sport steering wheel

[danix]

I bought a sport steering wheel off a 1987 535i, assuming it would be a straight fit for my 85 524td (why wouldn't it?)
I've discovered that it's not a straight fit, seems that the column cover behind it must be different, because the mounting depths are different.
Any suggestions or BTDT? Should I try swapping the horn rings?

[danix]

I may answer my own question. Compared part numbers on the slip ring, my old wheel ends in 51607, new one ends in 52896. This may be the fine vs coarse spline thing I've read about. Short of pulling the column from the donor car, I don't think I can use this wheel.

[Mike W.]

Yep, it's a fine/coarse spline thing. Changeover was 85/86 model years, except for ShawnD who has an 86 coarse. Coarse spline wheel prices, especially M tech, border on being stupid expensive. The regular coarse sport wheel was 85 only, earlier used the uterus wheel which was considered a sport wheel, and M tech coarse I think was 85 E24 only.

[danix]

Yippee. Ugh. I'm correct that swapping over the whole column is the only solution right?

[Mike W.]

Yippee. Ugh. I'm correct that swapping over the whole column is the only solution right?

Yep.

[Bonsaibacker]

Yippee. Ugh. I'm correct that swapping over the whole column is the only solution right?

Or get the correct wheel for the car... I'd guess it'd be a much less stressful soulition.

PLUS ONE!!!

[danix]

I'll keep an eye out for one. So, one nice sport wheel for late e28/e30 going up for sale...

[Ordnator]

Hey Danix,

You have a pm.

Regards,

Mick