How to Install an Aftermarket Steering Wheel with No Airbag Lights and a Working Horn in an E36
Who knew getting an aftermarket horn button to work in an E36 would be so challenging?
Thanks to an incredibly detailed Z3 BimmerForums post from 2014 by member Danomite, we were able to dissect the important bits so E36 owners can install aftermarket steering wheels (e.g. Momo, OMP, Sparco, etc.) and have the horn work without triggering your SRS light. Plus, this guide is not going to tell you to put a piece of tape over the airbag light, or remove the bulb altogether ;)
This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can complete the installation while maintaining the functionality of your horn and avoiding SRS (airbag) system errors.
The entire process should take about an hour to complete, but before we begin, please note that working with airbag systems requires caution. Follow all safety procedures carefully. Let's get started with the materials and tools you'll need:
1. Gather materials:
- New steering wheel with horn button (Momo, OMP, Sparco, Renown, etc.)
- Momo Steering Hub #2008 (adaptor ring not needed)
- 2 x 3 Ohm 1/2 Watt splice-in resistors
- 2 x splice connectors and 4 inches of 18 gauge wire
- Carbon Pin for the horn - Part #: 32311158475
2. Gather tools:
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Flat Head Screwdriver
- 3/8 inch ratchet
- 6 inch extension
- 16mm bit
- TORX 30 bit
- Flex Joint
- Allen Key (supplied with MOMO Adaptor)
- Exacto Knife
- Pliers (optional)
3. Disconnect the battery's negative terminal at the vehicle ground.
4. Let the car sit for 15-20 minutes to fully discharge electronics.
5. Lock the steering wheel with wheels as straight as possible.
6. Remove the lower steering column cover screw using a Phillips head screwdriver.
7. Remove the lower steering column cover by pulling downwards and pushing in on the sides.
8. Unclip the steering wheel connections from the wiring harness by pressing the tab and pulling free.
9. Remove the junction clip by rotating 45 degrees and pulling down.
10. Identify the airbag and horn wires:
- Yellow w/black stripe: Stage 1 Airbag
- Yellow w/brown stripe: Stage 1 Airbag
- Brown w/red stripe: Horn (you’ll connect this one later)
- Brown: Horn
11. Bridge the yellow wires with a 3 Ohm resistor:
- Separate the wires and install splice-in clips
- Use an exacto knife to carefully remove insulation for good contact
- Bridge the splice-in clips with the resistor
13. Tuck the resistors and wiring into the steering column.
14. Remove the two Torx screws holding the airbag using the Torx 30 bit.
15. Carefully remove the airbag, disconnect it at the junction inside the steering wheel, and place it face up without putting anything on top.
16. Remove the 16mm bolt holding the steering wheel. This will require some elbow grease.
17. Mark the Top Dead Center (TDC) on the face of the steering shaft.
18. Remove the OEM steering wheel.
19. Install the Carbon Horn Pin:
- Route the wire through the hole and back towards the other wires
- Line up the groove/clip with the notch in the cradle hole and push all the way in
20. Splice the horn pin wire to the brown w/red wire (sorry — no photos — but it’ll be in the same bundle of wires shown in step 11).
21. Tuck all wiring back into the steering column.
22. Install the MOMO Steering Hub:
- Ensure correct orientation using the marking on the Hub
- Make sure the horn pin contacts the copper ring on the back of the hub
23. Replace the 16mm bolt to secure the Hub, tighten until it seats.
24. Attach the Sparco steering wheel to the Hub using the 6 allen screws, torquing them properly.
25. If needed, adjust wheel alignment:
- Remove 16mm bolt
- Gently remove wheel/hub assembly
- Rotate to next position (be careful with the delicate splines)
- Re-install 16mm bolt
26. Torque down the 16mm bolt to ~46 ft. lbs.
27. Connect the Hub wires to the horn button.
28. Replace the lower steering column cover.
29. Insert the horn button into the steering wheel.
30. Reconnect the battery.
31. Test for proper functioning:
- No airbag (SRS) lights or fault codes
- Horn works when button is pressed
- If SRS lights appear, check splices and resistors on airbag wiring
- If horn doesn't work, check splicing on horn wire
This process should take about an hour!
Reminder…
We did our best to make this comprehensive. We used it to repair our own E36 after all. If you think something is off, please contact us and we’ll remedy immediately. As always, proceed at your own risk and always make safety the priority. While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of this information. Any action you take based on this guide is strictly at your own risk. We are not liable for any damages or injuries resulting from the use of this information. Always prioritize safety, wear appropriate protective equipment, and consult a professional if you're unsure about any step of the process. If you lack the necessary skills or tools, we strongly recommend seeking professional assistance. Vehicle maintenance can be dangerous if performed incorrectly.
