Replacement of 4spoke to 3spoke steering wheel

**petera1979** · 10-12-2007,04:28 PM

I have the S version passat estate and want to upgrade my 4 spoke steering wheel to the 3 spoke steering wheel.

I recently purchased a new multi functional 3 spoke steering wheel and realised that I have to purchase a new airbag for it. Does anyone know if a new 3 spoke steering wheel and new airbag cause any problems with the ECU etc.

I spoke to VW and they said they were worried that because the passat i have is originally set with the 4 spoke steering airbag, there might be a slight problem when fitting a airbag on a 3spoke steering wheel. Is this true?

Im not to worried if the multi function doesnt work as I didnt have it before but was also wondering can I hook it up to my S model?

**Zackie** · 16-12-2007,10:11 PM

Hi mate, am in the same situation as you! Am collecting our TDI SEL DSG Estate on Wednesday - it's a cancelled order from another customer, in exactly the colour and spec I wanted but no MFSW! I am assuming that, like the Mk5 Golf, the Passat is prewired for MFSW - you simply need to change the steering wheels over. The airbag could well be different on a 3/4 spoke wheel - I just bought an R36 MFSW off Ebay - paid 260 quid, which I thought expensive, but it includes the airbag. Airbags are more expensive than steering wheels - you could be looking 600 quid inc VAT for your airbag!

If you want to use the controls on the wheel you will have to buy one/two control modules, a new cable, some rings and find someone with VAG COM to enable the buttons.

Have a look in the 'How To' sect and follow the links over to the uk-mkivs website - ther are a few guys there who work for VW so have tech knowledge and access to ETKA, so can find out what you need, get you the part numbers and probably get you a discount on them. Perhaps you should get a refund on the wheel, if you can, and buy a complete wheel/airbag from eBay? Shouldn't costany more than about 200 quid.

**petera1979** · 16-12-2007,11:58 PM

Hey Zackie,

Thanks for the info.

I actually saw the steering wheel you purchased on ebay. I was considering buying it as it would be easy with the airbag coming with it, as like you said they are costly.

I heard though if you have a four spoke steering wheel with airbag that if you change your steering wheel to a three spoke with airbag that the ECU needs to be reprogammed for it to function do you know if this is true.

Let me know your have any problems getting your new steering wheel installed.

**Zackie** · 17-12-2007,09:21 PM

Afraid you will need a new airbag, amongst other things. Found this post over on VWVortex:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2897504

You will need to get a ******* or someone with VAG-COM to enable the buttons/airbag, else you will likely have warning lights galore.

The guy I bought my R36 wheel/airbag from has listed another one, in case you're interested.

John

**petera1979** · 19-12-2007,02:07 AM

Thanks for the info again.

By the way how much are you paying to get the steering wheel fitted?

Also will the steering wheel you bought definitely work and fit on your car? Just want to make sure before I purchase it.

**Zackie** · 19-12-2007,09:58 AM

I wouldn't tell you for sure that it is going to fit, as I wouldn't want to be responsible in case it didn't! However, it is a Passat steering wheel, the interface/installation will be exactly the same as Mk5 Golf, and I have seen one of the R36 steering wheels on a Mk5 Golf GT TDI.

Haven't got a quote for the work yet; as you can see from the various installation guides it is an hour-long job for a relatively competent person - I wouldn't expect to pay more than an hour's labour charge. I would put myself in that bracket but don't think I'm going to take the chance of activating the airbag! Will let you know when I get a quote, hopefully today when I collect the car! Wherabouts are you?

**petera1979** · 19-12-2007,12:26 PM

Im from Ilford Essex Zackie. Let me know if it fits etc. By the way how you getting the paddle shifts to work?

**Zackie** · 19-12-2007,12:56 PM

I know Ilford, my parents used to live in Gants Hill. Have a friend of a friend who works at a local VW dealership - does some private work in his spare time so chances are he'll be doing the steering wheel swap for me. Will let you know once it's fitted, although it's not likely to be until January sometime. Wheel is being sent from Germany!

Not sure what gearbox you have mate - mine's a DSG so the paddles will work fine, just need to buy a 25 quid cable and link it up. If you have manual then no paddles for you, I am afraid. You'll still be able to use the wheel, but not the paddles. All the other buttons should work fine.

Anyway, must dash - am off to Harlow to pick up the car! Gutted to lose the GTI but I really liked the Passat during test drive and we need a more practical car!

**petera1979** · 19-12-2007,03:41 PM

Ive got the DSG as well. It would be great to hook the paddle shift with it.

How long is your new steering wheel going to take to arrive from Germany?

By the way sorry to be cheeky but would your friend be able to install my steering wheel? Also where are you getting the connection for the DSG to paddle shift?

**Zackie** · 19-12-2007,06:26 PM

Am expecting the steering wheel by the end of the week.

If the guy fits my wheel I'll get him to do yours too. He is a bit ellusive, though; as I said he's a friend of a friend and has been given my details - hasn't got in touch yet. If he doesn't do it I'll just take it to Big Boys Toys:

http://www.bigboyztoys.co.uk/index.p...cd0dd77c2de538

They are an independant VW specialist and based next to Ikea in Lakeside. Very good reputation and have all the VW electronic/diagnostic equipment, VAG-COM, etc. I'll either get them to order the connection (they get parts at discount) or just take the part no to my local ******* and get them to get it.