BMW E39 fans - question

Leonard Hofstadter

Please have a look at this link.

I'm interested in knowing about steering wheel types 4 and 5.

I always thought type 5 was the M steering wheel for the E46, and types 3 and 4 were the M steering wheels for the E39? Wasn't there a slightly different version of types 1 and 2 for LCI E39s if you didn't order the M leather steering wheel as well?

When was the type 5 steering wheel introduced to the E39, and were both types 3, 4 and 5 available all at one time?

Getting itchy feet for an E39, and I what to know what steering wheels should go with the relevant models. Personally, type 4 is my favourite.

Thanks in advance:).

bmstuff

Pretty simple, steering wheels 4 and 5 are only compatible from 03/1999 e39
These are equipped with double stage airbags, therefore only cars made from this date are equipped with that system.
Style 3 (let's call it wheel 4) was also available after 03/1999 but it was a modified version, diameter 1cm shorter and double stage airbag was made into it too.

bmwguy

I had a 2001 530 sport and it had type 4. I now have a 2004 525 sport and it has type 5. The last picture is lovely

listermint

Type 5 is the winner hands down. All the others have not aged well and would sadden me to sit in front of.


Actually i might take that back Style 2 in good nick is fun to look at in a sophisticated hark back way.

But 3 and 4 are monstrosities

milltown

listermint wrote: »

Type 5 is the winner hands down. All the others have not aged well and would sadden me to sit in front of.

Or behind?

bmstuff

listermint wrote: »

4 are monstrosities

Personally I do think the style 4 looks better in a e39 than the style 5

This one below is brand new

Gumbo

Type 4 is pre face lift and type 5 is facelift.
I fitted type 4 to my E36 and added the MFSW functions also.

I had type 5 on my 03 E39 530d also.

bmstuff

kceire wrote: »

Type 4 is pre face lift and type 5 is facelift.
I fitted type 4 to my E36 and added the MFSW functions also.

I had type 5 on my 03 E39 530d also.

Style 4 was actually available for about 12 months on facelift models.
It was discontinued for 2002 and 2003 models.

Leonard Hofstadter

bmstuff wrote: »

Style 4 was actually available for about 12 months on facelift models.
It was discontinued for 2002 and 2003 models.

Thanks, that's what I thought as well. I associate style 5 with the E46. Good to know style 5 was available on the E39 as well, I had seen a few LCI models with it and I was worried that the cars may have had an 'interesting' past.

One other question, how hard is it to retrofit the brushed aluminium trim to a car with burr walnut? The wood looks far too 'old man' for me, but I wouldn't rule out a car with it provide it's something that can be done either at home or cheaply by a mechanic.

bmstuff

captainspeed wrote: »

Thanks, that's what I thought as well. I associate style 5 with the E46. Good to know style 5 was available on the E39 as well, I had seen a few LCI models with it and I was worried that the cars may have had an 'interesting' past.

One other question, how hard is it to retrofit the brushed aluminium trim to a car with burr walnut? The wood looks far too 'old man' for me, but I wouldn't rule out a car with it provide it's something that can be done either at home or cheaply by a mechanic.

Very easy to change the trim, it simply pops out. Only issue is the radio cover, it is a b1atch to remove without the proper tool.

I too removed my wood trim initially to later regret it. You would be surprised at how good it looks once polished up. Look...

bmstuff

Here is my car with the wood trim originally and later the titan silver I bought brand new from the dealer (Turns out to be crazy money, while I could have painted my original price for at least half the price to get exactly the same effect).

Leonard Hofstadter

bmstuff wrote: »

Here is my car with the wood trim originally and later the titan silver I bought brand new from the dealer (Turns out to be crazy money, while I could have painted my original price for at least half the price to get exactly the same effect).

Great photos, looks like quite a high spec E39, which is always nice to see:). Much prefer the silver to be honest - suits the car's sporting demeanour better.

Gumbo

Mine had a kind of dark piano trim, don't know the official name for it.

Gumbo

Won't let me attach 2 photos in a post for some reason.

bmstuff

Yeah piano black is beautiful with the right combination of trims

Leonard Hofstadter

bmstuff wrote: »

Yeah piano black is beautiful with the right combination of trims

Agreed. Piano black looks very smart too, thought it does not work with beige or very light colours. Very unusual to see piano black on an E39 (I don't think I've seen it in a photo never mind real life before) - looks great though.

Gumbo

captainspeed wrote: »

Agreed. Piano black looks very smart too, thought it does not work with beige or very light colours. Very unusual to see piano black on an E39 (I don't think I've seen it in a photo never mind real life before) - looks great though.

My E39 was a limited edition Aegean Blue 530d, only 150 produced