Removing the steering wheel on the BMW M3 G80 or G81 is straightforward if you work through it in the right order. Whether you're fitting a custom steering wheel, swapping an airbag cover, or transferring trim, the process is the same. Where things go wrong is usually down to rushing the safety steps or mishandling the wiring, so this guide covers both in full.
The G80 and G81 share the same steering wheel setup, so whether you have the saloon or Touring, the steps below apply equally.
Tools Required
- 10mm socket or nut driver (battery terminal)
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Trim removal pick or pry tool
- Torque wrench (for reinstall)
Before You Start: BMW M3 G80 Airbag Safety
The airbag in the BMW M3 G80 is a pyrotechnic device. If it deploys while you're working near it, you will be seriously injured. This is not a step to skip or shorten.
After disconnecting the battery, wait a minimum of 15 minutes before touching anything near the airbag. BMW's own technical documentation specifies this waiting period to allow the airbag system capacitors to fully discharge. Working within that window carries a genuine risk of accidental deployment.
Step 1: Disconnect the Battery
The 12V battery on the BMW M3 G80 and G81 is located in the boot on the passenger side, under a removable cover. You do not need to fully remove the battery. Loosen the negative (black) terminal nut using a 10mm socket and lift the terminal clear of the post.
With the terminal disconnected, wait at least 15 minutes before moving on.
Step 2: Release the BMW G80 Airbag
The airbag on the G80 M3 is held in by two spring clips, one on each side of the steering wheel. To release them you need to access them from behind the wheel.
Rotate the steering wheel slightly to reach each side comfortably. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the clip access hole on one side. The clip is spring-loaded; depress it inward and pull that corner of the airbag module forward gently. Repeat on the other side.
Do not force the airbag. If it is not releasing, the clip has not fully depressed. Forcing it risks cracking the housing or stressing the wiring behind it.
Step 3: Disconnect the Airbag Wiring
With both clips released, the airbag module will pull forward but will still be connected by its wiring. Do not let it hang by the cables. Rest it somewhere safe while you work on the connectors.
On the G80 M3, the airbag connects via a standard black block connector on the harness — there is no separate yellow squib plug to remove at this stage. Press the locking tab and pull the connector free. Disconnect the horn connector as well.
Set the airbag aside face-up, away from your working area.
Step 4: Unclip the Steering Wheel Wiring
The G80 M3 steering wheel carries a substantial amount of electronics: M mode buttons, paddle shifter controls, heating elements if fitted, and the horn circuit. Use a trim pick to work through each wiring connector in turn, pressing the locking tab before pulling each one free.
Work one connector at a time. The connectors are robust if handled correctly but yanking without releasing the tab first risks tearing the terminal from the wire.
Step 5: Remove the Centre Bolt
The steering wheel is held on by a single centre bolt tightened to a significant torque at the factory. You will need force to break it loose.
If the wheel can spin freely, have someone hold it steady or engage the steering lock (ignition off, wheels turned slightly) to give yourself resistance. Do not brace anything against the spokes under heavy force.
Once the bolt is loose, do not remove it fully yet. Leave it threaded in by a few turns. This stops the wheel dropping suddenly when it releases from the splines and, importantly, prevents the clock spring from pulling out with the wheel if it catches. Rock the wheel gently side to side until it moves freely on the splines, then remove the bolt and lift the wheel clear.
Step 6: Refitting and Reinstall Notes
Reassembly is the reverse of removal, but there are a few G80-specific points worth knowing before you start.
The G80 wheel is indexed. Unlike earlier BMW models, the G-series steering wheel can only go on in one position. If the splines align and the wheel is centred, it will seat. If it will not slide on, do not force it; ensure the column is in the straight-ahead position first.
The airbag backing plate must be fully flush. When refitting the airbag, the metal backing frame inside the wheel hub must sit completely flat. If it is even slightly proud, the airbag will not clip back into place.
Torque the centre bolt to BMW's specification using a calibrated torque wrench. Do not estimate.
Reconnect all steering wheel wiring before refitting the airbag. Reconnect the airbag last. Once the battery is reconnected, verify the horn works before the vehicle moves.
Upgrading the G80 M3 Steering Wheel
If the reason for removal is an upgrade rather than a like-for-like swap, the steps above bring you to the point where a custom wheel can go straight on. The OEM carbon fibre trim from the G80 wheel transfers to most aftermarket options and is available separately if needed.
PBAW build custom steering wheels for the BMW M3 G80 and G81 to order, with a choice of leather, Alcantara and carbon fibre finishes, flat-bottom and flat-top shapes, and optional heated function. Every wheel is built to fit the G80 and G81 application, retaining full M button and paddle shifter functionality.
Build your BMW M3 G80 custom steering wheel
BMW M3 G80 Steering Wheel Removal: Quick Reference
- Battery is in the boot, passenger side, under a cover
- Disconnect the negative terminal and wait 15 minutes before touching the airbag
- Two spring clips release the airbag, one per side, accessed from behind with a flat-head screwdriver
- Disconnect the yellow squib connector first, then the horn connector
- Leave the centre bolt partially threaded when pulling the wheel from the splines
- The G80 wheel is indexed and can only fit one way
- The airbag backing plate must be fully seated before the airbag clips back in
For any questions about steering wheel compatibility or fitment for your G80 or G81, get in touch with the PBAW team.
