What steering wheel did most m3's come with stock?

[e30onBBSs]

^

[Hawk]

M-Tech I. I think the M-Tech II was a Euro only option if I remember right. Been away for a few years so I may be a bit rusty.

[2mAn]

Airbag

[Hawk]

Airbag

I forgot about that abomination.

[ST1G]

Airbag

I kinda like the air bag wheel. Said nobody ever.

How did they get around the airbag with the Mtech II Wheels? Did the dealer sell it and then you had to have them install it after you took possession?

[Hawk]

I think it was a Euro option only and they didnt have the Airbag regulation like over here. I imagine the dealer wouldn't touch it. Its a grey area in most states to even remove the airbag. Some states consider it no longer street legal as it doesnt meet code.

I can't imagine any dealers removing them even back then. It would be like buying a new M4 and asking your dealer to remove the airbag and put in a race steering wheel. They would never do it.

[jhaurimn]

Almost all USA brochures show an mtech 1 wheel.

[MR 325]

In the US the 88-89 came with the M-Tech 1 wheel. In 90-91 they came with the airbag wheel. Those were the only original steering wheels on US E30 M3s. Euro cars are a different story.

[Vincent Brick]

Yup, '90 was the first year for federally mandated passive restraint, which effectively meant manufacturer's choice of airbag, motorized seatbelts or seatbelts mounted to door. You can rag on the airbag wheel all you want, but lets all just be glad that was the option BMW went with, those early-'90s goofy seatbelts suck.

[Hawk]

Thats an interesting thought. Motorized seatbelts in an E30 haha how weird would that be.

[ttrousdell]

Thats an interesting thought. Motorized seatbelts in an E30 haha how weird would that be.

Or the seatbelts mounted on the door. I have them in my 92 corolla and they are more annoying than anything.

[Hawk]

That would drive me bonkers.