Replacing my Airbag Wheel with a 370mm M-Tech II Wheel... Anything I should know?

[VROOMCP]

I searched but didn't really find anything specific about cars equipped with an airbag. I assume, that a spacer is required...

Anything else I should know?

Thanks,
David

[nando]

you need spacers, yes

also, your steering lock won't work anymore and depending on how far you space it, your turn signals won't turn off like they're supposed to.

I've been considering swapping to a non-airbag column, or finding a way to make the turn signals work with the non-airbag wheel. but it's not that bad.

[SFLBIMMERS]

All you need are a couple of SS washers. One or two go under the hub, between the hub and the column shaft seat. The other one/s goes under the nut that holds the hub on the washer.
Using the proper washer/s thickness wise will allow both the lock and turn signals to work just as before the swap..
The wheel will be closer to the turn signal, washer and light stalks, some people find it a nuisance, it does not bother me at all.
I can not rememeber the thickness of the washers I used or how many, but it is pretty simple, and trial and error will get you where you need to be for proper fit.

[nando]

yeah, you can make it work if you have your wheel really close to the turn signals.. but I know i'd be hitting them at every autox and that would be really annoying. I spaced mine about 5/8"

[VROOMCP]

Thanks. Any tricks to removing the steering wheel?

David

[Fidhle007]

Yes, don't let it blow up in your face. :D

Seriously though, there's too Torx bolts on the back side of the wheel, you'll need to undo those and then you'll be able to pull out the airbag unit. Then you'll need a 22mm socket and ideally an impact wrench to get the main nut undone. Mark where your wheel was so you can recenter it when you install the new one. You'll also need to turn the key on to remove the wheel but don't unplug the airbag unit until after you turn the key off. Unless of course, like me, you were just going to pull the bulb on the SRS light anyway.

Good luck, let me know if you have any more questions, I've done quite a lot of work on steering wheels lately.

[VROOMCP]

Thanks all.

[Fidhle007]

Post some pics when you're done!

[Kruzen]

yeah, you can make it work if you have your wheel really close to the turn signals.. but I know i'd be hitting them at every autox and that would be really annoying. I spaced mine about 5/8"

If it bugs you that much you can just bend your stalks back a bit.

My mtechii wheel has plenty of room (without bent stalks) for driving, and the steering lock and tuyrn signal switch still works fine.

[the2rz]

I just installed one on mine and decided to place the washers on the other side so no gap would be visible at all. The outcome is that my horn works but turn signals don't turn off automatically which is fine as I'm able to turn them off manually :)

I bent the stalks back to give me some room.....I love this wheel.

[Jean]

370mm ? wow that's a huge wheel :o

[atomic]

What kind of steering wheels are you guys using that is causing problems with air bag cars? I ask since I am fixing to install the Momo Champion in my 91 e30 with the 2006 momo wheel adapter. It sounds like I will have same problem too although there was no mention of this when I ordered the setup. Just wanted to check

[VROOMCP]

The wheel is installed but I think I put the washers (3) in the wrong order because I have a big gap, the horn doesn't work, and the signals dont turn off after a turn. I'll post pics soon.

I had one washer at first but the wheel was stuck - Like something was in the way

[FL318is]

I put all 3 washers between the nut and the inside of the wheel. When I had them split up, 1 on the shaft and 2 on the wheel side, my horn did not work. As soon as I switched washer placement the horn started to work. Try this, push firmly againist the wheel and test the horn. It needs to make contact.

My turn signal switch is closer but thats fine by me. Rather have a horn that works on the interstates of FL. Also, I read where someone delicately bent the signal arm and created more clearance.

[VROOMCP]

I put all 3 washers between the nut and the inside of the wheel. When I had them split up, 1 on the shaft and 2 on the wheel side, my horn did not work. As soon as I switched washer placement the horn started to work. Try this, push firmly againist the wheel and test the horn. It needs to make contact.

My turn signal switch is closer but thats fine by me. Rather have a horn that works on the interstates of FL. Also, I read where someone delicately bent the signal arm and created more clearance.

I removed a white plastic spring loaded clip and that was it! The wheel slid into place. I put three washers just like you said and VOILA! I'll post pics as soon as my battery is charged.

Thanks all.

David