2014 vs. 2013 steering wheel

[shahano]

I was debating upgrading my steering wheel to the new LCI steering wheel. Has anyone who has had both give me recommendations? I hear the new one is slightly smaller. Can you comment on feel, thickness, paddles, etc..

[shahano]

How easy is it to update? And what other parts are required?

[soooma]

I am sure it is doable and easily so
But is it worth it?
-; ) Absolutely
Hahahahah
Let us know man

[M5nut]

Originally Posted by soooma

I am sure it is doable and easily so
But is it worth it?
-; ) Absolutely
Hahahahah
Let us know man

I looked into this last weekend at the dealership and "parts" cost alone was approx. £1200.

This is complete wheel with airbag.

Not worth it in my opinion.

[jlee]

i haven't tried a 2013 model but i love my 2014. it looks great and is the perfect thickness.

jeff

[SEWELLGT]

I made the switch. The LCI wheel is a great upgrade in my opinion. Main reason I made the switch was for the different paddle shifters. I HATED the paddles on the original wheel, the LCI paddles are much more accessible during aggressive driving. Simple switch and you retain all the features.

[JohnnyM1104]

Waited for the 14' for two reasons... LED lights and upgraded wheel/ paddles

Looks way better then old wheel! Thickness is perfect.. Feels similar to my 11' M3

[Ex_Stig]

I just made the switch from the E90 M3 to te M5 today and I think the M5 wheel is actually a little bit narrower in diameter. Anyone know the actual measurements?

[Mikeisen]

I like the '14 wheel better, but definitely not worth paying money to change. Might as well just buy a new car if you're going to do that. JMO

[MCM5]

Originally Posted by SEWELLGT

I made the switch. The LCI wheel is a great upgrade in my opinion. Main reason I made the switch was for the different paddle shifters. I HATED the paddles on the original wheel, the LCI paddles are much more accessible during aggressive driving. Simple switch and you retain all the features.

I hated the non-LCI paddles too. After checking out the LCI wheel in a BMW showroom & getting a feel of those paddles, I wanted it so badly.

Many members here have done this switch, & I will get mine done soon.

[shahano]

Originally Posted by SEWELLGT

I made the switch. The LCI wheel is a great upgrade in my opinion. Main reason I made the switch was for the different paddle shifters. I HATED the paddles on the original wheel, the LCI paddles are much more accessible during aggressive driving. Simple switch and you retain all the features.

Please can you PM me all the parts you used: airbag, buttons, paddles, etc..
and the website from which you got it. Im going to get the one with the shift lights since I don't have the head up display.

[GoodandEvil]

it seems that I'm the only one here actually prefers 2013 wheel look, IMO it looks more classic and rigid and paddles work fine for me.

[shahano]

Has anyone gone from a Pre LCI to a post LCI upgrade.

[SEWELLGT]

Originally Posted by shahano

Please can you PM me all the parts you used: airbag, buttons, paddles, etc..
and the website from which you got it. Im going to get the one with the shift lights since I don't have the head up display.

I bought the full setup from another member here. He hadn't installed the vibration/heating module but included it with the sale. I installed that part in the wheel after I received it, works like a charm! I'll update this post with the part numbers when I get a chance.

Here are his pics post after installing the wheel and CF trim, both of which I have installed in my car now.
http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthr...steering+wheel

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by Mikeisen

I like the '14 wheel better, but definitely not worth paying money to change. Might as well just buy a new car if you're going to do that. JMO

This is my perspective too. Changing wheel is just throwing away money. The new wheel is nicer, but it is functionally the same. Same thickness, same feel. Paddles are better on new wheel but the buttons are better on the old wheel.

Don't get me wrong I like the new wheel, but it wouldn't pay $2k for it.

[RPiM5]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

This is my perspective too. Changing wheel is just throwing away money. The new wheel is nicer, but it is functionally the same. Same thickness, same feel. Paddles are better on new wheel but the buttons are better on the old wheel.

Don't get me wrong I like the new wheel, but it wouldn't pay $2k for it.

Exactly. A lot of people don't mention this. The button placement on the M6 style steering wheel is worse in my opinion. Especially when it comes to changing the volume of the stereo on the new wheel. The buttons are spaced apart where as on the old wheel the buttons are together and it's easier to change the volume. Plus the buttons on the M6 style wheel are harder to press to me, I couldn't imagine having bigger or fatter fingers.

Another problem I have with the M6 style steering wheel, which no one mentions is the little hole on the back of the wheel at the very bottom. That hole is not present on the 2013 M5 steering wheel and I think it would bother me feeling that hole all the time as I turned the wheel. That's just a little pet peeve for me, nobody ever mentions it.

[SEWELLGT]

Definitely a preference thing. I don't get why you guys consider it throwing money away though. Pay X for the new wheel, install it and enjoy it, when you're ready to sell the car remove it and sell it for X minus a nominal amount, maybe even the same you paid. Yes you tie some money up for a period of time but you aren't throwing it away.

[MCM5]

Originally Posted by MCM5

I hated the non-LCI paddles too. After checking out the LCI wheel in a BMW showroom & getting a feel of those paddles, I wanted it so badly.

Many members here have done this switch, & I will get mine done soon.

Just had it done by a mod shop. Only took 20 minutes & it's done. Love it !!!
Is it worth it ? Absolutely. Should've done it sooner.

[shahano]

Originally Posted by MCM5

Just had it done by a mod shop. Only took 20 minutes & it's done. Love it !!!
Is it worth it ? Absolutely. Should've done it sooner.

What are the parts you got other than the steering wheel.

[MCM5]

Originally Posted by shahano

What are the parts you got other than the steering wheel.

My original idea was to get it by parts, but didn't work out. Finally i found a local shop who could order the whole thing (not disclosing the parts numbers to me though) plus installation, & i just let them do it.