Heated steering wheel retrofit?

[hskode]

Hi, I'm thinking of changing my standard steering wheel to M version model with heated function in it. Is it possible to retrofit heated function wheel in a non-heated steering optioned car? I see a small box in the steering column where switch goes in but not sure if this can be modified to a switch.. Thanks for your help.

[az34]

ask your dealer it should easily be done.

[danielC]

Let us know if you have success with this!

[Voytek]

I didn't take the heated steering wheel because personally I don't see the big advantage of it? My car isn't delivered yet and it is my first roadster/convertible ever but is it really a option you would recommend?

[rfx45]

It might be helpful if you're location hits very low temperature. Here in California, I consider 50 degrees cold and at times would wear gloves until my car heats up the whole car. So I could imagine regions with colder climates making good use of heated steering wheels.

[silverstone_ttlz4]

Originally Posted by Voytek

I didn't take the heated steering wheel because personally I don't see the big advantage of it? My car isn't delivered yet and it is my first roadster/convertible ever but is it really a option you would recommend?

I personally sought out a pre-owned car which had the heated steering wheel because I thought it would be nice to have on nights when it's cool enough to have the top down but when you still want to keep your hands warm.

[Constant.S]

I just ebayed a 35is heated steering wheel for around 500usd, called the dealer he said its bolt on and should be no much trouble to retrofit it. I also gonna add the new style shift pads when i install it.

[Land_Shark]

Do you need to have the heated seat as an option to be able to retrofit the heated steering wheel?

[ChuckB]

Originally Posted by Constant.S

I just ebayed a 35is heated steering wheel for around 500usd, called the dealer he said its bolt on and should be no much trouble to retrofit it. I also gonna add the new style shift pads when i install it.

Please keep us posted, would love to get this done, but got a bit lazy with other mods and pushed it back.

[Antinontoxic]

You will need a new steering column. My car doesn't have a heated steering wheel, but my new M-Sport steering wheel has heating build to it. There is no connection in the existing steering column for the steering wheel heating (blue connector).

[hskode]

Just confirmed with the dealer this morning. Retrofitting heated steering wheel on a non-heating column requires a lot of new wiring work which they didn't even know if ever possible..

BTW, anyone know if replacing standard steering wheel with M-sport wheel is possible? Do they have same specs for the switch controllers and connectors? I'm using 30i by the way..

[Antinontoxic]

Originally Posted by hskode

BTW, anyone know if replacing standard steering wheel with M-sport wheel is possible? Do they have same specs for the switch controllers and connectors? I'm using 30i by the way..

Yes.

[hskode]

Did you have the M-Sport wheel in the picture retrofitted to your car? Is this something you can do or requires dealer's work? My dealer says it'll take 2hrs of labor ranging up to $280..

Originally Posted by Antinontoxic

Yes.

[Leon65]

Originally Posted by hskode

Hi, I'm thinking of changing my standard steering wheel to M version model with heated function in it. Is it possible to retrofit heated function wheel in a non-heated steering optioned car? I see a small box in the steering column where switch goes in but not sure if this can be modified to a switch.. Thanks for your help.

I have the same question, is it possible to retrofit heated function steering wheel?
How about yours? Does your Z4 have the heated steering wheel function now?

[jeffp1105]

Originally Posted by Voytek

I didn't take the heated steering wheel because personally I don't see the big advantage of it? My car isn't delivered yet and it is my first roadster/convertible ever but is it really a option you would recommend?

OMG, YES. there is nothing like cruising with top down in 40 sun. The heated wheel reaches comfort in about 1 min. Definitely a lux item, but worth it even for the few times you use it. IMHO

J

[Leon65]

Hi all,

Still have the same question.
Is it possible to retrofit heated function steering wheel?
If the retrofit is possible, what parts should be ordered?
My E89 (2013) is equipped with the M-Sport steering wheel.

[Gpwheels]

Could you just fish a 12v lead down your steering column and connect to a fused power supply and add a switch? Never had my steering wheel off, but if you have to change the steering column, it probably costs more than it's worth. You will need a replacement heated steering wheel regardless.

[BeardyJon]

Looking for the answer to this too - has anyone done a Heated Steering Wheel retrofit on an E89 before? Did OP ever get their answer?

[KennyP]

old thread... but...
I have heated steering wheel, but leather on it is starting to look worn and nasty. I probably cleaned it too often while detailing the interior and rubbed it too much with microfiber towel...

To fix it... there are two options:

1.New steering wheel.
That is around 700+ eur. Bit much IMO...
Have not seen any used ones on ebay for sale (i do check from time to time) Seems hard to find one with heating.

2. Redo leather on existing steering wheel.
Problem with that is that existing heating wire would probably not survive when taking old leather off.

I was told in one shop, where i went with my problem, that there are aftermarket steering wheel heating elements, that can be fitted when replacing the leather and then hooked up to the oem button. I was recommended another place that would be better suited for this kind of job: a bit more professional interior shop. Havent had time to check that place out yet but im going to ask them about that option when im in the area and have time. Until then im checking ebay for a deal on a used one.

I could just replace the leather and live without heating but I really dont want to give that up+ every button has to work in my car.

If this can be done then maybe people dont have to retrofit new steering wheels and can just redo ther existing ones with heating element inside and then theres only some wiring to do.

[izm]

I made this 2 years ago. I take used wheel with heater, new clockspring and his cover, button and made new wire from szl to jbe, after code car and all works.

[KennyP]

I finally found a shop that had done many heated steering wheels... and guaranteed heating functionality after retrim.

They said that there are a few tricks to getting old leather off without damaging the heating wire underneath. Delicate removal process takes a bit longer so thats why they charge a tiny bit extra..

Must find a place that has a lot of experience with heated steering wheels. Places that havent done many or any of these wheels start immediately talking about losing heating etc.

Got my wheel back and its like new again... and heating works as it should.