About Cars

How to Replace the Steering Wheel on a BMW

1. Park the car on a flat, level surface with the steering wheel pointed straight. Disconnect the battery cable that goes to the negative terminal.
2. Remove the center horn button/pad on older BMW models that are not equipped with air bags. Carefully pry the pad off with a flat-head screwdriver without scratching the trim. Disconnect the horn button wires from the horn button and set it aside.
3. Remove the air bag on newer BMWs that are equipped with air bags. Loosen and remove the screws on the back of the air bag that hold it to the wheel. The screws will likely be star-shaped Torx bits, so use the appropriate bit to remove them. They also may be recessed into the wheel.
4. Carefully support the air bag as you remove it so it does not fall. Disconnect the wires that go to the back of the air bag and set it aside.
5. Remove the large center nut that holds the steering wheel to the steering column. Use a socket and ratchet with an extension on the socket so that it can reach into the recess in the steering wheel. Set the nut aside.
6. Carefully pull the steering wheel off it. Disconnect any wires that go to the back of the steering wheel.
7. Plug any wires in to the back of the new wheel. Install the new wheel by sliding it onto the steering column if you are installing a different BMW factory wheel. If you are installing an aftermarket wheel such as a Momo, slide the hub adapter that you bought for the wheel onto the steering column.
8. Install the center nut and tighten it, whether you are installing a factory or aftermarket wheel. Install an aftermarket wheel onto the hub with the Allen bolts that come with the steering wheel. Connect the horn wires to the horn button. Press the horn button into place.
9. Plug the wires into the back of the air bag. Install the air bag onto the new wheel (if installing a factory wheel) with the Torx screws. Reconnect the battery.