|
|
11-15-2012, 02:19 PM | #1 |
First Lieutenant
61
Rep 371
Posts |
Steering wheel question
The 2013 version of the 550 doesn't offer a Sport Package, only the M package - as near as I can tell. I don't really desire the M package, but I do like the thicker leather wrapped steering wheel (M or Sport Leather steering wheel part 710 or 255). Does anyone know if it is possible to simply order one of these steering wheels as a separate option with a new car build?
Thanks |
11-15-2012, 02:27 PM | #2 |
Lieutenant
64
Rep 411
Posts |
Not sure, but I do love the wheel that comes with the M-sport package.
Unrelated question: I see you have a 2002 540, and as I currently plan on keeping my 2012 for about 10 years, I'd be interested in hearing how well it has kept up. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-15-2012, 06:26 PM | #4 |
Private
5
Rep 71
Posts |
It must be possible because I have seen a couple of 2013 cars on cars.com that have an M wheel without the M sport package. It doesn't show up as an option on the configurator or on the ordering guide. I would be surprised if the dealers went to the trouble of buying an M wheel and airbag to replace the original wheel. Maybe this is some kind of secret option known only to certain dealers or sales advisors.
Here is a link to one of the cars: http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=1 If you really want to know you could call the dealer and ask them how that steering wheel got on that car. On the other hand, they could have mixed up the photos. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-15-2012, 09:57 PM | #5 |
First Lieutenant
61
Rep 371
Posts |
Must be a way to do it on a new build - maybe it just takes a compliant dealer.
2002 is going strong with 150K miles. Still looks spectacular too. Never had such a resilient coat of a paint on any car. The repairs I've needed are not insignificant over the years, but I have been satisfied. But, I think it is time to move on. Just can't find a 2011/2012 with a stick! So, looking at the 2013. Enjoy your 2012 for the next decade. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-16-2012, 02:27 PM | #6 |
First Lieutenant
61
Rep 371
Posts |
A local dealer responded as follows:
Unfortunately there is no way to get either of those steering wheels from the factory without ordering the M Sport Package, which will give you the "710" M steering wheel. The "255" sports leather steering wheel only comes with the ActiveHybrid 5, and only when you the Sport Package on it. How odd. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-16-2012, 03:11 PM | #7 |
Private
5
Rep 71
Posts |
I just ran the VIN (last 7 digits) on this wonderful VIN decoder:
http://www.rubmw.ru/vincode/eng/ The car that I linked to has option S710A M leather steering wheel according the the decoder. I tried this with another VIN from San Diego BMW. Same thing. The photos aren't mixed up. Non-M sport cars are for sale in the US with M sport wheels installed at the factory. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-16-2012, 04:55 PM | #8 |
Major
358
Rep 1,377
Posts |
There is also the possibility that it is either an error or a necessary "swap" at the factory. Perhaps the factory is in short supply of heated steering wheels and needed to substitute the heated M wheel to keep the line moving? (The car you linked has the Executive Package, which adds a heated steering wheel.)
A number of years ago something similar happened with a friend's VW CC. He received memory seats and the higher end Climatronic automatic A/C system on a base model Sport trim that was supposed to be lacking these items. The factory just didn't have parts for the lesser items, so they substituted and he wasn't charged.
__________________
Current: 2015 X5 M - Donington Grey/Mugello Red - DINANTRONICS Stage 2 + Free Flow Exhaust - Bimmerpost Featured!
Past: Bimmerpost Featured 2014 X5 xDrive50i · 2014 Jeep SRT · 2013 Tesla Model S P85+ · Bimmerpost Featured 2013 F10 M5 · 2012 550 xDrive · 2011 M3 ZCP |
Appreciate
0
|
11-16-2012, 05:49 PM | #10 |
Second Lieutenant
26
Rep 210
Posts |
You could always order the M-performance wheel separately and have the dealer swap it out for you. I believe it's around $800.
Or if you want, I can sell you my Sport package steering wheel and purchase the M-performance one myself. The only reason I'm not swapping out is because I don't know if i would be able to sell mine. The downside is that each wheel has its own airbag, which inflates the price. |
Appreciate
0
|
12-03-2012, 07:35 PM | #12 | |
Private
23
Rep 53
Posts
Drives: '24 BMW i5 eDrive40
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Boca Raton, FL
|
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|