Heated Wheel Retrofit

Retrofit Instructions

Installing a Sport Heated Steering Wheel - Leather, Multifunction

BMW X5, E53, 2001 2006
______________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer:
This set of instructions is simply a guide on how I installed my own heated steering wheel. These
instructions are not meant for sale nor are they intended for vehicle or parts resellers. All pictures and
information is the copyright of the owner and may not be copied in any part or whole. If you choose to
follow these instructions for your own vehicle, I am not liable for any defects or damages that may occur
as a direct or indirect result of this document. Any work done on your vehicle is at your own risk. If you
have any questions please contact [email protected]
Instructions written by Arvi Singh

Note: Check to see if your vehicle is prewired

Most E53s are already pre-wired for heated steering although the necessary switching relay is not
installed and the required steering column switch is not installed. Check FUSE 29 in the glovebox
compartment. If there is a 10amp fuse in place, your vehicle is already pre-wired. If no fuse is present,
you can still install this steering wheel with an alternative power source switched through the ignition. Be
sure to put an in-line 10amp fuse before proceeding with this method.
Tools Required:
Phillips & Flat head screwdriver, Torx T-20, Torx T-27, 16mm socket & Torque wrench with 6 extension.
Parts Required:
SPORT STEERING WHEEL, HEATED,
LEATHER, MULTIFUNCTION.
BMW PART # 323-067-688-33
LIST PRICE $697.50
AIRBAG MODULE, DRIVERS SIDE

(AS SHOWN IN PIC ABOVE)
BMW PART # 323-067-629-61
LIST PRICE $795.00
NOTE: YOU MAY NOT REQUIRE A NEW
AIRBAG MODULE IF YOU CURRENTLY
HAVE THE ABOVE STEERING WHEEL.
STEERING COLUMN SWITCH

BMW PART # 613-183-790-91
LIST PRICE $108.81
NOTE: YOU MAY NOT REQUIRE A NEW
STEERING COLUMN SWITCH IF YOURS
CURRENTLY HAS THE 2 PIN SOCKET FOR
THE HEATED STEERING. SEE PAGE 5 OF
THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
CONTACT RELAY MODULE WHT/GRN

BMW PART # 61-368-373-700
LIST PRICE $11.38
Retrofit instructions: Installing a Sport Heated Steering Wheel, BMW X5 E39 2001 06
If you currently have the sport steering wheel as

pictured, turn it sideways as shown and turn the
ignition off.
IMPORTANT:
REMOVE AIRBAG FUSE FROM THE
FUSEPANEL IN THE GLOVEBOX.
Failing to do so may cause the airbag to explode in
your face and/or cause the airbag light to come on
in the dash. This will require resetting the light at
the dealer.
Insert a narrow screwdriver in the hole behind the

steering wheel. You should feel a spring action to
release one side of the airbag. Do the same on the
other side to release the airbag completely.
This step will take some patience until you find the
correct spot to push in. The screwdriver should be
inserted at the same angle as the wiper stalk
towards the center of the steering.
This should release the airbag and you should be

able to remove it safely.
Using a small flat head screwdriver as shown,

gently lift up the tabs to release the connectors.
Remove both connectors and set the airbag aside.
IMPORTANT:
HANDLE THE AIRBAG CAREFULLY IT IS AN
EXPLOSIVE DEVICE!
Put the airbag aside with the BMW emblem facing
upwards.
Using a socket spanner with an extension piece,

remove the large bolt in the center on the wheel.
This may be very tight and difficult to loosen at first.
Remove the steering wheel straight out and set it
aside where the leather will not get damaged or
scuffed.
Remove the small screw on the top of the steering

column as shown using a Phillips screwdriver.
Once you remove the screw, there is also a small
black plastic anchor piece that needs to be
removed. Use a small flat head screwdriver to pry it
out.
Do the same on the underneath of the steering
column to remove the second screw. This screw
does not have a plastic anchor and will be a torx
screw.
You should now be able to remove the top and

bottom plastic steering column panels as shown.
The top and bottom snap into each other and there
are no additional screws to take them apart.
Pushing gently on the side should cause them to
come apart at the seams. Simply push them apart
and leave as shown. You do not have to take them
out completely.
NOTE:
IF YOU SEE TWO PINS INSIDE THE
CONNECTOR, YOU DO NOT NEED TO CHANGE
THIS SWITCH AND YOU MAY SKIP THIS STEP.
If there are no pins visible, you need to replace the
steering column switch. Proceed to the next step.
Using a small torx screwdriver, remove the 4 screw

holding the steering column switch.
The column switch should come off easily. Remove

all wiring connectors from the back of the switch.
Take the steering column switch off completely.
If your car is pre-wired for the heated steering

wheel, you will see this small red connector taped
back behind the steering column switch.
NOTE:
IF YOU DO NOT SEE THIS CONNECTOR
STOP AT THIS STEP. YOUR CAR IS NOT
PREWIRED.
You will have to tap into a switched power supply
such as the cigarette lighter and run a separate
cable to the connector behind the column switch.
Remove the power steering stalk from the old

column switch
There is a small plastic tab on the opposite side
holding it in place. Simply lift this tab gently and
slide out the stalk.
Picture shown is with the power steering stalk
removed.
Next remove the indicator stalk and the wiper stalk.

These simply snap into the column switch.
You may have to hold down the plastic tabs with a
screwdriver to remove the stalk. Be careful not to
break the plastic tabs!
Transfer all three stalks to the new steering column

switch that you purchased.
Be sure the new switch has the two pins required
for the retrofit before proceeding!
BMW has the same part number for the steering
column switch however some came with the pins
and some did not. Be sure you have the right part
before proceeding.
Plug in all the connectors just as they were on the

old switch. Here you see the new connector for the
heated wheel. Plug this into the back of the column
switch.
Screw the new column switch into place.

Be sure to align the top and bottom carefully and
snap them together.
With everything put back together, this is what it

should look like.
Install the new steering wheel. Be sure to align the

mark on the steering wheel with the mark on the
nut on the other side. Remember it will be installed
sideways as shown since this is the position the old
wheel was taken off in.
You may have to manually turn the center of the
clock spring as shown in the next step to align it
with the cut out in the steering wheel. Once
aligned, push back the new wheel and tighten the
center nut.
Reconnect the airbag connectors and new red

connector for the heated steering wheel as shown.
Reinstall the airbag connectors to the airbag that

goes with this steering wheel.
If your current steering wheel is the same, then
your current airbag will work perfectly fine.
Congrats, your new steering wheel is installed, but

you are not done just yet! You still have to connect
the other end to supply power to the heat function.
You can reconnect the airbag fuse at this point and
start the car to straighten the wheel if you choose.
Open the glove box and disconnect the light. The

light should be on the inner side close to the latch
and should easily snap out. There are no screws in
place.
On the left side there is a plastic arm that slides

down. Lift the glove box just a touch and remove
the plastic rivet holding it in place. This should just
slide out to the left.
On the right side there is a small rubber stopper.
Pull it outwards slightly allowing you to release the
glovebox and lowering it.
Remove all the screws as shown in the pic. The

one on the bottom right is tricky to get to.
Leave the glovebox in the passenger footwell.
There will be a couple of connectors on the back
that can stay attached.
With the glovebox out of the way you should have

access to the fusepanel.
Remove the 4 screws as shown to release the fuse
panel. Push it back and down out of its place. You
will need access to the top of this panel
This is what the top of the panel should look like.
On the left side you should see an empty spot for a

relay. This is where your new relay should fit for the
heated steering wheel. Simply push the relay into
place it only fits one way so you cant put it in the
wrong way.
Here is a pic with the relay installed. Re-install the

fusepanel into its place.
Reinstall the glovebox in place. Make sure you

have it aligned and check to see if it opens and
closes properly.
Reconnect the battery at this point and turn the

ignition to the on position. Press the heat button on
the steering wheel and it should light up.
NOTE:
CHECK THE FUNCTIONALITY TO MAKE SURE
THE HEAT FUNCTIONS SWITCHES OFF WHEN
YOU TAKE YOUR KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION.
It has only one setting for ON and OFF unlike the

heated seats which have three different settings. It
gets quite warm though and will stay ON until you
press the OFF button or turn the key to the OFF
position.
ENJOY YOUR NEW HEATED STEERING
WHEEL!
10

Heated Wheel Retrofit

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Heated Wheel Retrofit

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Heated Wheel Retrofit

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What parts are required to install the heated steering wheel?

What parts are required to install the heated steering wheel?

What tools are needed to install the heated steering wheel?

What tools are needed to install the heated steering wheel?

Retrofit Instructions

Installing a Sport Heated Steering Wheel - Leather, Multifunction

Note: Check to see if your vehicle is prewired

AIRBAG MODULE, DRIVERS SIDE

STEERING COLUMN SWITCH

CONTACT RELAY MODULE WHT/GRN

If you currently have the sport steering wheel as

Insert a narrow screwdriver in the hole behind the

This should release the airbag and you should be

Using a small flat head screwdriver as shown,

Using a socket spanner with an extension piece,

Remove the small screw on the top of the steering

You should now be able to remove the top and

Using a small torx screwdriver, remove the 4 screw

The column switch should come off easily. Remove

If your car is pre-wired for the heated steering

Remove the power steering stalk from the old

Next remove the indicator stalk and the wiper stalk.

Transfer all three stalks to the new steering column

Plug in all the connectors just as they were on the

Screw the new column switch into place.

With everything put back together, this is what it

Install the new steering wheel. Be sure to align the

Reconnect the airbag connectors and new red

Reinstall the airbag connectors to the airbag that

Congrats, your new steering wheel is installed, but

Open the glove box and disconnect the light. The

On the left side there is a plastic arm that slides

Remove all the screws as shown in the pic. The

With the glovebox out of the way you should have

This is what the top of the panel should look like.

On the left side you should see an empty spot for a

Here is a pic with the relay installed. Re-install the

Reinstall the glovebox in place. Make sure you

Reconnect the battery at this point and turn the

It has only one setting for ON and OFF unlike the

You might also like