M3 Steering Wheel vs M-Tech... Both installed PICS INSIDE

catch · 01-25-2010, 12:36 PM

So Im torn everyone and want your opinions...

In October I picked up an M3 steering wheel. Loved it right from the start. Loved the thickness, the look of the tri-stitch and the feel of the super soft and smooth leather.

A few days ago I picked up an M-tech wheel. Just installed it and now Im torn. The M-tech is just as thick. Dosent have the tri stitch and I'm not sure if I prefer the soft smooth leather or the perforated leather.

I need everyones help deciding which to keep.
Here are the facts:
Both wheels are thick (which is good)
I have the m-tech shifter with perforated leather (so the m-tech wheel matches that better)

Now theres the issue of the trim peice:
I have both the M-tech trim (installed with the m-tech wheel curently) and the stock sport trim with the chrome parts wrapped to match my interior trim.

If this were your car, which combo would you go with? Pics below and poll above:

M3 wheel with sport trim wrapped to match interior trim:

M-tech wheel with M-tech trim:

And both together: M3 looks much thicker here but im pretty sure theyre the same thickness

All opinions welcomed!!!

AU335 · 01-25-2010, 01:17 PM

I say go for the M3 wheel... I am alittle biased though

Both are great... cant really go wrong. Personal preference i guess

BMW Jet · 01-25-2010, 01:28 PM

M3 with M-tech trim

Zero.7 · 01-25-2010, 02:24 PM

I like the look of the perforated leather, so my vote goes to the Mtech.

akack79 · 01-25-2010, 03:31 PM

Mtech wheel/trim so it can match your shifter.

bimmertt · 01-25-2010, 03:49 PM

someone sells an M3 wheel with perforated leather. I plan on getting it in the future along with the perforated shift knob and ebrake. it gives you the best of both worlds imo.

catch · 01-25-2010, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgtsx07

someone sells an M3 wheel with perforated leather. I plan on getting it in the future along with the perforated shift knob and ebrake. it gives you the best of both worlds imo.

I believe the one youre referring to is the m-tech with tri-stitch. Ive seen a few of them around. Still a totally different feeling wheel...

After a few hours of driving Im still torn. Im going to keep the M-tech in for a little while longer before my final decesion. but this is a TOUGH one!!!

Poll is pretty even so far... keep the opinions coming!

Craig@SupremePower · 01-25-2010, 05:51 PM

m-tech wheel with M-tech trim!!

OwnAge · 01-25-2010, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW Jet

M3 with M-tech trim

+1

CarForHire · 01-25-2010, 06:11 PM

Are they the same thickness? If so, I say M-tech. Matches your shifter very well. Although, iff the M3 wheel is thicker, I would keep it.

Belarus · 01-25-2010, 08:58 PM

M-tech wheel with sport trim: M-Tech for thickness and perforated leather, plus I hate the look of tri-color stitching in NON M3 car and sport trim to match the rest of your interior flow

Belarus · 01-25-2010, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarForHire

Are they the same thickness? If so, I say M-tech. Matches your shifter very well. Although, iff the M3 wheel is thicker, I would keep it.

I've read some where on this forum that M-Tech a bit thicker compare to M3...

Belarus · 01-25-2010, 09:01 PM

Catch which steering wheel you found to be software M-Tech or M3 ? I'm thinking of doing this upgrade in spring... Will be knocking for help since you've become an expert at it..

CarForHire · 01-25-2010, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belarus

Catch which steering wheel you found to be software M-Tech or M3 ? I'm thinking of doing this upgrade in spring... Will be knocking for help since you've become an expert at it..

I heard that the M tech is a lot firmer, the M3 wheel is soft and mushy, so to speak.

c_jeong89 · 01-26-2010, 12:10 AM

i got the m3 wheel on order bc i like the softer mushy feeling better than the firm

catch · 01-26-2010, 03:08 PM

the M3 is definatly softer then the M-tech. The M-tech has more of a firm feel, and I like the feel/look of the perforated leather.
The tri stitch doesnt bug me on the non M car, i actually like it!
After a day of use Im leaning more towards the M3 wheel with the M-tech trim. I liek the M-tech a lot, but I LOVED the M3 wheel the first time I drove an M3.
As far as looks go, both are hot! I love how the M-tech matches the shifter (and im picking up the e-brake handle soon too). The M3 never looked out of place, just didnt flow as well as the M-tech...

ARRGH! this is a tuff decesion still!

as of now the poll is tied with the 2 options I like, M-tech tim on either the M3 or M-Tech wheel

Aphrodisiac · 01-26-2010, 03:44 PM

Go for the BMW Performance Steering Wheel!

I'm getting it soon!!

It's literally the BEST...

[u2b]<object width="320" height="265"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/W_Dfgbfx_Ck&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/W_Dfgbfx_Ck&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></object>[/u2b]

catch · 01-26-2010, 05:16 PM

as much as i love the performance wheel I DO NOT like the material at all, not on the sides anyways!
Im actually debating selling the M3 wheel and M-tech wheel now and going with a custom wheel... AHH this just keeps getting tougher!

