Steering wheel swap - can't get airbag to sit straight

[Cubieman]

We have a 330ci and the local junkyard, having even a 3 series around here is a rarity. I want to pull some random wiring/connectors, I may be there this weekend.
If this wheel has the same bracket I may be able to take off the bracket, don't think they would charge much for that type of part.

I'll post back if I grab it.

[thegenius46m]

Yea I figured I would need to do that. Problem is you don't know for certain that it won't also bend as you remove it, or when whoever else removed it.

Lol. I hoard them from the junkyard now if the airbag already has close to perfect fitment. The bracket does indeed bend on removal if you yank because its flimsy aluminum. Horrendous design imho. The only fool proof way to prevent this is three sets of hands. Two people to press on the clips at the same time while the other person pulls the airbag out evenly. Also be careful reinstalling the airbag as the newly recalled ones dent stupid easy above the roundel.

[Cubieman]

Don't mean to take this off topic too much but ever since I swapped steering wheels my new wheel tilts to the right slightly as compared to the last wheel which sat centered.

The last wheel as is the new wheel are aftermarket items, but of course they were both built around an OEM core.

My alignment is off and car does pull to the right and the vehicle is getting an alignment soon, should I re-posiotion my wheel so the 2 "tick marks" line up regardless off if that causes the wheel to lean to the right wheel driving straight?


Currently I have the new wheel with the tick mark one postion off of the tick mark on the column to compensate for the wheel not sitting correctly.

Any of you guys swapping wheels have any issues like this? It is strange as the splines in the wheel (and I assume the tick mark) are they same on every wheel, as in they should all be in the same location.

[Nate047]

The consensus is it's the metal plate/bracket that holds the airbag. I haven't had the chance to mess with mine again yet but I think it might be solved by bending it back. If not, get a used one from eBay and hope it's not also bent.

[bmw m3 s50]

I swapped my steering wheel as well and have the same issue. What is the part that is needed, the airbag bucket bracket from an OEM steering wheel or wiring? I added some extra wires for a sequential shift lights not sure if that is causing it.

[Nate047]

Yea I figured I would need to do that. Problem is you don't know for certain that it won't also bend as you remove it, or when whoever else removed it.

[thegenius46m]

Yup same piece. Anyone know if these are available new? Part number?

No part number unfortunately. BMW includes it with the wheel. Stupid design. Best bet will be to salvage one from a spare 3 spoke round airbag wheel from a non-m e46, e39, or x5.

[Nate047]

I have not had a chance to do anything about it yet, hoping a new/old plate from eBay might do something helpful.

[yanto]

Same problem here. Did anyone figure this out?

[Cubieman]

So I'm getting that no one has that part number, and/or it's not available on it's own...? Last check before I bend mine back, and likely have to buy a used one.

Doesn't look like it has a p/n as it's part of the wheel assembly. A junkyard or ebay might be it..

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partgrp?id=BL93-USA-06-2004-E46-BMW-M3&mg=32

[Nate047]

So I'm getting that no one has that part number, and/or it's not available on it's own...? Last check before I bend mine back, and likely have to buy a used one.

[foolio]

I had the same issue on my ZHP. Some fiddling with the wires fixed it.

[strummr]

It's the airbag bracket that got bent when you removed the airbag from the last wheel. Common problem from a horrendous design. Try bending the bracket back or get a spare from a junkyard car.

This has to the most common, likely issue... I recently replaced my steering wheel and found the airbag assembly not seating uniform with the 'new' (rewrapped old) wheel, and initially thought maybe some of the wiring was in the way. I've rechecked the installation 3X - but still sat wonky - never thought that the bracket could be bent (only the right side didn't seat right, and that could easily be a bend of that bracket ~.25-.5"). I assume it would be easy to bend that bracket up (towards you), in previous removal attempts - as when that latching mechanism sticks, I found myself yanking at the wheel with some force.

[Nate047]

That steering wheel looks awesome, you mind if you share details source price etc.

Thank you

It’s a Coby Wheel, good fit and finish for the money. Only neutral/negative leaning thing I have to say is the material doesn’t tuck into the back edges as cleanly as the Tanik one I have in my e36. Also the red stripe is lower end material than the rest of the wrap.

[Nate047]

Same with me, after the airbag recall, my airbag sticks out. Is the airbag bracket the metal piece shown here?

Yup same piece. Anyone know if these are available new? Part number?