Steering wheel swap

Steering wheel with airbag

Installing a different, more modern steering wheel is a popular upgrade amongst BMW E31 8 Series owners. Several different generations of steering wheels were available for the 8 Series during its years of production and each E31 can be fitted with each of those steering wheels. The steering wheel swap is usually quite straightforward, but minor modifications may be necessary to make it work properly. Obviously retrofitting a steering wheel with airbag in a car that was not originally equipped with airbag will not make the airbag work. The other way around – installing a steering wheel without airbag in a car that was originally equipped with airbag – may not even be legal in some countries!

Steering wheel compatibility

Basically every BMW steering wheel that was manufactured during the BMW 8 Series years of production (1989–99) can be installed in the E31 without modifications or minor modifications at most. The steering wheel compatibility is not limited to steering wheels manufactured for the E31. For example; the 3-spoke M Technic steering wheel airbag from the 1995–99 E36 M3, which was never available for the E31, can be installed as well.

In April 1999 BMW introduced dual-stage airbags. Up until then all airbags used by BMW were single-stage airbags. A single-stage airbag has a single explosive charge to deploy the airbag – the speed and duration of deployment cannot be controlled: The airbag always deploys with the same force regardless of the speed of impact. A dual-stage airbag on the other had has two charges. A common misconception is that one charge is for low-speed impacts and the other for high-speed impacts. This is incorrect: Both charges are always required for proper deployment of the airbag, but they are not ignited at the same moment. By adjusting the delay between the ignitions the speed and duration of the airbag deployment can be controlled. This allows the airbag deployment to be adapted to the severity of the impact.

Although manufactured up to May 1999 – two months after the introduction of the dual-stage airbags – the BMW E31 8 Series was never updated to dual-stage airbags. This means no E31 is capable of using dual-stage airbags and limits the choice of steering wheels to those that have a single-stage airbag. Some people claim steering wheels with dual-stage airbags can be installed without problems by connecting only one of both stages. While this will not throw error messages in the airbag system and thus appears to be working correctly, the airbag will not deploy properly in a crash!

Note that some steering wheels from the E31 era were updated to dual-stage airbags. These steering wheels look the same on the outside but are incompatible with the E31! For these steering wheels it is however possible to install the single-stage airbag from the older version in the newer steering wheel, making it compatible with the E31. Some steering wheels were also available with multifunction buttons. These steering wheels can be installed in the E31 as well. Please note the E31 has no native support for multifunction steering wheels, but adapter modules are available to enable cruise control and radio control from the steering wheel buttons.

In more recent years the slip ring was moved from the steering wheel to the steering column. These steering wheels cannot be installed in the E31 without considerable modifications and machining of the steering wheel base. Worse is that no compatible single-stage airbags are available for these recent steering wheels. In other words; with some effort the steering wheels can be installed in the E31, but the airbag will never work properly.

Installing an airbag steering wheel in a car that is not equipped with airbag system is perfectly possible, but obviously the airbag will never deploy in the event of a crash. Other than that there are no issues. The other way around, installing a steering wheel without airbag in a car that was originally equipped with airbag, is possible as well but will trigger the airbag malfunction warning light in the instrument cluster. The warning light cannot be reset because the fault condition (the absence of the airbag) remains present. This reminds the driver permanently the airbag is not working. If this is undesirable behavior it can be avoided by jumping the airbag connector with a 3.3 Ω ¼ W resistor fooling the airbag system in thinking an airbag is connected.

Removal

Without airbag

The removal of a steering wheel without airbag is simple.

1. Insert the car key and turn the ignition switch to position I to disengage the steering lock.
2. Position the front wheels in straight ahead position and center the steering wheel.
3. Carefully lift out the BMW emblem on the steering wheel. Pay attention not to damage the emblem.
4. The removed emblem reveals the M14 bolt that secures the steering wheel to the steering column.
5. Use a 21 mm socket and socket wrench to undo the M14 bolt. An extension may be required for the socket wrench. Also an extra hand to prevent the steering wheel from turning may come in handy. Never use the ignition steering lock to prevent the steering wheel from turning – it may get damaged.
6. If not already done during a previous steering wheel removal, mark the relative position of the steering wheel to the steering column for easier installation later on.
7. Remove the steering wheel.

