steering wheel trim - help!

[CSLut]

well...a common complaint im sure, but the paint has worn off my steering wheel trim, which when coupled with the freshly done Royal recovering, really wont do :bigcry:
Looking at a few threads on here it seems matching the paint can be a b***ard, but my question is: do i have to take airbag unit out to remove trim to paint?
Any advise on whole process from anyone who's done before, gratefully accepted.

[Has csl]

Hi mate, yes you do have to take the airbag off, then you'll see the screws to take the trim off. It's pretty simple. Take two medium length , flat blade screwdrivers, and insert them into the small slits on either side of steering wheel. Make sure they are facing slightly diagonally down, if that makes sense. Then you need to push in a spring clip which releases the airbag, then remove the wiring plugs, job done, once you've done it the first time, after that would be a doddle.
Regarding matching the paint, I had a body shop paint mine an e30 colour after some extensive research which was Sebring grey, but the trick is to use a satin lacquer, and how much you use determines how it's matched, mine came out perfect, just do both of the steering wheel trims so they're both exact, the rest of the trim isn't right next to it so won't make much of a difference if done right. I have proper ocd when it comes to my cars, and I'm well happy with the result. Good luck , nothing much can go wrong:thumbs:
Don't forget to remove the track mode button on the trim before prepping

[CSLut]

Brilliant, nice one! Apreciate the advice.
Do i need to disconnect the battery before playing around with airbag? And does disconnecting trigger any dash warning light that will need resetting?

[Has csl]

Oh yes, just disconnect the negative, no warning lights should come on, I did mine a couple times, all was ok.

[shimmy]

I did mine myself so it must be easy. :beer::supz:

[MisterCorn]

Really easy, give it a go.

MC

[GregorFuk]

I had mine done by the local sprayer. Sebring Grey, 30% matt. Came out perfect.

[O'Neill]

Back in a CSL?

[CSLut]

Back in a CSL?

Ah...busted...no, its a CS. Can i stay on here though please? I dont like it on m3cutters...they're mean

[MisterCorn]

Ah...busted...no, its a CS. Can i stay on here though please? I dont like it on m3cutters...they're mean

They are not all mean, but they do seem to be a bit more on edge about things. This place is much more relaxed.

MC

[O'Neill]

Ah...busted...no, its a CS. Can i stay on here though please? I dont like it on m3cutters...they're mean

Manual?

Are you still racing the ginetta?

CSL Xmas drinks?

[CSLut]

Manual?

Are you still racing the ginetta?

CSL Xmas drinks?

Na, SMeG. Im lazy.
Yep, still racing. Though this year has been a bit rubbish results wise. Was skimping too much on budget, so meant have been on the back foot all year. Still fun though. Its great being in british gt paddock, pretending to be rich or talented.
Thinking of doing m3-cup next year though for a change. Probably cheaper as well.
Xmas drinks sound good. Ill check the thread

[phoenixcsl]

Just in case you've not done it yet, there is a good DIY guide here, it's really easy job:

http://cobywheel.com/bmw-steering-wheel-removal.html

[CSLut]

Got it! Nice one lads.
Now to try and get old paint off i suppose. I heard dettol might work?