I have been busy today!

[peppernick]

Started with Starbucks and this pile :(

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture046.jpg

Then I settled in.... ;)

M3 steering wheel without front fascia :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture047.jpg

Airbag anchor (screws are tightly thread-locked so remember to use loctite when re-assembling)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture050.jpg

M3 wheel laid bare

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture051.jpg

5mm holes drilled to accomodate the SSG paddles (you can adjust the position so that the paddles fit your fingers and thumb perfectly on either side)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture052.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture053.jpg

Cut the wires on the paddles (brown is ALWAYS negative on a BMW, so good reference point)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture054.jpg

Drill 3mm holes through the wheel body to allow these wires to pass through.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture055.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture056.jpg

Same on the opposite side (a couple more wires but no big deal)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture058.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture059.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture060.jpg

Secure the paddles with the 5mm TORX screw

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture057.jpg

Solder the wire ends and shrink wrap them nicely (all colour coded so pretty fool-proof)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture061.jpg

Replace the airbag anchor and tidy up the wires inside the wheel (excess wires can get stuck between the airbag and the anchor, causing uneven seating of the airbag)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture062.jpg

Replace the front fascia and VOILA :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture063.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture064.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/peppernick/Picture065.jpg

BMW doesn't sell the sport steering wheel with SSG paddles but you can most certainly DIY ;)

Now I'm going out for a drive :D

[BigFas]

Awesome, awesome job :) That looks SO good and if I'm honest, looks a HELL of a lot tastier than the alcantara job! Kudos to you for doing all of the cabling, looks like it rolled off the factory floor like that! And to be honest, now that you've proved it's possible and with no spacing issues, I'm really surprised it didn't come with a sports wheel in the first place! Ah well, it's how it should be now ;)

good job again!

[Phil_D]

Fantastic Job.......

[Afif]

awesome :D. Looks great.

[Defector]

Great Job, BMW couldn't do any better!

I don't think i'd have the balls to drill through one of them! :eek:

[peppernick]

Thanks guys http://forum.e46fanatics.com/images/smilies/worshippy.gif

Like I always say, BMW parts bar the S54 engine are built with a huge tolerance margin ;) Greats cars to mod!

[Ali_]

Top job nick, what was the reasoning behind the change i.e. got bored ??
I think this might be another great write up for the "how to" section.

[peppernick]

Top job nick, what was the reasoning behind the change i.e. got bored ??
I think this might be another great write up for the "how to" section.

Something along those lines ;)

[toffer325ti]

Well done Nick ;) Top job

And good luck for the ASA trip. And DONT forget the camera :D

[Ali_]

Oh something like that, do i sense something secretive :)

[rossi46]

nice work nick.
did you fitted the xtec interior bulbs today?

[Durgesh]

Amazing Work dude!!!

Very impressed.

Durgesh

[mysticm3]

Digs where is the DIY section and I want more smileys :o :) :mad: :p ;) :( :D :confused: :rolleyes: :cool: :eek: