need info about changing steering wheel

[MauZ]

Hello forum,

This is my first thread because I have done a lot of searching and cant find the answer I am looking for. Last year I bought myself a 2016 BMW X5 f15 40e.
The model doesn't have the M Packet on it, just the business model. Now i wanted too start upgrading some stuff because i got bored.

- Black Grill
- Blacked windows
- M Sport wheels

Now i wanted to change my steering wheel from the regular too the M model one. But if i want too do that i need to change my airbag. ive heard from some friends that you need the airbag from the same year, even the same month. Is this true? Also mine doenst have shift padels. Is it hard to get a steering wheel with once and activate them so i can use them?

Thank you all <3

[XxBBVTMxX]

I’m not sure why you were told this, but I don’t think that airbag thing is true. I mean, when you think about it… not all airbags were created at a certain time that they would all be the same.

And I assume you just need to code the M Sport into your vehicle, but it probably has to do with the modules your car has.

I’d “search for the coding thread”, and see what can be coded to your vehicle before you start buying stuff.

[Qsilver7]

Also check the 5/6/7 series generational cousins of the f16/f16 (ie the f10/f11/f07 5 series, f06/f12/f13 6 series, and f01/f02 7 series). These BMWs share the same control modules and communication buses...so a steering wheel mod/upgrade in one will be very similar to the other. They shared the same steering wheel designs, so the modules and communication bus connections will be either the same or very similar.

If you can't find an f15/f16 DIY...you should be able to extrapolate a steering wheel upgrade from one of their DIY write-ups or videos.

In regard to the airbag...what you will need to be aware of is the production run-date of the airbags used at the time of your BMWs build date. Then make sure that the steering wheel/airbag combo that you want to upgrade to is compatible with your build date.