Retrofit Instructions
Installing a Sport Heated Steering Wheel - Leather, Multifunction
BMW X5, E53, 2001 – 2006
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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 E53’s 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.
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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.
Retrofit instructions: Installing a Sport Heated Steering Wheel, BMW X5 E39 2001 – 06
3
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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.
Retrofit instructions: Installing a Sport Heated Steering Wheel, BMW X5 E39 2001 – 06
4
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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.
Retrofit instructions: Installing a Sport Heated Steering Wheel, BMW X5 E39 2001 – 06
5
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
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.
Retrofit instructions: Installing a Sport Heated Steering Wheel, BMW X5 E39 2001 – 06
6
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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.
Retrofit instructions: Installing a Sport Heated Steering Wheel, BMW X5 E39 2001 – 06
7
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
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.
Retrofit instructions: Installing a Sport Heated Steering Wheel, BMW X5 E39 2001 – 06
8
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
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 can’t put it in the
wrong way.
Retrofit instructions: Installing a Sport Heated Steering Wheel, BMW X5 E39 2001 – 06
9
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Here is a pic with the relay installed. Re-install the
fusepanel into it’s 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!
Retrofit instructions: Installing a Sport Heated Steering Wheel, BMW X5 E39 2001 – 06
10
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
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