turn signal switch to close to wheel, airbag/non differences?

[Vincent Brick]

Can anyone confirm for me the difference between airbag and non-airbag wiper switches? I ask because I have an airbag car with an early non-airbag "Sports" steering wheel, and the wiper switch is so close to the steering wheel I am turning them on by accident almost every time I drive the car (made easier by a lack of PS), which is a bit ironic since I live in a place it hardly ever rains. I guess I'm wondering if I can switch to a non-airbag wiper switch, that maybe the spacing is different, but I'm not sure if the difference is in the mounting or wiring instead. I don't have a problem with the turn signal switch. Tried searching and comparing photos online, but can't come up with anything conclusive.

Thanks for any insight.

[jlevie]

The turn signal switch for an air bag car is different than that for a non-air bag car. I have no idea whether they are physically or electrically identical.

[Vincent Brick]

Yeah, I know they are different, just trying to figure out in what way, its not obvious to me from pics that come up in GIS.

I guess an aftermarket steering wheel and adapter would help, but as much as I want a different wheel that seems like an extreme solution to this issue. I imagine this has been an issue for someone in the past, I can't even fit 2 fingers between the wheel and stalk.

[AndrewBird]

I know some people have spaced the steering wheel out a bit with washers to help with that. Not sure how far you can space it before you run into problems with the steering wheel lock or not having enough splines though.

[reelizmpro]

Bend it...or replace it.

[Vincent Brick]

That may explain the big ass washer I found in there that didn't look like it belonged, I believe I put it back together with the washer behind the nut, not behind the wheel, I'll pull that apart and see.

My wiper switch has been broken and repaired, so the repair could be part of the problem, but it doesn't appear to offset the lever enough to matter, but it can't help. The repair is a bit cheesy and I was wanting to replace it, which led me back to wondering if I could run the older style switch and have more space.

Thanks guys.

[ELVA164]

Stalks for a car with an airbag stick out towards the steering wheel more than a car without an airbag. That's the main reason your fingers are now so close to them. The washer you saw belongs behind the nut; leave it there. You DO need a second spacer, however. There's actually a BMW part number for it, I'm sure you can find it on realoem. If you don't use the spacer, you risk bottoming out on the splines and just about permanently attaching the steering wheel to the column. Search for "steering wheel stuck" and you'll see almost everyone swapped an airbag wheel for a non-airbag wheel and didn't use the spacer.

[Vincent Brick]

Stalks for a car with an airbag stick out towards the steering wheel more than a car without an airbag.

That is what I had suspected, and the confirmation I was looking for.

I've had the steering wheel on and off several times, and have been putting it back together the same so I'm sure its cool, but i will look into that proper spacer as well.

Hopewell Junction! I lived in Wappingers Falls for a couple years long ago.