02/96 steering wheel swap compatibility?

[John_in_VA]

I just helped a friend find an 02/96 ti today. The 4-spoke SRS wheel is roached on the top from sun damage, and he'd like to change it but keep the SRS working. He found a Euro sport wheel on eBay, and the seller thinks it's from a '94 E36. The auction is here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E...Q5fAccessories

The closest in appearance that I found at realoem is this one for the E36 Euro coupes, with an application up to 09/94:
http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...92&hg=32&fg=35


I have a feeling this Euro wheel is not a direct plug & play for the 02/96 car's SRS electrically, but wondered if it was possible to make it work with a different slip ring or other parts. I am not proficient with soldering, etc., but hope it doesn't hurt to ask! Thanks in advance.

[macilona]

hello---i do not think that wheel will fit---the electronics and the mounting are completely different. this steering wheel is on ebay 280546486669 ---- it is a direct bolt on plug and play. the description cites some wear. this seller has this style wheel frequently listed, so you can wait to see one in better condition. i purchased one from him and it was in almost new condition, at a slightly higher price. this style will be offered by other sellers as well, and it is the one that you should look for. the seller above,
nrj106, is very reputable, based on my experience.

[John_in_VA]

Thanks for your quick reply! I'm new to the E36s, only familiar with the change from coarse to fine splines on the E28s - no air bag experience!

That wheel in the link you provided is nice looking. I'm also seeing some M3 wheels that might be compatible. As the steering wheel is the driver's direct connection to the road, we need to find a nice one.

It would help if I knew what the electrical connectors looked like on the wheel we have, to be able to compare them to the ones on the wheels offered for sale. The ones for the Euro wheel in the auction you mentioned have a connector for a blue & brown wire, and a red & white wire. Is it that simple to determine compatibility?

[macilona]

some m3 wheels have a tab on the back of the wheel that is in a different position than the 318ti, as well as the exposed slip ring that is encased on the ti. the wheel i referenced is identical to the ti stock wheel so it is easy to install.