I have purchased a 996 three spoke steering wheel without an airbag. I am now getting prices-but had a good question posed by Eric at IRA Porsche (I've bought a few things from them and have all praise for the service there by the way). He wondered if there was a safety issue with the pyros in the 996 airbag as compared to those in the OE 4 spoke wheel. The dashes are different-the 996 being further away-which brought up the question. My thought is that the wheels are the same distance so no problem, but have any of you with these steering wheels looked into the ramifications if they go off?

Any thoughts or facts would really be appreciated-he has me concerned and I guess I could just get another 4 spoke if it is an issue (mine is worn and needs replacement).

TIA

Al

 

Fortunatly I have never had one go off, but I was told by a number of Porsche techs that the three spoke wheel and air bag would offer the same protection on either a 996 or 993. I have the three spoke and like it very much.

 

the early Boxsters and 996s had the four spoke wheel/airbag, then switched to a 3-spoke in a later model year.....if that tells you anything...

 

The cars have different impact structures, so I would want to know if there are any differences in the bag (size, speed and timing of inflation, etc.) to match the bag with the car's crash structure. Does anyone know whether there are any differences b/w the 993 4-spoke and the 996 4-spoke? If not, I would think that should answer the question.

 

the PET shows a 996 part number for some of the 993 applications. ( 996 803 089 03 )
when i entered a few of the 993xxx.. air bag numbers into the price list, it shows some of them (certain colors) have been superceded by a 996xxx......part number.


max