Guide to BMW Steering Wheels 1975-2005
This is a guide to the different types of BMW steering wheels, and a cross reference as to which types will fit which cars. There is some variance across different world markets so this guide will not be applicable to 100% of applications.
Pre-Airbag Era
c.1975-c.1985
Wheels of this generation are commonly referred to as "coarse spline" and are secured with a 22mm M14x1.5 lock-nut.
Identifiable by an exposed slip-ring. 
Applicable cars:
E3 / E9 / E12 / E21 / E23 (all years) E24 / E28 until 9/1985 |
c.1985-c.1990/93
Wheels of this generation are commonly referred to as "fine spline" and are secured with a 22mm M14x1.5 lock-nut.
Identifiable by a recessed slip-ring inside a mechanical steering lock system built into the wheel. 
Applicable cars:
E24 / E28 from 9/1985 onwards E30 / Z1 (all years) E32 / E34 until 9/1990 (USA, Germany) or 9/1993 (UK) |
Airbag Era
c.1990/92-9/1998
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9/1998-c.2006
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With the advent of mandated single-stage airbags, these steering wheels are still "fine spline" but are secured with a 16mm M14x1.5 bolt.
Identifiable by a wired slip-ring affixed to the wheel back by three Torx screws, or for the few non-airbag wheels with a copper-ring contact slip-ring, three Phillips-head machine screws. 
Applicable cars:
E32 / E34 from 9/1990 (USA, Germany) or 9/1993 (UK) onwards E31 / E36 (all years) E36 Z3 / E38 / E39 until 3/1999 |
Airbags were changed to dual-stage, meaning a change in wiring, but these steering wheels are still "fine spline" and secured with a 16mm M14x1.5 bolt.
Identifiable by a lack of slip-ring or anywhere to fix it to, as the dual-stage slip-rings are bolted to the steering column instead of directly to the wheel in this era of car. 
Applicable cars:
E38 / E39 from 3/1999 onwards E46 / E53 X5 / E83 X3 / E85 & E86 Z4 (all years) |
After c.2005...
With the change to a steering column mounted slip-ring in the 2003-2006 years, the easy interchangeability was somewhat lost. Some examples are shown, but changing wheels from one car to another became much less straight-forward.
03-9/05 E60/E63/
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9/05-09 E60/E63
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All Steering Wheel Models by Era
Below is a list of every OEM steering wheel available within each era defined above.
c.1975-c.1985 "Coarse Spline"
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Standard E3/E9 wheel, 400mm, foam (1116158/1117232)
Standard E3/E9/E12/E23 wheel, 400mm, leather (1117369)
Standard E21 wheel, 380mm, foam (1118777) or leather (1121914)
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E3/E9/E12/E21/E23/E24/E28 until 9/1982
Sports 380mm, leather (1120145) |
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E23 Sports from 9/1982, 395mm, leather (1154515)
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E23 Sports 1, 394mm, leather (1155231)
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Standard E24 wheel, 380mm, leather (1120344)
Standard E28 wheel, 400mm, vinyl (1152201) or leather (1152696)
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E24/E28 Sports 1, 385mm, leather (1155297)
E24/E28 M-tech 1, 385mm, leather (9058695)
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c.1985-c.1990/92 "Fine Spline"
Standard E28 wheel, 400mm, vinyl (1155849)