[Dan_335i]

what are the differences between the 2 steering wheels?

[Seagull]

There are pictures in the stickies.... just look.

[SamS]

I assume you've seen the physical differences via pictures? If not, check the sticky threads in this forum.

The Sport wheel is junk. And I don't mean to offend anyone. It is very hard leather, which doesn't even feel like leather. It is basically like you're steering with a rough piece of hard plastic.

The M-sport wheel is almost identical to what BMW puts on the true M cars. The leather is smooth, as the perfect amount of cushioning, and is a great diameter thickness.

[snowghost]

Originally Posted by SamS

I assume you've seen the physical differences via pictures? If not, check the sticky threads in this forum.

The Sport wheel is junk. And I don't mean to offend anyone. It is very hard leather, which doesn't even feel like leather. It is basically like you're steering with a rough piece of hard plastic.

The M-sport wheel is almost identical to what BMW puts on the true M cars. The leather is smooth, as the perfect amount of cushioning, and is a great diameter thickness.

Very close to the wheel in my E46 M3. That wheel was awesome!

[Dan_335i]

obviously i mean are there any steering differences between the 2 wheels. Of course i know the 2 wheels look different duh.

[gtabfknkdnme]

google the pictures instead of wasting everyone's time. if there is a specific difference you're inquiring about that cant be found by simple looking at pictures ask it.

[Ron Scott]

I don't disagree that there's a significant difference in quality. The functionality is the same but the M wheel has it on style, materials, look and feel. The M also gives the cockpit a more open and airy appearance.

Please see them both in person if you can. The difference is not subtle.

[hans007]

I had a sport loaner car. The sport wheel has hard leather and feels like plastic. Its not as thick either.

The m sport one is sooooo much nicer to hold and is similar feel and look to the one in the m6. Its totally worth it. After driving the loaner I'd say the wheel upgrade is worth at least half the price difference alone.

[Dan_335i]

Originally Posted by hans007

I had a sport loaner car. The sport wheel has hard leather and feels like plastic. Its not as thick either.

The m sport one is sooooo much nicer to hold and is similar feel and look to the one in the m6. Its totally worth it. After driving the loaner I'd say the wheel upgrade is worth at least half the price difference alone.

Are there any handling/driving differences?

[chrisny]

Issue is the OP is a bit uneducated on how cars work, as indicated by his "duh" when in fact he asked a pretty, shall we say silly question. No, the different steering wheels offer no handing upgrade. One has nothing to do with the other.

[David328M-Sport]

Originally Posted by Dan_335i

what are the differences between the 2 steering wheels?

Ok, so I have the M-Sport. Thick, smooth finish. Thumb/palm rest is quite defined and I use it mainly as a palm rest. Very useful as a thumb rest when using flappy paddles.

I had a 320d yesterday as a loan car while my car had some minor servicing & the sometimes 'secretive' software updates - no idea what was done and the service guys, well no help there. Anyway, the Sports rim is somewhat thinner & textured in comparison. Big centre boss compared to M-Sport. Seemingly smaller thumb rest as well.

Both had the cruise control & radio buttons.

[hans007]

Originally Posted by Dan_335i

Are there any handling/driving differences?

it shouldn't make a difference. the cars drove the same more or less.

it just doesn't feel as good in hand i'd say is the main thing.

[Kozality]

Originally Posted by Dan_335i

obviously i mean are there any steering differences between the 2 wheels.

None. The steering system is located deeper in the car. It does not change with a different wheel.

Steering will feel the same regardless of which wheel is mounted. Only the texture/layout is different.

[hans007]

i'd like to add that the wheel in the 3 m-sport is by far the nicest that comes with an "m-sport".

the 5 and 1 series and x3 etc all have m-sport packages, but come with steering wheels that do not look much different from the normal ones. this one, i have to say i thank bmw for going a little father with. i've sat in an m6 and m5 in the showroom and i'd say it feels really similar but the m5 wheel doesnt look as nice.

hereis an m6 wheel by comparison, really similar looking

http://acdn.paultan.org/image/new-bm...05-500x333.jpg

[Jamesons Viggen]

The M-Sport wheel makes a shockingly large difference in terms of what a difference it can make in a primary touch point.

Certain areas I always upgrade in an interior, pedals, steering wheels, and shift knobs. Even in low end cars, if those touch points are the best they can be, the car comes a long way.

The M-Sport wheel really elevates the whole driving experience when compared to the other F30 wheels. I know it sounds silly as it's just a steering wheel, but see for yourself.

[sean10mm]

It has no functional effect, it's all how the wheel itself feels in your hand.

I tried all the wheels and didn't really care about the differences. Even the no line wheel was just fine to me, but I'm in a small minority on that one.

[AWF30]

The difference is that the sport wheel is unacceptable compared to the msport wheel

[mdsbuc]

Originally Posted by Seagull

There are pictures in the stickies.... just look.

There's a lot that you can't tell from photos. I've looked at them and can see that the hub is smaller and the spokes thinner on M Sport wheel. From photos it's difficult to tell that the rim is thinner on the Sport model, or that when gripping the wheel the M model is softer. I think the OP really wants to know is what are the tactile differences, which can in the end affect "grip," and thus handling. If he doesn't, I do, and am glad that others have spoken to this.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by AWF30

The difference is that the sport wheel is unacceptable compared to the msport wheel

LOL. This.

[diesel86]

As an F30 328i Sport owner, I can say that the wheel in my previous VW MKV GLI was nicer. The leather on the F30 Sport is a bit hard and the diameter of the wheel could be a little thicker if I had my choice. The Sport wheel is laid out nicely though.

[Dan_335i]

i went to the dealer this morning to try the wheel of msport and a regular 335i and the msport wheel is nicer on the hands. But if i get the msport package i will be getting the adap m suspention, mbrakes, 19in m wheels which will go over 4k. But ill just stick with the sport package of 335i for now. the msport package isnt able to be added on after 2 months of me having the car?

[SamS]

Originally Posted by Dan_335i

i went to the dealer this morning to try the wheel of msport and a regular 335i and the msport wheel is nicer on the hands. But if i get the msport package i will be getting the adap m suspention, mbrakes, 19in m wheels which will go over 4k. But ill just stick with the sport package of 335i for now. the msport package isnt able to be added on after 2 months of me having the car?

Serious question? I suppose you could spend $5K and add the M-sport front/rear bumper, steering wheel, etc.