e9X M3 Steering Wheel on 135i

[TM9030]

Hello,

Have any of you had a little bit of play when switching over to the e9X M3 steering wheel?

I feel a slight notch/play when turning and it feels like it's coming from the top half of the wheel.

I torqued the bolt to spec so I doubt it's coming from the hub. I also noticed that my airbag has a lot more wiggle area than with my old m-sport wheel.

Is this normal?

[cjb762]

Originally Posted by TM9030

Hello,

Have any of you had a little bit of play when switching over to the e9X M3 steering wheel?

I feel a slight notch/play when turning and it feels like it's coming from the top half of the wheel.

I torqued the bolt to spec so I doubt it's coming from the hub. I also noticed that my airbag has a lot more wiggle area than with my old m-sport wheel.

Is this normal?

I can't tell you if it is normal, but I have the E9x steering wheel also and don't notice any play in either the wheel or the airbag in mine. I didn't even torque my steering wheel bolt - just snugged it down with my uncalibrated hand... I should probably go check that tomorrow...

[TM9030]

Originally Posted by cjb762

I can't tell you if it is normal, but I have the E9x steering wheel also and don't notice any play in either the wheel or the airbag in mine. I didn't even torque my steering wheel bolt - just snugged it down with my uncalibrated hand... I should probably go check that tomorrow...

Yeah I came to the conclusion I purchased a bad steering wheel. It's a shame, it looks so good! Haha

[cjb762]

Originally Posted by TM9030

Yeah I came to the conclusion I purchased a bad steering wheel. It's a shame, it looks so good! Haha

Maybe you can shim it or something?

[TM9030]

Originally Posted by cjb762

Maybe you can shim it or something?

I don't think it's that easy. It feels like the wheel has a crack somewhere on the sides. Im starting to think it was involved in an accident in the past & got damaged somehow.

It's just enough play to feel it when I turn and straighten the wheel. Slight pop as if it were to pop back into place. My old wheel didn't do that and I triple checked everything but nothing looks off or out of place.

[TM9030]

Sure enough the first wheel was damaged.

When buying a used steering wheel make sure to ask if it was ever involved in an accident or if the airbag has deployed.

The heat generated when the airbag deploys is enough to warp and damage the structure of the wheel.

Also, I'd recommend buying a new 16mm bolt.
It's only $4

I purchased a 2nd M3 wheel & haven't had any issues after install!