With airbag

Three different types of slip ring were used for the airbag steering wheels during the production of the E31 8 Series:

• 32 34 1 160 901 (up to September 1993): External slip ring for the horn, internal clockspring flat cable for the airbag. Orange connector for the airbag with brown and blue wires.
• 32 34 1 162 804 (from September 1993): External slip ring for the horn, internal clockspring flat cable for the airbag. Black and orange connector for the airbag with brown and blue wires.
• 32 34 1 162 111 (from September 1994): Internal clockspring flat cable for the airbag and horn. Black and orange connector for the airbag with white and red wires, black and white connector for the horn with brown and blue wires.

While slip ring 32 34 1 162 804 replaced slip ring 32 34 1 160 901 in September 1993, it wasn't replaced by slip ring 32 34 1 162 111 in September 1994. The last two slip rings were used along each other depending on the type of steering wheel. The steering wheel removal instructions are the same for each slip ring apart from the shape and color of the electrical connectors.

1. Extend the steering column as far as possible towards the driver to make room for tools.
2. Disconnect the batteries.
3. Insert the car key and turn the ignition switch to position I to disengage the steering lock.
4. Position the front wheels in straight ahead position and center the steering wheel.
5. Locate the plastic screw with expanding anchor on the bottom of the lower half steering column cover.
6. Undo the screw. Its expanding anchor may remain in position.
7. Even after removing the screw the lower half steering column cover is still secured to the upper half by four retaining tabs – two on each side.
8. Firmly pull the lower half cover from the upper half. If necessary, use a flat blade between both halves to help disengage the retaining tabs but pay attention not to damage the covers.
9. With the lower half steering column cover removed locate the airbag connector. For the first two types of slip ring with only two wires, the connector is either orange or black and orange with brown and blue wires. For the last type of slip ring with four wires, the connector is black and orange with white and red wires.
10. Turn the airbag connector to remove it from its holder on the steering column and disconnect it.
11. The last type of slip ring with four wires also has a connector for the horn. The connector is black and white with brown and blue wires. Disconnect the horn connector.
12. Locate the screws on the back of the steering wheel that hold the airbag unit – usually two screws (one screw on each side of the steering column) but some steering wheels have four screws. The screws are recessed in the steering wheel base.
13. Use a Torx T30 bit to undo the screws. Turning the steering wheel a bit may provide better access to the screws. Just remember to turn it back to the centralized position afterwards.
14. Pull the airbag unit from the steering wheel and unplug the connector(s) on the backside
15. Put the airbag safely aside with the BMW emblem facing upwards. Don't put anything on top of it.
16. With the heart of the steering wheel exposed locate the M14 bolt that secures the steering wheel to the steering column.
17. Use a 21 mm socket and socket wrench to undo the M14 bolt. An extension may be required for the socket wrench. Also an extra hand to prevent the steering wheel from turning may come in handy. Never use the ignition steering lock to prevent the steering wheel from turning – it may get damaged. Removing the bolt engages the slip ring lock. Do not turn the steering wheel with the steering column bolt removed – doing so may damage the slip ring lock.
18. If not already done during a previous steering wheel removal, mark the relative position of the steering wheel to the steering column for easier installation later on.
19. Remove the steering wheel.

Modification

No modifications are required when replacing the steering wheel with another that features the same slip ring. If however the slip rings differ, small modifications are necessary. The required modifications also differ from slip ring to slip ring. This chapter will refer to each slip ring with its BMW part number. See the previous steering wheel removal instructions for more information on how to identify the various slip rings. Most upgrades are from steering wheels with slip ring 32 34 1 160 901 or 32 34 1 162 804 to slip ring 32 34 1 162 111. Although never available for the BMW 8 Series, slip ring 32 34 1 094 261 from the E38 and E39 multifunction steering wheels can be used as well. This article describes how to install such steering wheel in the E31 but not how to make the multifunction buttons work.

Required modifications for the steering wheel swap

Old slip ring	New slip ring	Modifications
No airbag	32 34 1 160 901	No modifications required
	32 34 1 162 804	No modifications required
	32 34 1 162 111	Change steering column switch bracket
	32 34 1 094 261	Change steering column switch bracket
32 34 1 160 901	No airbag	No modifications required
	32 34 1 162 804	Swap slip rings
	32 34 1 162 111	Change steering column switch bracket and swap airbag connectors
	32 34 1 094 261	Change steering column switch bracket and swap airbag connectors
32 34 1 162 804	No airbag	No modifications required
	32 34 1 160 901	Swap slip rings
	32 34 1 162 111	Change steering column switch bracket
	32 34 1 094 261	Change steering column switch bracket
32 34 1 162 111	No airbag	Change steering column switch bracket
	32 34 1 160 901	Change steering column switch bracket and swap airbag connectors
	32 34 1 162 804	Change steering column switch bracket
	32 34 1 094 261	No modifications required