Aphrodisiac · 01-26-2010, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catch

as much as i love the performance wheel I DO NOT like the material at all, not on the sides anyways!
Im actually debating selling the M3 wheel and M-tech wheel now and going with a custom wheel... AHH this just keeps getting tougher!

Well guess what, the part that you don't like is only an optional Alcantara trim

There you go if you decide to go with the BMW Performance Steering Wheel, I already did the job for the part numbers

BMW Performance Steering Wheel :
PN # : 32 30 0 445 258

Alcantra Suede Trim with Multi-Function buttons:
PN # : 32 30 0 430 403

Good luck!

catch · 01-26-2010, 07:54 PM

i didnt know there was a performance wheel without Alcantara on it at all...

im debating going with the m-teech wheel with alcantra on the top and bottom, perforated leather on the sides and a tri-stitch. I need to just pick one and friggin stick with it! haha
heres what im thinking about:

RodTheFemur · 01-26-2010, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catch

as much as i love the performance wheel I DO NOT like the material at all, not on the sides anyways!
Im actually debating selling the M3 wheel and M-tech wheel now and going with a custom wheel... AHH this just keeps getting tougher!

How much??

Belarus · 01-27-2010, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catch

i didnt know there was a performance wheel without Alcantara on it at all...

im debating going with the m-teech wheel with alcantra on the top and bottom, perforated leather on the sides and a tri-stitch. I need to just pick one and friggin stick with it! haha
heres what im thinking about:

I like it... The concern I've always had with Alcantara ... how easy is it to keep it looking good with time....

View Poll Results: Which would you go with???
M3 wheel with sport trim	13	14.77%
M3 Wheel with M-tech trim	33	37.50%
M-tech wheel with sport trim	8	9.09%
M-tech wheel with M-tech trim	34	38.64%
Voters: 88. You may not vote on this poll

