart way around the Dual system problem

 

Thank You