Change steering column switch bracket

New style of steering column switch bracket (32 31 1 162 088) with locking pin (32 34 1 156 341) installed

Old style of steering column switch bracket (32 31 1 159 147) with locking pin (32 34 1 156 341) installed and horn brush (32 31 1 158 475) in the foreground

Close-up of slip ring 32 34 1 162 111

Close-up of slip ring 32 34 1 162 804

The rotating part of a slip ring is held in place by a spring-loaded locking pin on the steering column. Traditionally this locking pin was on the right side of the steering spindle, but for slip rings 32 34 1 162 111 and 32 34 1 094 261 it was moved to the left side. This means a steering wheel with slip ring 32 34 1 162 111 or 32 34 1 094 261 cannot be installed properly on a steering column equipped for slip ring 32 34 1 160 901 or 32 34 1 162 804. Luckily the locking pin is installed in the steering column switch bracket – a cheap part, easy to replace and available in both old and new style.

Required parts:

• Going from slip ring 32 34 1 160 901 or 32 34 1 162 804 to slip ring 32 34 1 162 111 or 32 34 1 094 261 requires the new style of steering column switch bracket (32 31 1 162 088).
• Going from slip ring 32 34 1 162 111 to slip ring 32 34 1 160 901 or 32 34 1 162 804, or a steering wheel without airbag requires the old style of steering column switch bracket (32 31 1 159 147) along with the brush for the horn contact (32 31 1 158 475).

Note the brackets do not come with the locking pin (32 34 1 156 341), but the pin can be reused from the bracket that is being replaced.

Not only must the steering column switch bracket be replaced, the horn wiring is different as well and needs to be modified too. Slip rings 32 34 1 160 901 or 32 34 1 162 804 use an external slip ring with brush and a single-pin connector for the horn whereas slip rings 32 34 1 162 111 and 32 34 1 094 261 have the horn wiring integrated in the clockspring with a six-pin connector (of which only two pins are used in case of slip ring 32 34 1 162 111 and five pins in case of slip ring 32 34 1 094 261).

If not already done while removing the steering wheel, remove the lower half steering column cover:

1. Locate the plastic screw with expanding anchor on the bottom of the lower half steering column cover.
2. Undo the screw. Its expanding anchor may remain in position.
3. Even after removing the screw the lower half steering column cover is still secured to the upper half by four retaining tabs – two on each side.
4. Firmly pull the lower half cover from the upper half. If necessary, use a flat blade between both halves to help disengage the retaining tabs but pay attention not to damage the covers.

Remove the upper half steering column cover:

1. Locate the plastic screw with expanding anchor on the top of the upper half steering column cover.
2. Undo the screw. Its expanding anchor may remain in position.
3. Lift the cover, then pull towards the rear of the vehicle to remove.

Remove the steering column switch bracket:

1. In case of the old style of steering column switch bracket, disconnect the connector from the horn brush installed on the bottom of the bracket.
2. Remove all steering column switches by releasing their retaining tabs.
3. Locate the plastic screw with expanding anchor on the bottom of the steering column switch bracket that secures it to the steering column.
4. Undo the screw. Its expanding anchor may remain in position.
5. The bracket is still secured in position by two double retaining tabs on top of it – one on each side of the steering spindle. Use a large flat blade screwdriver to depress the double retaining tabs while simultaneously pushing down. Once released, slide the bracket down to remove.

Modify the horn wiring:

• Going from slip ring 32 34 1 160 901 or 32 34 1 162 804 to slip ring 32 34 1 162 111: The horn wire at the slip ring is the brown wire from the slip ring to pin 6 of the six-pin connector and must be connected to the single-pin connector on the steering column where previously the horn brush was plugged into. Since the horn brush is no longer required, its connector can be reused to connect the horn wire from the slip ring to the vehicle's wiring harness in a neat way.
• Going from slip ring 32 34 1 160 901 or 32 34 1 162 804 to slip ring 32 34 1 094 261: Same as above but this time the horn wire is blue.
• Going from slip ring 32 34 1 162 111 to slip ring 32 34 1 160 901 or 32 34 1 162 804, or a steering wheel without airbag: The horn brush must be connected to pin 6 of the six-pin connector on the steering column (brown-red wire at the vehicle side – brown wire at slip ring 32 34 1 162 111). Do not forget to insert the brush in the round opening on the bottom of the steering column switch bracket before making changes to it.

