How to Replace a BMW Performance Steering Wheel

1. Get the security code for the radio, as it will be disabled in this procedure. Disconnect the battery and let the vehicle sit for at least 15 minutes before proceeding so the circuits go to sleep and dissipate their charge.
2. Remove the screws from the back of the steering wheel where they go into the air bag--generally you will need Torx bits for this. Lift the air bag up gently remove the two yellow wires with a black stripe attached the bag. There will be two more wires for the horn, one is a ground and the other a hot wire that goes into the steering column. Remove the ground. Push down on the plastic tube that houses the hot wire and twist it to the left to unlock it. Pull it straight out. Set aside the air bag, face down.
3. Remove the nut holding the steering wheel. Using a steering wheel puller take off the steering wheel.
4. Install the new wheel, paying particular attention to the raised plastic piece that houses the horn wire. There is a hole in the center of the wheel for this raised piece. Orient the wheel so this piece will slip through the hole in the wheel as you install it. Install the nut on the column and tighten it down.
5. Hold the air bag close to the column and attach the horn button hot wire by taking the plastic tube and gently inserting it in the hole in the steering wheel. While pushing down, twist it to the right to lock it in place. Attach the horn ground wire to the bottom of the air bag. Next attach both remaining yellow wires to the air bag and lay the bag in place. Install the screws from the back to secure the air bag.
6. Reconnect the battery---connect the positive post first, then connect the negative post.