do i need to remove the steering wheel to swap out paddles?

tofu- · 09-09-2011, 10:48 PM

I have the m3 dct paddles coming in tomorrow. I was wondering if i have to remove the entire wheel to install them, or if i'm good just removing the airbag+trim?

NightStalker · 09-09-2011, 11:38 PM

no you don't, just remove the airbag and trim

tofu- · 09-09-2011, 11:56 PM

thanks

B-737 · 09-10-2011, 01:21 AM

from what i gather, to remove the airbag theres two hidden screw holes on the backside of the wheel. then the airbag comes off forward.

once thats off, how hard is it to remove the wheel itself? whats involved?

aandrew335 · 09-10-2011, 02:13 PM

After you remove the airbag, its just one big bolt that you undo to taket he steering wheel off, but of coruse you gotta unplug the wires as well.

B-737 · 09-10-2011, 02:33 PM

is there a key on the shaft to assure its centered?

acerboo · 09-10-2011, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-737

is there a key on the shaft to assure its centered?

yes

B-737 · 09-10-2011, 03:41 PM

much appreciated, thank you

ChasVS · 09-10-2011, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-737

from what i gather, to remove the airbag theres two hidden screw holes on the backside of the wheel. then the airbag comes off forward.

once thats off, how hard is it to remove the wheel itself? whats involved?

Those aren't screw holes. They cover the Airbag release rods. If your airbag has never been removed, the holes will be covered and you'll have to open them with a screw driver. Fell for the dimple on each side and pierce the cover. There's a steering wheel removal DIY with detailed instructions and pictures here on the Forum.

lt can be a bit tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty easy.

ChasVS · 09-10-2011, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tofu-

I have the m3 dct paddles coming in tomorrow. I was wondering if i have to remove the entire wheel to install them, or if i'm good just removing the airbag+trim?

I didn't think the DCT paddles fit the standard paddle shifter holes... I assume you verified this?

tofu- · 09-11-2011, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChasVS

I didn't think the DCT paddles fit the standard paddle shifter holes... I assume you verified this?

there will be a slight gap (act paddles are smaller), but it isn't a big deal. Has been done many times on this forum

JUSTIN335 · 02-21-2012, 06:22 PM

Sorry to revive an old thread, but how did your install go? Any tips or advice?

09-09-2011, 10:48 PM	#1
tofu- Banned 87 Rep 2,854 Posts Drives: 335i Jet Black/Coral Red Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: nyc iTrader: (4)	do i need to remove the steering wheel to swap out paddles? I have the m3 dct paddles coming in tomorrow. I was wondering if i have to remove the entire wheel to install them, or if i'm good just removing the airbag+trim?
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09-09-2011, 11:38 PM	#2
NightStalker ✰ 267 Rep 2,741 Posts Drives: Audi Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New York City iTrader: (12)	no you don't, just remove the airbag and trim
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09-09-2011, 11:56 PM	#3
tofu- Banned 87 Rep 2,854 Posts Drives: 335i Jet Black/Coral Red Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: nyc iTrader: (4)	thanks
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09-10-2011, 01:21 AM	#4
B-737 Captain 50 Rep 825 Posts Drives: a car. Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Jersey Shore iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 328 xi [7.26]	from what i gather, to remove the airbag theres two hidden screw holes on the backside of the wheel. then the airbag comes off forward. once thats off, how hard is it to remove the wheel itself? whats involved? __________________
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09-10-2011, 02:13 PM	#5
aandrew335 Lieutenant 25 Rep 473 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: 818 iTrader: (2)	After you remove the airbag, its just one big bolt that you undo to taket he steering wheel off, but of coruse you gotta unplug the wires as well. __________________
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09-10-2011, 02:33 PM	#6
B-737 Captain 50 Rep 825 Posts Drives: a car. Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Jersey Shore iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 328 xi [7.26]	is there a key on the shaft to assure its centered? __________________
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09-10-2011, 03:41 PM	#8
B-737 Captain 50 Rep 825 Posts Drives: a car. Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Jersey Shore iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 328 xi [7.26]	much appreciated, thank you __________________
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02-21-2012, 06:22 PM	#12
JUSTIN335 . 46 Rep 385 Posts Drives: 2012 535i m-sport Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Carlsbad/Laguna Beach iTrader: (1)	Sorry to revive an old thread, but how did your install go? Any tips or advice? __________________ 2012 F10 535i 2013 E70 X5M 2007 E92 335i - sold
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