Install the steering column switch bracket:

1. Slide the steering column switch bracket in position on the steering column.
2. Reinsert the plastic screw with expanding anchor and tighten it. If the screw needs replacement, get part 51 13 1 885 399 (includes both screw and expanding anchor).
3. Reseat the steering column switches.
4. In case of slip ring 32 34 1 160 901 or 32 34 1 162 804 make sure the horn brush is connected to the vehicle's horn wiring.

Swap airbag connectors

When going from slip ring 32 34 1 160 901 to 32 34 1 162 111 or 32 34 1 094 261, or the other way around, the airbag connectors are different and the slip rings cannot be exchanged because they have a different design. In this case the only option is to exchange the airbag connectors. It is strongly recommended to modify the vehicle's wiring harness as little as possible, but always modify whatever is to be attached to the wiring harness instead – in this case the slip ring's wiring. This makes it easier to return the car to stock later.

1. Locate the airbag connector and wires at the slip rings – an orange connector with brown and blue wires for slip ring 32 34 1 160 901, a black and orange connector with white and red wires for slip ring 32 34 1 162 111, and a black and orange connector with yellow-brown and yellow-black wires for slip ring 32 34 1 094 261.
2. Remove the cable sheathing between airbag connector and slip ring. For slip rings 32 34 1 162 111 and 32 34 1 094 261 the cable sheathing is cloth friction tape which can be unwrapped easily. For slip ring 32 34 1 160 901 it's a flexible plastic tube which must be cut open or away until where it thickens. Pay attention not to cut in the wire insulation!
3. Cut the airbag wiring approximately 25 mm (1") from the connector and strip the insulation from all wire ends by approximately 5 mm (0.2"). Twist and tin the exposed wire strands.
4. Cut heat-shrink tubing in lengths of approximately 15 mm (0.6") and put a length over each lead coming from the slip ring. Push the heat-shrink tubing as far away as possible from the tinned wire ends to prevent the heat from soldering the wires together shrinking the tubes. Do not use electrical tape.
5. Solder the wires together. Brown connects to white or yellow-brown, blue to red or yellow-black. Test the solder joints for strength.
6. Slide the heat-shrink tubing over the solder joints and shrink it.

Swap slip rings

The only difference between slip rings 32 34 1 160 901 and 32 34 1 162 804 is the airbag connector. It is of course possible to change the airbag connectors, but it is always best (and safest) to tamper with the airbag wiring only when strictly necessary. Therefore exchanging the slip rings is the best choice.

1. For both steering wheels locate the three M2.5 hex nuts that secure the slip ring to the steering wheel. The nuts should be visible on the inside of the steering wheel base with the airbag removed.
2. Undo the nuts with a 5 mm socket.
3. Exchange the slip rings between both steering wheels. Do not rotate the slip rings!
4. Secure the slip rings using the original nuts and tooth washers. A small drop of low to medium strength threadlocker may be applied but is not strictly necessary because of the tooth washers.

Installation

The steering wheel that was taken from the car had the spindle position marked making it easy to reinstall in exactly the same position. The replacement steering wheel however may not yet have a correct position mark. Mounting the steering wheel even only a single notch too far in either direction on the steering spindle spline can be annoying while driving in a straight line. When the car travels straight ahead, the steering wheel is slightly skewed and when holding the steering wheel in the straight ahead position, the car turns slightly. Therefore it is recommended to take the car for a short drive to make sure the steering wheel is in the correct position before putting everything back together.

Without airbag

Installing a steering wheel without airbag in a vehicle equipped with airbag system will trigger the airbag malfunction warning light once the batteries are reconnected and the ignition is turned on. This reminds the driver permanently the airbag is not working. If this is undesirable behavior it can be avoided by jumping the airbag connector with a 3.3 Ω ¼ W resistor fooling the airbag system in thinking an airbag is connected. This must be done before the batteries are reconnected and the ignition is turned on – otherwise the warning light will have to be reset with a special tool.

