BMW Non-Sport to Sport Steering Wheel Retrofit

DIY Information Guide
This guide will help you convert your BMW E90's non-sport steering wheel to the sport variant shown above. For reference, the factory non-sport steering wheel on the E90 is pictured below.

While this steering wheel shares the same fitment as the sport steering wheel, it features different components. The airbag, airbag mounting bracket, airbag wiring, center trim, and steering wheel buttons are all different and will need to be transferred from a sport-style steering wheel or purchased separately.

Below are pictures comparing the two airbag styles. The non-sport airbag is shown on the left, and the sport airbag is on the right.

Now that the differences between the steering wheels have been outlined, we can move on to what you’ll need for the sport steering wheel retrofit.

All components circled above need to be transferred over. The silver metal bracket, which secures the airbag, is held in place by three T-25 screws with tension springs on the back. This bracket must be transferred. Additionally, the airbag wiring harness (pictured below) differs between the non-sport and sport steering wheels and will also need to be transferred. The harness includes a small T-5 grounding screw (circled below) that must be moved as well.

The main 16mm bolt that attaches the steering wheel to the steering column is the same for both models and can be reused. Be sure to torque it to 46-48 ft-lbs.

The center trim on the sport steering wheel differs from the non-sport version. However, all steering wheels purchased from us include the center trim at no additional cost. To install it, you will need to transfer the 3 T-20 screws that secure the trim piece from a sport steering wheel. If you're upgrading from a non-sport wheel, these screws will need to be purchased separately.

Once you've transferred all the components, the final step is installing the steering wheel buttons. Ensure you have the button assembly with the computer chips intact. While we offer upgraded replacement button covers here, you will still need the original buttons with the chips.

Each side of the button assembly is secured with a single T-20 screw.

In total, everything needed to retrofit your E90/E91's non-sport steering wheel to the sport-style steering wheel is:

  • BAVMODS Sport Steering Wheel
  • 1 Sport Airbag
  • 1 Sport Airbag Mounting Bracket
  • 3 Mounting Bracket
  • Screws/Springs
  • 3 Sport Steering Wheel Trim Screws
  • 1 Sport Airbag Wiring Harness
  • 1 T-5 Wiring Harness Ground Screw
  • 1 Set of Steering Wheel Buttons

    We highly recommend professional installation for all electronics, airbags, and steering wheel products. However, we hope this guide provides helpful background information for those who choose to DIY this retrofit.

    As one of the few companies offering custom steering wheels along with free DIY guides, we are committed to supporting every driver. Please note, we are not responsible for any issues that may arise during the installation process, but we are proud to provide this DIY manual at no cost.

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