Steering wheel swap, any tech docs?

[GraphicRage]

I basically need to know how to pull off that bmw badge without killing it (M-tech 1 wheel) but if there's a general tech doc on it, that would be cool too...

[ldsbeaker]

Just stick a small flat head screwdriver in on an edge. (not top or bottom)
Pry it off. You'll see. It's not bad.

NOW. To take off the steering wheel, you'll need a 22mm socket, and a little bit of strength. Mark the shaft and the wheel, so you know how to orient the wheel when you put it back on.
Once you've loosened the 22mm nut, IT WON'T COME OFF!!
You have to turn the key to the II position to release the wheel lock.

Good luck!

[StereoInstaller1]

Oh shit, dude, delete this post before you get flamed for being a noob.

Grab a butter knife or similar device, pry off the center cap, it pops right out.

Pull the nut off, I forget what size, but whatever, pull the nut and washer.

Now: Turn the ignition key on, NOT started, but key "on", and pull.

Yup, that fucking wheel pulls straight off, no nonsense, no bullshit, just pops right off.

With you being in Yew Nork, it might be a bit corroded, so don't pop yourself in the face.

So yeah, hurry up and delete this shit, newbie!

Luke

[GraphicRage]

Well, I AM a noob. Everyone's gotta start somewhere and I'd rather not ruin things in the process...

Thanks for the instructions, my m-tech wheel is rotted, I'm swapping another on...

[E30 Cabrio]

Ditto to all of the above. A butter knife will do, and be sure to turn the key on as it won't come off otherwise.

Took me a while to figure that part out.

I swapped out my regular 3 spoke wheel for a 3 spoke MTech 1 wheel.

[quikveedb2]

Everyone's gotta start somewhere

it'd be good to start by getting familiar with the search function, and buying a repair manual. imho...

[george graves]

Any DIY articles to change a tire?

(I kid, I kid - yea search is your best friend.)

[akorcovelos]

Any DIY articles to change a tire?

http://www.ehow.com/how_2116360_change-flat-tire.html

[e34john]

Just stick a small phillips head in on an edge. (not top or bottom)
Pry it off. You'll see. It's not bad.

NOW. To take of the steering wheel, you'll need a 22mm socket, and a little bit of strength. Mark the shaft and the wheel, so you know how to orient the wheel when you put it back on.
Once you've loosened the 22mm nut, IT WON'T COME OFF!!
You have to turn the key to the II position to release the wheel lock.

Good luck!

Probably would want to use a flat head, I used the one in my stanley jewlers kit but anything really narrow will work.

But as mentioned you have to mark the shaft as suggested if your going to replace the same wheel because I tried to eyeball it and now its a little cocked.

Get a Bentley Manual, its probably like 50 bucks from Amazon or Pelican but that thing will show you everything, it helped me a lot and Im not too handy with the cars either since my dad was a mechanic for 25 years.

[GraphicRage]

Thanks, I'm fully aware how to use the search function, I'm a programmer for a living and I already own the Bentley manual. I just completed doing an interior swap from tan to black among other odds and ends.

What I was looking for was tips and tricks for people in the real world that have worked, and as you see here, people have used different tricks to get them off without damage. As I didn't see anything immediately obvious, I figured I'd ask.

That's what a discussion forum is for, unless I'm somehow mistaken.

e34john, I'm in the same boat as you. I used to just drop my my cars off at my mechanic brother's house and not pay much attention, so I'm starting from square one, learning how to fix things myself.

[e34john]

Well you have a great car to do that with. These cars are all pretty simple and don't have tons of electronics either. I even did my mods myself, suspension, lights, engine and maintenence stuff. The E34 along eith the other cards we have at home is a lot harder.

[ldsbeaker]

Probably would want to use a flat head, I used the one in my stanley jewlers kit but anything really narrow will work.

Yes, you're right. Don't know why I typed phillips. FLAT head.

[87Blue325iC]

Thanks, I'm fully aware how to use the search function, I'm a programmer for a living and I already own the Bentley manual. I just completed doing an interior swap from tan to black among other odds and ends.

What I was looking for was tips and tricks for people in the real world that have worked, and as you see here, people have used different tricks to get them off without damage. As I didn't see anything immediately obvious, I figured I'd ask.

That's what a discussion forum is for, unless I'm somehow mistaken.

e34john, I'm in the same boat as you. I used to just drop my my cars off at my mechanic brother's house and not pay much attention, so I'm starting from square one, learning how to fix things myself.

Welcome - based on your calm, well mannered response here, you will do well in the face of those who forget they were new once too. Enjoy your car.

[TopOfTheLine89]

Nice car, The simplicity of e30s is convienent. Its as if nothing is completely out of reach to the motivated starter mechanic. A big thing is having the right tools though. Not having the right tools can make a quicky seem like a Bear.

[Raxe]

Took me a few tries to line up my tech-2 wheel. Make sure your wheels are perfectly straight before you do it, it'll make it a lot easier.