MT Auto Parts Blog | Expert Tips for BMW enthusiasts on BMW Parts, Accessories, Engines and More

  Image: BMW 3 Series M Sport LCI multifunction steering wheel for sale at MT Auto Parts for £256.49 Changing the steering wheel on a BMW F30 3 Series is a job most owners tackle for one of three reasons: the original is worn, they want to upgrade to a BMW M Sport or Alcantara wheel , or they're fitting a replacement after an airbag deployment. Whatever the reason, the job itself is straightforward, but two things matter before you start: disabling the airbag system correctly and having the wheel coded after fitting. Before You Start The F30 steering wheel houses the driver's airbag. Before removing the wheel, the airbag system must be disabled. Failure to do this risks accidental airbag deployment, which is both dangerous and expensive. Disconnect the battery and wait a minimum of 15 minutes before working on the steering wheel. This allows the capacitors in the airbag system to discharge fully. Some technicians recommend 30 minutes for added caution. Do not skip this step. ...

  Photo by Jonas Morgner on Unsplash There are several reasons a BMW owner ends up looking for a replacement BMW steering wheel . The most common is wear: the leather on a well-used BMW M Sport steering wheel, which can look tired by 60,000 to 80,000 miles, particularly on the nine and three o’clock grip positions. Others are upgrading from a standard wheel to a heated or paddle-shift version. And some are replacing a wheel after an accident where the airbag deployed. Whatever the reason, the cost varies considerably depending on the wheel type, whether you’re buying new or used genuine, and what the fitting involves. BMW Steering Wheel Types: What You’re Actually Buying Not all BMW steering wheels are the same, and the price difference between types is significant. Here’s what you’ll encounter on different newer BMW models: Standard leather multifunction wheel The base specification on most non-M Sport BMWs. Leather-wrapped with multifunction buttons for audio, phone, and cruise c...

  Photo by Mat Kilkeary on Unsplash When a BMW starts to feel tired, most owners look in the same place first: under the bonnet. More power. Sharper response. Something mechanical to bring the excitement back. In our experience, that instinct is usually wrong. We see it every week at MT Auto Parts . Cars come in that are mechanically sound, engines running cleanly, gearboxes behaving exactly as they should. Yet the owner has already decided the car feels old. Not broken. Just… worn. Almost every time, the reason is the same. Why a BMW Can Feel Old Even When It Still Drives Well BMW's are engineered to last mechanically. Taken specialist data from the UK sources and long-term ownership records consistently show that many BMW engines and drivetrains cover 150,000 miles or more when serviced correctly. The mechanical side often holds up far better than people expect. What doesn’t age at the same pace is everything you interact with. Seats soften. Bolsters collapse. Steering wheels go ...