Tools needed:- Socket Wrench
- 10mm socket (for battery terminal)
- 16mm socket (for steering wheel)
- Pick tool (for ground cables and harness)
- T20 Torx Driver
- T25 Torx Driver
- Narrow Flat-head Screw Driver
We also put together a quick video:
STEP 1: Remove trunk floor panel to reveal the battery. Before removing the OEM steering wheel, disconnect the negative terminal to discharge the car using a 10mm socket.
STEP 2: With the car discharged completely, insert a flathead screwdriver into the steering wheel recess. Depress the airbag spring while gently pulling the airbag away from the steering wheel to release it. Repeat this process on the other side of the steering wheel.
STEP 3: Before removing the airbag completely, unplug the airbag connector that tethers it to the OEM steering wheel. Follow by unplugging the black steering wheel control plug from the column.
STEP 4: Use a 16mm socket to remove the steering wheel retaining bolt. Pull the wheel gently towards you to remove completely. For automatic transmission cars, unplug each shift paddle connector and remove two T25 screws that affix them into place.
STEP 5: The OEM trim and contents must be transferred onto the BMW M Performance version. Unfasten two T25 screws from the rear and two T20 screws from the front to remove the carbon steering wheel trim.
STEP 6: Unclip the multifunction controls and the steering wheel heater button and remove the carbon steering wheel trim completely.
STEP 7: Remove the T25 Torx that secure the M1 / M2 buttons to the plastic upper trim. Unclip the wiring harness and remove the plastic upper trim completely.
STEP 8: At the foot of the steering wheel, remove two T20 screws securing the Driver Assist motor module. Subsequently, unclip the wheel heater cable.
STEP 9: Loosen the three T25 screws that secure the airbag baseplate. Brace the plate while unfastening each screw as the plate itself is tensioned via springs. Before removing completely, unclip the baseplate ground.
STEP 10: Carefully unseat the steering wheel harness ground from the steering wheel peg. With all connections removed, unseat and remove the harness cradle completely.
STEP 11: On the new M Performance steering wheel, remove the four included T25 screws and remove the upper alcantara trim.
STEP 12: Installation of the steering wheel contents is the reverse of removal. Transfer and seat the harness cradle into the M Performance replacement and reattach the harness ground.
STEP 13: Reattach the driver assist motor with the two T20 screws and properly seat the black control module on the right side of the wheel. The steering wheel heater plug can be tucked away as the M Performance wheel is not heated.
STEP 14: Reattach the alcantara upper trim piece, reinstate the wiring harness, and secure both M1 / M2 buttons to the upper trim.
STEP 15: Secure the plate to the M Performance wheel with the three T25 screws—pressing downward onto the plate to ensure each spring is equally compressed. Subsequently, reattach the airbag plate ground.
STEP 16: Reattach the carbon steering wheel trim and plug in controls. For Automatic Transmission cars, plug in and reattach the shift paddles with the T25 hardware. For 6MT cars, secure M Performance alcantara covers to fill the steering wheel voids.
STEP 17: Gently press the M Performance wheel back onto the steering column in the same orientation it was removed and secure the 16mm retaining bolt. Plug in steering controls connector and airbag. Press the airbag uniformly into the steering wheel recess until seated.
STEP 18: Reconnect the negative battery terminal in your trunk and check that all steering wheel controls (save for the steering wheel heat) function properly.
