Mtech 1 wheel on my 89 325i.

[stormspike]

I have a 89 325i with the standard 4 spoke steering wheel and found a perfect mtech 1, 3 spoke wheel and when I went to put it on it looks like it is missing a spacer (a gap on the column of about 1.5in). The old wheel has an area where the wheel lock(the key lock) locks onto it (about 1.5in) where the back of the Mtech wheel is flush. Also, even though the splines on the Mtech wheel look the same, it did not want to slip on. I did not force anything since it would leave a gap on the steering column. What am I missing? Will this wheel work? I hope it will since I have been looking for some time to find one that is near perfect. I have seen many pics on forum of the sporty wheel and want on one my car.

thanks!!

[atomic]

splines are the same through out all years of e30's. '89 model isn't airbag equipped is it?

[stormspike]

No, it is not. Is there a hub that goes behind the Mtech 1 wheel to fill the gap?

[atomic]

No, it is not. Is there a hub that goes behind the Mtech 1 wheel to fill the gap?

No but there is a spacer on early model e30's behind the wheel that should work fine. It might take one behind the wheel on the shaft then the wheel and then another spacer before the washer and nut to hold the wheel on. Both of them together are probably close to and 1 1/4". It is number 4 on the diagram on this link. You should need 2 of them(one on each side of the wheel). At least this is what it took to put my OEM Blackline steering wheel on my '91 325i

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=1254&mospid=47308&btnr=32_0447&hg=32&fg=30

[chucko]

Do both wheels look the same from the back? If you can, post a pic of your setup.

[stormspike]

I will have to post a pic later today.
The old 4 spoke wheel has a recessed spline and the new mtech one is flush with the back of the wheel. When I put it on, there is a 1.5 inch gap between the back of the wheel and the column. You can see a gap. The old wheel covered it because the splines are set back into the wheel. I will get pics up later. I am sure I am just missing something. Thanks!!