Anyone know the difference between MTech 1 and 2 steering wheels?

[stevehecht]

The MTech 2s are more expensive on ebay and I'm wondering why. Also someone told me that the 2s come in two diameters (320mm & 340mm?). Anyone have information on this?

[DarkWing6]

Mtech I




Mtech II





Actually there are two different sizes for both of the steering wheels. The smaller Mtech I is super hard to find and the larger is somewhat common in e30s since it was stock in sport models and M3s. The Mtech II is more sought after in the smaller (e30) size, but the larger (e34?) wheel will fit in our cars as well.

[stevehecht]

The smaller Mtechs are 365mm and the larger are 385mm--that's a difference of only .79 inches. Doesn't seem like a lot, does it? (I just got those numbers from a parts supplier on e30tech.com.) But the tech 2s look more ergonomically balanced and aesthetically better--I think that's why there's more demand.

Does anyone know what the diameter of the OEM wheel on the 325 is? (I can measure it but I don't have my car right now.)

[stevehecht]

Does anyone know what the diameter of the OEM wheel on the 325 is? (I can measure it but I don't have my car right now.)

I found the answer to this question. The OEM wheel is the same size (385mm) as the large MTech 1 and MTech 2 wheels. The smaller MTech wheels are both 370mm. That's actually just 0.6" smaller in diameter than the OEM.