01-25-2010, 12:36 PM	#1
catch Major General 672 Rep 7,148 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Thornhill iTrader: (27)	M3 Steering Wheel vs M-Tech... Both installed PICS INSIDE So Im torn everyone and want your opinions... In October I picked up an M3 steering wheel. Loved it right from the start. Loved the thickness, the look of the tri-stitch and the feel of the super soft and smooth leather. A few days ago I picked up an M-tech wheel. Just installed it and now Im torn. The M-tech is just as thick. Dosent have the tri stitch and I'm not sure if I prefer the soft smooth leather or the perforated leather. I need everyones help deciding which to keep. Here are the facts: Both wheels are thick (which is good) I have the m-tech shifter with perforated leather (so the m-tech wheel matches that better) Now theres the issue of the trim peice: I have both the M-tech trim (installed with the m-tech wheel curently) and the stock sport trim with the chrome parts wrapped to match my interior trim. If this were your car, which combo would you go with? Pics below and poll above: M3 wheel with sport trim wrapped to match interior trim: M-tech wheel with M-tech trim: And both together: M3 looks much thicker here but im pretty sure theyre the same thickness All opinions welcomed!!! __________________ 2016 F80 M3 Mineral White/Sakhir Orange 2013 BMW S1000RR Flat Silver <stolen> 2007 BMW E92 335i Jet Black/Jade Grey <sold>
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01-25-2010, 01:17 PM	#2
AU335 Colonel 200 Rep 2,443 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 335i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Southeast iTrader: (7) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	I say go for the M3 wheel... I am alittle biased though Both are great... cant really go wrong. Personal preference i guess
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01-25-2010, 01:28 PM	#3
BMW Jet BMW addict 21 Rep 256 Posts Drives: AW 2006 330i Soon to be F80 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: SS iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 E90 330i [10.00]	M3 with M-tech trim __________________ Quad Exhaust / Glossy Black Grill / Carbon Fiber mirrors / OEM Rear Spoiler / Mtec V2 AE / GP Thunder beams / 7500k Fog lights / Interior light LEDs / License LEDs / Trunk LED / Black Air scoops
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01-25-2010, 02:24 PM	#4
Zero.7 Colonel 105 Rep 2,415 Posts Drives: F30 340i AW M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: SOCAL iTrader: (6)	I like the look of the perforated leather, so my vote goes to the Mtech. __________________ '16 f30 AW 340i M-sport 8-speed Auto BMW ///M Performance Power and Sound Kit with Carbon Tips / Gloss Black Performance grilles
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01-25-2010, 03:31 PM	#5
akack79 Brigadier General 149 Rep 3,167 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: T E X A S iTrader: (18)	Mtech wheel/trim so it can match your shifter. __________________ 2018 F80 M3 6MT ZCP
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01-25-2010, 03:49 PM	#6
bimmertt Lieutenant Colonel 104 Rep 1,815 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Earth iTrader: (7)	someone sells an M3 wheel with perforated leather. I plan on getting it in the future along with the perforated shift knob and ebrake. it gives you the best of both worlds imo.
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01-25-2010, 05:51 PM	#8
Craig@SupremePower G.O.A.T.! 1028 Rep 74,992 Posts Drives: '18 GMC Yukon XL Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (14)	m-tech wheel with M-tech trim!!
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01-25-2010, 06:11 PM	#10
CarForHire Major 31 Rep 1,309 Posts Drives: Slow in the left lane. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E90 328i [0.00]	Are they the same thickness? If so, I say M-tech. Matches your shifter very well. Although, iff the M3 wheel is thicker, I would keep it. __________________ Race car driving is like sex...all men think they are good at it. - Jay Leno
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01-25-2010, 08:58 PM	#11
Belarus Brigadier General 156 Rep 3,868 Posts Drives: E93 335i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: GTA iTrader: (11) Garage List 2008 E93 335i (Conv ... [4.40]	M-tech wheel with sport trim: M-Tech for thickness and perforated leather, plus I hate the look of tri-color stitching in NON M3 car and sport trim to match the rest of your interior flow __________________ 12.770 @ 112.81 mph\|\|slip\|\|JB4\|FMIC\|DPs\|DCI\|N54 DVs\|ER CP\|Koni FSD\|Eibach-Pro\|F Strut-bar\|R Sway-bar\|Hankooks V12\|DPE SP16\|BBK\|15%Tint\|CF Front Lip\|CF Diffuser\|M3 Spoiler\|SmartTop\|LUX AE\|Debadged
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01-25-2010, 09:01 PM	#13
Belarus Brigadier General 156 Rep 3,868 Posts Drives: E93 335i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: GTA iTrader: (11) Garage List 2008 E93 335i (Conv ... [4.40]	Catch which steering wheel you found to be software M-Tech or M3 ? I'm thinking of doing this upgrade in spring... Will be knocking for help since you've become an expert at it.. __________________ 12.770 @ 112.81 mph\|\|slip\|\|JB4\|FMIC\|DPs\|DCI\|N54 DVs\|ER CP\|Koni FSD\|Eibach-Pro\|F Strut-bar\|R Sway-bar\|Hankooks V12\|DPE SP16\|BBK\|15%Tint\|CF Front Lip\|CF Diffuser\|M3 Spoiler\|SmartTop\|LUX AE\|Debadged
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01-26-2010, 12:10 AM	#15
c_jeong89 Banned 93 Rep 2,097 Posts Drives: E90 TiAg Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Irvine/Bay Area iTrader: (16)	i got the m3 wheel on order bc i like the softer mushy feeling better than the firm
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01-26-2010, 03:08 PM	#16
catch Major General 672 Rep 7,148 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Thornhill iTrader: (27)	the M3 is definatly softer then the M-tech. The M-tech has more of a firm feel, and I like the feel/look of the perforated leather. The tri stitch doesnt bug me on the non M car, i actually like it! After a day of use Im leaning more towards the M3 wheel with the M-tech trim. I liek the M-tech a lot, but I LOVED the M3 wheel the first time I drove an M3. As far as looks go, both are hot! I love how the M-tech matches the shifter (and im picking up the e-brake handle soon too). The M3 never looked out of place, just didnt flow as well as the M-tech... ARRGH! this is a tuff decesion still! as of now the poll is tied with the 2 options I like, M-tech tim on either the M3 or M-Tech wheel __________________ 2016 F80 M3 Mineral White/Sakhir Orange 2013 BMW S1000RR Flat Silver <stolen> 2007 BMW E92 335i Jet Black/Jade Grey <sold>
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01-26-2010, 03:44 PM	#17
Aphrodisiac Banned 41 Rep 253 Posts Drives: '07 BMW 335i, JB/CR Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Beirut, LEBANON iTrader: (0)	Go for the BMW Performance Steering Wheel! I'm getting it soon!! It's literally the BEST... [u2b]<object width="320" height="265"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/W_Dfgbfx_Ck&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/W_Dfgbfx_Ck&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></object>[/u2b]
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01-26-2010, 05:16 PM	#18
catch Major General 672 Rep 7,148 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Thornhill iTrader: (27)	as much as i love the performance wheel I DO NOT like the material at all, not on the sides anyways! Im actually debating selling the M3 wheel and M-tech wheel now and going with a custom wheel... AHH this just keeps getting tougher! __________________ 2016 F80 M3 Mineral White/Sakhir Orange 2013 BMW S1000RR Flat Silver <stolen> 2007 BMW E92 335i Jet Black/Jade Grey <sold>
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01-26-2010, 07:54 PM	#20
catch Major General 672 Rep 7,148 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Thornhill iTrader: (27)	i didnt know there was a performance wheel without Alcantara on it at all... im debating going with the m-teech wheel with alcantra on the top and bottom, perforated leather on the sides and a tri-stitch. I need to just pick one and friggin stick with it! haha heres what im thinking about: __________________ 2016 F80 M3 Mineral White/Sakhir Orange 2013 BMW S1000RR Flat Silver <stolen> 2007 BMW E92 335i Jet Black/Jade Grey <sold>
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