1. Apply a coat of copper grease on the steering wheel's external copper slip ring. This prevents the copper horn brush from squeaking while moving over the external slip ring. If unable to find copper grease it can be obtained from the dealer – part 81 22 9 400 794 (100 gram).
2. Put the steering wheel on the steering spindle spline in the straight ahead position.
3. Insert the M14 bolt and use a 21 mm socket and socket wrench to tighten. An extra hand to prevent the steering wheel from turning may come in handy. Never use the ignition steering lock to prevent the steering wheel from turning – it may get damaged. Tightening torque: 63 Nm.
4. If the batteries were disconnected, turn off the ignition and reconnect the batteries.

Now is a good moment to take the car for a short drive to judge the steering wheel position and adjust if necessary. Once happy with the position, continue with the installation.

1. Test the horn (ignition must be turned on).
2. Insert the BMW emblem in the steering wheel.

If previously removed to change the steering column switch bracket, reinstall the upper half steering column cover:

1. Guide the upper half steering column cover in the two slots underneath the instrument cluster and push down. Pay attention to the rubber covers on the steering column switches.
2. Reinsert the plastic screw with expanding anchor and tighten it. If the screw needs replacement, get part 51 13 1 885 399 (includes both screw and expanding anchor).

If previously removed, reinstall the lower half steering column cover:

1. Insert the lower half steering column cover and align it with the upper half.
2. Firmly press both halves together to engage the retaining tabs. Pay attention to the rubber covers on the steering column switches.
3. Reinsert the plastic screw with expanding anchor and tighten it. If the screw needs replacement, get part 51 13 1 885 399 (includes both screw and expanding anchor).

If the batteries were disconnected during the swap it is necessary to reinitialize the vehicle.

With airbag

1. When using slip ring 32 34 1 160 901 or 32 34 1 162 804, apply a coat of copper grease on the external copper slip ring. This prevents the copper horn brush from squeaking while moving over the external slip ring. If unable to find copper grease it can be obtained from the dealer – part 81 22 9 400 794 (100 gram).
2. Put the steering wheel on the steering spindle spline in the straight ahead position.
3. Insert the M14 bolt and use a 21 mm socket and socket wrench to tighten. An extra hand to prevent the steering wheel from turning may come in handy. Never use the ignition steering lock to prevent the steering wheel from turning – it may get damaged. Tightening torque: 63 Nm.

Now is a good moment to take the car for a short drive to judge the steering wheel position and adjust if necessary. This means the batteries must be reconnected but as seen earlier driving without airbag installed in a car equipped with airbag system will trigger the airbag malfunction warning light which cannot be cleared without special tools. If you do have access to such tool or don't mind paying the dealer a visit, this is of course not much of an issue. Alternatively one can temporarily fool the airbag system in thinking an airbag is connected by jumping the airbag connector with a 3.3 Ω ¼ W resistor. Reconnect the batteries with the ignition turned off. Once happy with the position, disconnect the batteries again and continue with the installation. There's no need to disconnect the batteries when installing a steering wheel with airbag in a car without airbag system – the airbag will never be connected.

1. Hold the airbag unit in front of the steering wheel base and insert the airbag connector. In case of slip ring 32 34 1 162 111 or 32 34 1 094 261 connect the horn connector as well.
2. Insert the airbag unit into the steering wheel base.
3. Use a Torx T30 bit to secure the airbag unit with the recessed screws on the back of the steering wheel base. Tightening torque: 8 Nm.
4. If installing in a vehicle equipped with airbag system, connect the airbag connector on the bottom of the steering column and insert it back into its holder.
5. In case of slip ring 32 34 1 162 111 or 32 34 1 094 261 connect the horn connector on the bottom of the steering column.
6. Turn off the ignition and reconnect the batteries.
7. Test the horn (ignition must be turned on).

If previously removed to change the steering column switch bracket, reinstall the upper half steering column cover:

1. Guide the upper half steering column cover in the two slots underneath the instrument cluster and push down. Pay attention to the rubber covers on the steering column switches.
2. Reinsert the plastic screw with expanding anchor and tighten it. If the screw needs replacement, get part 51 13 1 885 399 (includes both screw and expanding anchor).

If previously removed, reinstall the lower half steering column cover:

1. Insert the lower half steering column cover and align it with the upper half.
2. Firmly press both halves together to engage the retaining tabs. Pay attention to the rubber covers on the steering column switches.
3. Reinsert the plastic screw with expanding anchor and tighten it. If the screw needs replacement, get part 51 13 1 885 399 (includes both screw and expanding anchor).

If the batteries were disconnected during the swap it is necessary to reinitialize the vehicle.