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Subject: Victor Steering Wheel Install A Success (long & pics) Author: Magnum : member since January, 2004 : 3968 posts Posted on: 2004-02-15 21:37:07

Double posting this one for those of you who may not visit other boards. David the instructions on e38.org helped me along, Thank You!

I started out to reading the instructions about 15 times and doing some research to make sure I was not going to run up against anything I didn't want. The gentleman I bought the steering wheel from was instrumental in supplying me with instructions and information, as well as assuring me that although you must be careful with the airbag, they very rarely just deploy. So after I gathered the tools that would make the job the easiest and sent my wife and daughter to the mall and I was off!

Here is the original steering wheel that has 65,xxx miles on it and was looking that way also:


Here is the steering wheel with the airbag and controls removed, the airbag was removed by using a T-30 torx socket and ratchet. I left the steering wheel dead straight (well almost) and just turned the windshield wiper lever to the full on position and turned the turn signal lever to the up position:


This is underneath the steering column and it was a bitch to get my hands in there to remove the two wire connectors that must be removed for the wheel to come completely off:


Here is the steering column with no steering wheel:


Old steering wheel back before the slip ring was transferred to the new steering wheel:


New steering wheel back with the slip ring installed:


New steering wheel installed without the airbag and controls:


New steering wheel installed with NO airbag ERROR message:


New Victor steering wheel fully installed and functioning properly:


I did torque the steering wheel bolt to 60 foot lbs. as the dealer mechanic mentioned.

The only caveat I had with this install is that I did it twice, because upon a test drive the slip ring was making a rubbing type noise that I would never be able to live with and I just had to correct it. I think the car wanted me to get real familiar with this install.

I absolutely love this steering wheel. It looks fantastic and the thickness is a big difference to me. IMO, this is just a great mod for anybody who has a steering wheel that is looking old.


740iL

• Victor Steering Wheel Install A Success (long & pics) (pic) - Magnum 2004-02-15 21:37:07 (31821 views)
  • Very Nice! (nt) - erikdg 2004-02-16 13:16:27 (1198 views)
  • Damn. That wheel looks great! Nice touch & pics!! (nt) - sealbeach740 2004-02-16 11:56:50 (1384 views)
  • Very nice job! (nt) - diver90 2004-02-16 10:36:34 (893 views)
  • What size is the wheel? does the wood grain match - Gary 2004-02-16 10:17:11 (1595 views)
    • Answers, link and my opinions (pic) - Magnum 2004-02-16 10:47:01 (3285 views)
      • Thanks........great info (nt) - Gary 2004-02-16 16:54:43 (1050 views)
  • Very nice, is it available in only leather? (sans wood)? (nt) - Auraraptor 2004-02-16 03:16:34 (1359 views)
    • They are available in all leather, burlwood insert & carbon inserts. (nt) - Magnum 2004-02-16 09:43:19 (1660 views)
      • Is there a way to keep the headed option ? (nt) - Auraraptor 2004-02-16 10:30:08 (1108 views)
        • To the best of my knowledge - Not with this wheel. (nt) - Magnum 2004-02-16 10:49:10 (1366 views)
  • Good post, Todd. It looks great. Added to e38.org ! (nt) - DavidC 2004-02-15 23:23:58 (1053 views)
  • Great photos! Love the new wheel! (nt) - islandbeef 2004-02-15 23:19:37 (1007 views)
  • Great post! Question: how did you get rid of the - wayne 2004-02-15 22:54:32 (1137 views)
    • I took the wheel apart again ---> - Magnum 2004-02-15 23:14:45 (1101 views)
      • It was probably the ribbon cable rubbing in the track (nt) - DavidC 2004-02-15 23:22:56 (885 views)
        • Is there someplace to use a 'copper lubricant' - wayne 2004-02-16 12:54:21 (903 views)
  • wow! does the 'heat' work? (nt) - calypso750 2004-02-15 22:53:08 (1151 views)
    • No heat, but I didn't have it before either. (nt) - Magnum 2004-02-15 23:07:55 (1028 views)
  • Nice, Does it heat up? (nt) - silber98 2004-02-15 22:42:04 (1085 views)
  • nice look! thanks for photos. (nt) - boson69 2004-02-15 22:41:15 (949 views)