[KAP8]

Originally Posted by meanmusic

Based on this response seems like there is no shortage but was designed not to include it for North America. Seems to go against previous M packaged cars (current NA cars: M240i, M550i and M760i).

I think internally they do not have any clear messaging for customers on this issue. Most people they won't realize the difference between steering wheels.

And not just cars that came with an M on the trunk. I have a 435i with the M Sport Package. I have an M steering wheel. I think BMW is confused about this.

[ZHPsedan]

Originally Posted by KAP8

And not just cars that came with an M on the trunk. I have a 435i with the M Sport Package. I have an M steering wheel. I think BMW is confused about this.

They're not confused. They're just trying to play dumb about the whole situation so they wouldn't lose any sales until they can come up with the inventory to support NA.

Almost every promotional picture of the G01 X3 is one that has an M-Sport wheel. All of the videos all of the press cars and even the rebate booklet they sent out advertised the M-sport wheel.

The call center said they're fielding calls all day long about this problem.

[Zirenz2006]

If you configure the new 6GT with M-sport it is the same thing, no M wheel.

I don't believe what they are saying that it was never intended for the US. That makes no sense to me.

[Headwind]

Called BMW today. They are stating it was never intended for US. I debated the point with them as my build sheet shows 710 M-Sport steering wheel. But I am not getting it. They apologize but are completely non-committal and offer nothing. I told them this is my third BMW in just over two years. I've done the BMW Performance Driving School. All promotional material showed the M-Sport wheel. The X3 M40i has "M" badging on the outside the door sills and the inside of the vehicle yet no M-Sport wheel. How can it be? I say it's crucial to the purchase. Asked specifically "can you do anything to make it right?" Response was silence. Maybe I can switch it out later. Car is slated to complete production next week. I am eligible for multiple credits including the $1000 Holiday credit and the $1500 credit for current X3 owners. Can also get $1500 fleet discount from due to my employer. They will more than pay for the wheel But still not right.

[Hispeed4fun]

Yeah this is a deal breaker for me. I wont get it on principal. You can get an M wheel in a 40k 230 and not in a 67k X3 or 80k 640GT. This is bs.

[bwcooper]

Originally Posted by meanmusic

BMW has reached out to me following my social media comments. Via Instagram, BMW is informing me that the M Leather Steering Wheel was never intended for North America builds and only Europe. They are sorry that European spec cars in their ads for the US has lead to confusion. I just wish we can get one clear official response from BMW US and BMW Canada to put this to rest so those of us waiting can finalize their purchase.

That sounds like BS to me as well. It was not only in the "European cars" they used for their US ads, up until about a week ago, it was still in the list of standard equipment on their website (till they changed it to say it was power tilt/telescopic, which is also false!!) and on my build list on MyBMW.

[philbake]

I work for a dealer, (BMW Genius) and we were informed by BMW that no MSport Steering wheels for the 2018 model year on the new xDrive X3 30i OR M40i will be available. No word on 2019.

[Zirenz2006]

Originally Posted by philbake

I work for a dealer, (BMW Genius) and we were informed by BMW that no MSport Steering wheels for the 2018 model year on the new xDrive X3 30i OR M40i will be available. No word on 2019.

Is that due to a shortage? Do you know what the issue is?

[AUS1969]

Arrogant, aren't they? "Because Mommy said so!"

[meanmusic]

I'm sure the M Performance parts coming this summer will include a steering wheel

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Originally Posted by meanmusic

I'm sure the M Performance parts coming this summer will include a steering wheel

[sor]

Originally Posted by meanmusic

I'm sure the M Performance parts coming this summer will include a steering wheel

Probably, I’d be willing to put money down that the 2018 M550i M sport wheel is the same as the X3’s, and you can get an M performance wheel for the M550i right now. I don’t really like the M performance wheels though, too race car and I’m not sure how alcantara will hold up on a wheel.

[savage670]

From my dealer, BMW just released a bulletin recently. Bottom line, it’s a supplier issue on the M-Sport wheels. I asked if BMW has a fix for when the supplier catches up with demand...still waiting. Dealer does acknowledge that by default the M40i should be getting the M Sport Wheel.

[Zirenz2006]

I guess we get screwed because we are a larger market???

[savage670]

Originally Posted by Zirenz2006

I guess we get screwed because we are a larger market???

Absolutely disappointing. Perhaps transocean logistics cost played into their logic? Whatever the case, lack of transparency!

[bwcooper]

Originally Posted by savage670

Absolutely disappointing. Perhaps transocean logistics cost played into their logic? Whatever the case, lack of transparency!

Yes, as a new BMW customer, I am as disappointed in their lack of transparency on this and other issues (impact of compact spare and vent seats) as much as I am the decisions themselves. If, for example, they knew about this before the pricing came out, then they very well could have included the lower cost wheel in their math to determine the US prices. However, since their marketing/IT departments have been two or three steps behind in updating their promotional materials it has been unnecessarily confusing to those of us who wanted to order early and certainly makes it seem like they are really screwing the US market.

A well managed company would have determined the solution to their supply problem (i.e, "let's short the US market so that production demand meets supply"), but then made sure it was clearly communicated to their marketing department (including dealers) so that they didn't reflect the wrong wheel in their promotional materials and spec sheets. They STILL don't have it right in some places!!

[meanmusic]

I'm assuming once the M Steering is back in stock it would be possible for the dealer to order it and install it? Just like any other parts?

[mspringer]

Does anyone know if the airbags in the M-Sport and Sport wheels are the same or different? If they're different a switch will likely be quite expensive.

[JSY]

I think the only way to right this mess up is for BMW to pay for the swap once it becomes available for the US market for those who want to switch. Even in the drive events that are going on right now in the US, the M40i has the M sport steering wheel on a US spec'd version. The steering wheel issue may not bother me as much as some others, but BMW certainly dropped the ball and needs to do right for the concerned folks.

My guess is that it is never going to be available in the US for 2018, and it will be available for 2019 so that they would claim that this is a "new" standard for the newer year model and will not be "obligated" to swap any 2018s. However, it'll be available as an option through the dealer at full cost.

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by Headwind

Called BMW today. They are stating it was never intended for US.

100% bullshit. Every prior M performance vehicle has the M wheel. Yes this is just one part change but it's the most intimate part of the car. I bet the 2019s have the M wheel. I'm liking my new Audi more and more.

[Hispeed4fun]

Why cant they just take the M wheel that is in every 340 and put it in this car?

[Headwind]

Originally Posted by Hispeed4fun

Why cant they just take the M wheel that is in every 340 and put it in this car?

I sure wish they would! I have a 340i it a wonderful steering wheel. Not the underwhelming wheel in the X3 M40i. Just plain wrong. Maybe they don't need to do something for everyone but for the real enthusiast who calls and expresses displeasure there should be some arrangement. Not everyone cares and not everyone would even notice. But for those of us that do we remain frustrated.