Fred R. C4S

I'm considering changing my stock 4 spoke '97 steeering wheel for something alse. I have a '02 540i with the BMW Sport wheel that absulutely humbles my C4S wheel for tactile feel and comfort. It has a nice beefy rim that's thickly padded. By comparison, my Porsche rim feels like just what it is: a small diameter aluminum alloy rod with some leather stitched and glued in place.

I've seen the AJ-USA wheel in their catalogue and it appears to have a thicker padded rim. Does anyone have one? I'm curious to learn:

1. Is the rim thicker and better padded that the Porsche rims?

2. Does it fit the proper distance from the dash?

3. Does it restrict the view of the instrument panel?

Finally, does any one have any other reasonable alternative wheels to suggest? I'm not looking to drop $1000 on just a steering wheel. The AJ-USA with airbag is $700.

Thanks in advance for any insights,

Fred R.

cmoss

I'd like to do the same thing, but--damn--$700 is alot to drop on a steering wheel.
Cheers,
Chris

Mr Michael B

Fred,

I know you have a gray wheel now...

If you wanted to stay gray, this guy:

einmalig@einmalig.com

Had one of these:



$600

He may still have it.

If you want a black one, then I think that AJ wheel is great.

Chris C.

Hi Fred!

Funny-I have exactly the same "problem" with my 993 after acquiring an 00 540i. Our stock wheel feels like it's from a 50s plymouth Valiant or similar--mostly due to the diameter (It's a joke, no flames please)

I saw a 996 wheel sell for $450 on ebay recently, and have also considered the AJ wheel.

Other options for a thicker, smaller diameter wheel?

Martin S.

If you want to go air bag less, what about the 993RS steering wheek from Gert. And, it is cheap!
<a href="http://www.carnewal.com" target="_blank">CPX (Gert's Carnewal Parts Express)</a>

John H. in DC Area

Fred, I changed out my OEM carbon fibre wheel, which had some cracks in it for one of these ...



It feels meatier than the OEM wheel, has terrific grips at 10 and 2 o'clock, and I can see the gauges (well at least the tach) as well as with the OEM wheel. I purchased mine from FVD-USA, which also offers this wheel in specal colors. I've had good buying experiences with AJ USA as well.

cmoss

Yo John H,

What's up with the TV remote strapped to the wheel?

Matt Vaughan

[quote]Originally posted by Martin:
<strong>If you want to go air bag less, what about the 993RS steering wheek from Gert. And, it is cheap!
<a href="http://www.carnewal.com" target="_blank">CPX (Gert's Carnewal Parts Express)</a></strong><hr></blockquote>

Sounds kinda scary on the street, Martin!


That is a nice looking wheel though.

John H. in DC Area

Ha, Cmoss. It's a remote that operates my Blaupunkt Munchen head unit.

With the 993's "highly evolved" interior ergonomics, you need to be Kareem Abdul Jabbar to reach for and operate the head unit safely while driving at the same time

MIK911

JohnH,
That's an awesome looking wheel!! Who/where is FVD-USA?
What's approx price for that wheel, if you don't mind?

Thanks
mike

kary993

[quote] Sounds kinda scary on the street, Martin!

That is a nice looking wheel though.

--------------------

Matt
1998 911 Carrera S
Rennlist Member #: 020331-3711
<hr></blockquote>

Matt, not if you are using 6 point harnesses like I am

Greg Fishman

[quote]Originally posted by MIK911:
<strong>JohnH,
That's an awesome looking wheel!! Who/where is FVD-USA?
What's approx price for that wheel, if you don't mind?

Thanks
mike</strong><hr></blockquote>

<a href="http://www.fvdusa.com" target="_blank">www.fvdusa.com</a>

John H. in DC Area

Thanks, Mike; and thanks, Greg, for posting the link. The steering wheel is approx. $700. I had to buy the Porsche crest separately, but it was perfect for the center of the steering wheel.

Matt Vaughan

[quote]Originally posted by kary993:
<strong>

Matt, not if you are using 6 point harnesses like I am </strong><hr></blockquote>

So am I, but not on the street!

Isn't there some sort of mandate that cars that come with airbags from the factory are required to be airbag-equipped on the street? <img src="confused.gif" border="0">