Steering Wheel Options?

[gmal]

I have a model 2000 540i stick - with the standard steering wheel (15.5" diameter). The wheel has radio, cruise, phone controls and is heated (a great feature for Toronto's winter climate).
Alas I find it too big, and the rim is skinny.
So I am looking for alternative options.

BMW had (has?) a sport wheel that retained all the electronics and is smaller.
Any feedback on that wheel and relative installation?

Are there any other after-market options - that preferably retain the electronics?

[silverlea]

The project you are having a go at is an interesting one.
A few months ago I drove into our local dealer to get a price on a Motorsport wheel for my 97 540. At present I have the uglier version with the volume cruise and channel selector etc on it.Thinking to myself how good the new one would look you can imagine how bothered I was when the technician said that the M wheel was'nt compatible ??
I have often found with BMW dealers, anything that is a little outside the square,is often placed in the "TO HARD BASKET"............or filed under SHIT.........
SO.......with that i have gone no further with it.........
HOWEVER...I'd be very interested for the forum to comment on what I have found with dealers.
Good Luck with your steering wheel change.

SILVERLEA. ghead

[billB]

Siverlea

What you found at the dealer is not a problem compared to what they have told me regarding my trans. fluid. I did post it on this forum yesterday. check it out

regards
billb

[BeelZibub]

I don't think the M-TEC wheel has the heated feature, not 100% but I don't think so.

[billB]

BEEL Z
speaking of heated steering wheel; when the button is pushed to heat what causes the green little light not to stay on? In other words when Pushed in; the light will blink once or twice but it will not stay on constant and in effect does not heat the wheel. Any innovative solutions/ideas??

p.s. yes everything else on the wheel is operational/cruise.radio etc etc
billb

[BeelZibub]

Originally posted by billB@Oct 9 2004, 04:49 PM
BEEL Z
speaking of heated steering wheel; when the button is pushed to heat what causes the green little light not to stay on? In other words when Pushed in; the light will blink once or twice but it will not stay on constant and in effect does not heat the wheel. Any innovative solutions/ideas??

p.s. yes everything else on the wheel is operational/cruise.radio etc etc
billb

[snapback]208225[/snapback]

Sorry Bill can't help on that one - My baby didn't come with that option.

[545ismg]

the steerign wheel on my 545 is very thick which i love and it is pretty smalll it is the SMG type wheel that is in the Z4 And te X5 4.8is very nice wheel