... where I could find out the manner (i.e. the type and size) of fastener that holds in the bottom spoke trim plate of the three spoke steering wheel in place. I can feel the fastener from the back of the spoke but just haven't got that safecracker-style sensitivity in my fingers anymore.

And another related question, is it necessary to remove the (shock horror!) airbag module to swap out the lower steering wheel spoke?

Any help and/or info is greatly appreciated.

 

realoem.com

 

As I recall it's either a philips or a T-20 torx. There is only one screw as I recall for the lower piece)

I already had my airbag off at the time, so you may need to remove that too (at least to the point of "popping" the springs that hold it in place).

If you wind up needing to remove the airbag see this post on motoringfile

 

It is a T-20 torx and I believe you need to at least pop the springs on the airbag because once the screw is out, the trim plate has 2 or 3 sections that fit into tight recesses in the steering wheel itself. (I just did the JCW Fatty install last week)