BMW E46 Steering wheel swap - 325ci, 330ci, M3 Steering wheel upgrade

In this video we will swap a steering wheel in my 325ci project car. The top of the leather has worn off and was covered with electrical tape. It was nasty. I got a better one from my local salvage yard and am going to share the process of swapping them out. First, and most important, we cut power to the car from the battery in the trunk. With a flat head screw driver, we release the airbag clips by poking through the access holes on the back side of the steering wheel. If the spring is depressed, you can pull the airbag from that side. Repeat process on other side. Pull the airbag straight out. The plugs on the back side will easily come straight out once the clips are lifted. two plugs for wires are unplugged from the steering column. One has a release button, the other pulls right out. Using a 16mm socket, and extension and a breaker bar, remove the retainer bolt holding the wheel to the steering column. I swap the steering wheel controls after unscrewing 4 torx screws - two on front, two on back. Once everything is swapped, replace center bolt and torque to 42 foot pounds. Reinstall all plugs and snap airbag back into place. Reattach battery and test to see if your horn and other functions work. In my case, I had to apply power in the engine bay to open the trunk. Oops. It's ok, a jumper battery can get you back in easily!
Don't forget to reset your clock!
Here are affiliate links to some of the types of tools I used for this job.
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TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set, 43-Piece (6-24 mm) - amzn.to/3oIb0UG
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TEKTON Torx High-Torque Black Oxide Blade Screwdriver Set, 6-Piece - amzn.to/3S5VtLP
Auto Detailing Brush Set for Cleaning Wheels, Interior, Exterior, Leather, Including 6 pcs Premium Detail Brush (Black), 3 pcs Wire Brush and 2 pcs Automotive Air Conditioner Brush - amzn.to/3bl0RtR
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter Box, Car Battery Booster Pack, Portable Power Bank Charger, and Jumper Cables - amzn.to/3BrHzO5
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These keywords should help you find information, tutorials, and resources related to upgrading or swapping the steering wheel on a BMW E46, whether for a 325Ci, 330Ci, or M3 model. Always consider compatibility and follow proper procedures during any modification.

[@Maplecook]

Hey! I swapped the steering wheel in my Lexus, too! haha

[@cristhegearmonkey]

Man i thought you were putting the M steering wheel on the 325ci

[@tweedjohnny8740]

Genius!

[@captainfallsalotatppic2508]

Disconnect the NEGATIVE post BLACK -!

[@robdude1969]

Functionally, both do the same thing in the end by disrupting the circuit, but I will agree that the negative ground wire is safer to remove first. The big reason here is that may get a spark with your wrench grounding against metal if you are not careful taking it apart. If you are removing the negative or ground wire first, you have no risk in shorting with your wrench. You will notice I am using an insulated handle wrench and there isn't much for exposed metal in this space. Cheers, and thanks for the "Negative" comment.

[@kippielapan8036]

𝔭𝔯𝔬𝔪𝔬𝔰𝔪 🤔