Mtech I in an airbag car?

[603Racing]

Has anyone successfully installed an Mtech I in an airbag e30? By this, I mean have you installed it and still have the horn and turn signal cancel work properly?

I currently have a early model 3 spoke wheel in my '90, I was able to space it out so it would fit, but the signal cancel and horn do not work because the wheel is spaced so far out.

[MR 325]

Yes this swap has been done 1000 times.

Install in this order... Factory spacer, steering wheel, extra factory spacer, washer, and nut.

Make sure to remove the little white plastic nub that pokes out of the metal portion of the steering column towards the steering wheel. This is no longer needed and it will make the steering wheel "click" if you don't remove it.

[603Racing]

Forgive my ignorance, but is the factory spacer? My car did not have the original steering wheel on it when i got it, so I've never seen the original setup. I did replace the steering wheel, but my signal cancel and horn do not work because the wheel has to be space so far out to work.

I have been looking for this info in the forums, maybe I'm searching for the wrong thing.

[MR 325]

The spacer part number is 32311120260.

All E30s have this part (1) behind the steering wheel. You'll leave that one in place and then install as I listed above.

[603Racing]

Will this spacer allow the signal cancel and horn to work? I'm using washers as spacers right now. Would washers not have the same affect? Or am I missing something?

[603Racing]

I looked at a diagram, I think I see what you're saying now. I'll pull the wheel later to verify my thoughts. Once again, you are right. :)

Thanks for the input.

[MR 325]

The spacing is only to get the nut to tighten correctly. No extra spacers are needed behind the wheel.

My car is an airbag car without an airbag wheel. ;)

[603Racing]

Yes, I believe I did all my spacing behind the wheel, which would be why my wheel is too far out. Though it does make for nice clearance to the stalks.

Thanks again.

[dudecati]

Here's another question or two on this same thought path. Are there any error lights when you remove an airbag and replace it with a non-airbag wheel?

Also, I don't have an non airbag wheel yet but need to remove my cluster. Is removing the airbag wheel as simple as removing the four bolts that hold the cover on and then accessing the main nut that holds the wheel on? Is reinstalling the airbag wheel as simple as reversing the removal procedure?

Thanks!

The spacing is only to get the nut to tighten correctly. No extra spacers are needed behind the wheel.

My car is an airbag car without an airbag wheel. ;)

[MR 325]

Here's another question or two on this same thought path. Are there any error lights when you remove an airbag and replace it with a non-airbag wheel?

Also, I don't have an non airbag wheel yet but need to remove my cluster. Is removing the airbag wheel as simple as removing the four bolts that hold the cover on and then accessing the main nut that holds the wheel on? Is reinstalling the airbag wheel as simple as reversing the removal procedure?

Thanks!

If you do an airbag delete I recommend unplugging and removing the module under the driver side of the dash, it's the big orange thing. You can also swap the check panel to one from a non-airbag car. Otherwise no issues.

To pull your airbag there are 2 torx screws that hold it on. They are behind the wheel at the 3 and 9 o clock positions. After that you can remove the nut for the steering wheel. You'll need to unplug the steering wheel once you pull it off the column. I recommend disconnecting the battery during this procedure.

[dudecati]

Thanks for that information. One last one- is reinstalling the airbag wheel as simple as plugging it in, putting it on the splines, tightening down and reattaching the cover with the 2 torx screws?

If you do an airbag delete I recommend unplugging and removing the module under the driver side of the dash, it's the big orange thing. You can also swap the check panel to one from a non-airbag car. Otherwise no issues.

To pull your airbag there are 2 torx screws that hold it on. They are behind the wheel at the 3 and 9 o clock positions. After that you can remove the nut for the steering wheel. You'll need to unplug the steering wheel once you pull it off the column. I recommend disconnecting the battery during this procedure.

[MR 325]

Yup just don't connect the battery until everything is back in place.

[dudecati]

Perfect - thanks so much for the info, really appreciate it!

Yup just don't connect the battery until everything is back in place.