If you are buying an aftermarket steering wheel, you will need to purchase a BMW 3 Series hub adapter in order to install it. Once your factory BMW 3 Series steering wheel has been removed, you will need to bolt on the aftermarket hub adapter, and then bolt on your new aftermarket BMW 3 Series steering wheel to the adapter, which will come with all of the necessary hardware to complete the job.

There are multiple bolt pattern BMW 3 Series hub adapters available depending on which brand of steering wheel you are buying. The most popular bolt patterns are referred to as "Momo," "Nardi," "Grant" and "LeCarra," and are named after the brands that first popularized that particular pattern. Both Momo and Nardi pattern hub adapters use six holes to attach to the steering wheel (Momo pattern wheels have holes starting at the 12 o'clock position, while Nardi pattern wheels start at about the 1 o'clock position). Grant uses a three or five-hole pattern, while LeCarra-style wheels use a larger nine-hole pattern. Keep in mind that even if the BMW 3 Series steering wheel you are looking at is not one of the aforementioned brands, it will likely require a BMW 3 Series hub adapter that uses one of the bolt patterns listed, so be sure to order the right one or call Andy's so we can help you find the right one for your BMW 3 Series application.

Q: What is a hub adapter? Why buy a hub adapter?
A: Hub adapters are needed when installing aftermarket steering wheels. You cannot install an aftermarket steering wheel without buying a hub adapter. Hubs are also used to space the steering wheel closer to the driver in some cases.

Q: How do you install a hub adapter?
A: An airbag is an explosive device and removal of the steering wheel involves working with it. This procedure should only be performed by a qualified mechanic. If your steering wheel does not have an airbag attached, the job is a lot easier. There is no cutting, splicing, or other kluges required. Your factory steering wheel comes off and the hub placed on your steering column. Once installed your new steering wheel mounts to the hub.

Q: Does any hub adapter work for any steering wheel? If not, how do you know what hub adapter you need to make any given steering wheel fit?
A: Different aftermarket steering wheels use different mounting bolt patterns, so you have to get a hub that has a bolt pattern that accord with the steering wheel you want to use. MOMO and Sparco steering wheels, for example, use a six bolt mounting pattern. MOMO and Sparco hubs have 12 holes that are spaced correctly to mount to a six bolt mounting pattern. Grant, on the other hand for example, uses a five bolt mounting pattern. Make sure the hub and your steering wheel are compatible before purchasing. If there is a hub available for your vehicle, then an aftermarket steering wheel can be used with the same bolt pattern. If you're unlucky and your vehicle doesn't have a car-specific hub adapter then universal ones can be purchased.