Stock Sterring Wheel Upgrade

I have owned 4 previous 5 series before I recently purchased my 2011 535xi. None including the 2011 had the sport option. I have never disliked the standard stock steering wheel until the 2011 535xi. The wheel rim is very hard and very thin.

To upgrade at this point to the BMW M-Sport wheel with discount and install would be minimum $1500 - $1700.

I have come across another solution that would allow me to keep my standard airbag from DCT Motorsports.

They take a stock wheel and strip it down and make the steering wheel thicker and finish off with BMW Motorsport three color threads.

Cost is around $375.00 - $400.00 plus you supply the wheel. For 5 Series before the F10 they usually have inventory of used wheels they will exchange out for yours with a core deposit. They cannot remanufacture and retain the heating element if the wheel is heated.

Since they don't have F10 wheels I will supplying them with a new non heated stock wheel for around $400. Total cost around $800.00.

They can add the thumb pads for an additional $80. I won't be doing that. The sides are perforated like some if the new optional M series performance steering wheels (not available for the 5 Series yet), and some of the new Mercedes AMG wheels.

The picture I have attached is example using a E60 steering wheel.

Nice idea...it's always fun to add custom touches. But damn, seems like a hassle; go Msport next time!

Originally Posted by BMW Illinois

I have owned 4 previous 5 series before I recently purchased my 2011 535xi. None including the 2011 had the sport option. I have never disliked the standard stock steering wheel until the 2011 535xi. The wheel rim is very hard and very thin.

To upgrade at this point to the BMW M-Sport wheel with discount and install would be minimum $1500 - $1700.

I have come across another solution that would allow me to keep my standard airbag from DCT Motorsports.

They take a stock wheel and strip it down and make the steering wheel thicker and finish off with BMW Motorsport three color threads.

Cost is around $375.00 - $400.00 plus you supply the wheel. For 5 Series before the F10 they usually have inventory of used wheels they will exchange out for yours with a core deposit. They cannot remanufacture and retain the heating element if the wheel is heated.

Since they don't have F10 wheels I will supplying them with a new non heated stock wheel for around $400. Total cost around $800.00.

They can add the thumb pads for an additional $80. I won't be doing that. The sides are perforated like some if the new optional M series performance steering wheels (not available for the 5 Series yet), and some of the new Mercedes AMG wheels.

The picture I have attached is example using a E60 steering wheel.

I did that OEM steering wheel custom mod two years ago from another vendor and it was a great job; the tri-color stitching was perfection. Just make sure that the leather used is Nappa as most probably the standard leather used is not OEM Dakota quality.

Loss of heating would be a no go for me.