Subject: Re: Heated steering wheel: related problem/question Author: jimbartlett : member since December, 2003 : 4 posts Posted on: 2003-12-31 17:58:48

Dave -- I'm impressed that you took on this kind of project, esp with the potential air-bag issues.

Here's a related question: My '97 740iL has the heated wheel option already, but slowly (over the last several months) the wheel has begun making some light scratching noises as I turn the wheel...as if something's rubbing inside. The noise has increased slightly in volume, and has gone from rubbing only during a short segment of the wheel's turning range to rubbing over a larger portion of the range.

While I had the car in for other service work recently, I asked the tech to look at the wheel. He took it off and determined that the slip-ring probably needs to be replaced to solve this problem. Since this wasn't a BMW dealer but rather a well-respected after-market shop that works exclusively on bimmers, I believe they were being straight with me. However, the prospect of paying a couple hundred dollars to replace a simple plastic ring isn't very exciting, so I'm hesitant.

Meanwhile I thought I'd ask if anyone else has experienced this problem...and if so, how did you solve? I'm particularly interested in any successful solutions that involved adjusting (minor grinding, etc) the old slip ring to eliminate the spots that are rubbing.

Thanks -- Jim (1997 740iL) ...see her at link provided.

Link: http://www.cardomain.com/id/jimbartlett

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